Jerious Norwood, Todd Weiner, Ben Hartsock and Ovie Mughelli along with four Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders made a trip last week to Washington D.C. and visited Walter Reed Hospital.

The contingent visited and met with wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Many of the soldiers had been injured performing various acts.  Some of them had been injured in fire fights and roadside bombs while performing their duties. 

“This visit was truly incredible,” Norwood said.  “This certainly makes me thankful for all the hard work the men and women do who serve our country.  They are this country’s true heroes.”

The soldiers were delighted to have the Falcons players and cheerleaders visit with them. 

They all signed autographs, took pictures and shared stories about each other’s profession. 

The stories from the soldiers left a mark on the players. 

“To hear what all of these guys have gone through, is just incredible,” Hartsock said.  “Some of these guys have just arrived back in the states and have such devastating injuries. For them to have such a positive attitude about their situation speaks volume about the character of the soldiers that we have serving our country.”

 

 

 

 

 

CM, here with another guest blog.  The community relations department hosted the Georgia Army National Guard at the Flowery Branch facility this past Sunday for a change of command ceremony.  Nearly 500 soldiers attended this event to commerorate this special day.  In addition the soldiers were treated to lunch by Turnstile Deli, flag football games and a dazzling performance by the new 2008 Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders.  This was a real treat for many of the soldiers as they prepare to leave for Afghanistan in less than 10 months to help fight the war on terror.

Atlanta Falcons players Ovie Mughelli and Todd Weiner were “Sports Zoolebrities” for the day during the Zoo Atlanta Sports Zoolebrity Day on June 14.   Along with players from other local sports teams, Mughelli and Weiner signed autographs, took pictures and interacted with hundreds of well-wishers throughout the day.  The highlight for Mughelli?  Taking a peek at the warthog piglet.  “I think it’s cute…well, cute at that size,” he commented. 

 

Earlier this month, both players were provided behind-the-scenes access at Zoo Atlanta in preparation for Sports Zoolebrity Day.  During that outing, Weiner spent an afternoon with the Atlanta Falcons very own falcon, Savannah.  He encountered her during a less-than-ideal situation…feeding time.  Savannah’s handlers often give her “treats” that we won’t disclose here, but let’s just say you wouldn’t be left with much of an appetite after watching Savannah feast on the treat of the day.  Look for her to take flight during pre-game festivities at a 2008 Atlanta Falcons home game! 

 

For a high school football player, what could be better than competing against more than 400 of Georgia’s best student athletes in three days of intense play?  Perhaps the 12 players selected to the Atlanta Falcons 7-on-7 All-Tournament team will have the answer as they gear up to represent the Falcons and compete in the national NFL 7-on-7 Tournament, hosted by the New Orleans Saints July 10-13 at the team’s training facility.  Picked from a competitive group of players, these young men represent the best talent on the field, and exemplify character in their clBumrooms and communities.  The Atlanta Falcons congratulate the following All-Tournament team players:

 

- Zach Landis, Mill Creek
- Donatello Brown, North Cobb
- Rod Reid, Elberton
- Zach Crosby, Jefferson
- Rashad Smith, Dublin
- Randy Clark, Brantley County
- Ed Russ, Mill Creek
- Hakeem Smith, Riverdale
- Tyler Jarry, North Gwinnett
- Matt Autry, Norcross
- Lavell Smith, Monroe Area
- Prince Kent, Norcross

 

Tournament champion head coach Roger Holmes will lead this team as they prepare for competition in New Orleans.  Stay tuned to AtlantaFalcons.com and the Falcons in the Community blog to stay up to date!

 

Below: Members of the Atlanta Falcons All-Tournament Team with Falcons players Martrez Milner, Thomas Brown and Brandon Miller.

BLOGGER'S NOTE: Click here for photos from the weekend of football at West Hall High School. For more on the event, click here.

According to the published weather reports for this past Saturday, June 7, the temperature was a cool 95 degrees, with a heat index that made it feel more like 101.  But the heat didn’t stop the Dublin High School Fighting Irish from executing a convincing victory over North Cobb High School in the championship game of the Atlanta Falcons High School Player Development 7-on-7 Passing Tournament.  These two well-matched teams answered point for point in the early minutes of play, however Dublin capitalized off of two back-to-back interceptions, allowing them to pull ahead for a final score of 24-17.  With than win, Dublin’s head coach Roger Holmes moves on to coach the Atlanta Falcons All-Tournament team in the national NFL 7-on-7 Passing Tournament, July 10-13 at the New Orleans Saints training facility in Metairie, La.  The Atlanta Falcons congratulate Coach Holmes and the Fighting Irish, along with all the teams that participated in the Atlanta Falcons HSPD 7-on-7 Passing Tournament!

 

The Atlanta Falcons High School Player Development 7 on 7 Tournament rolls on into Championship Saturday.  The day aheads promises to bring exciting game action.  Check out the bracket below to determine the Championship pairings. We'll do our best to keep you updated!

June 7, 2008 -- Championship Game
West Hall High School
5500 McEver Rd.
Oakwood, GA 30566
9:30 a.m.

Central Gwinnett vs. Southside (Field 1)—Winner plays Columbia @ 10:30 a.m.

Dublin vs. Jefferson City (Field 2)—Winner plays Norcross @ 10:30 a.m.

Flowery Branch vs. Clarke-Central (Field 3)—Winner plays Elberton @ 10:30 a.m.

Riverdale vs. Laney (Field 4)—Winner plays West Hall @ 10:30 a.m.

Mill Creek vs. Norcross B (Field 1)—Winner plays Creekside @ 11 a.m.

BrantleyCounty vs. Calhoun County (Field 2)—Winner plays Grady @ 11 a.m.

Northview vs. East Hall (Field 3)—Winner plays North Cobb @ 11 a.m.

ChattahoocheeCounty vs. Monroe Area (Field 3)—Winner plays North Gwinnett @ 11 a.m.

**Championship game scheduled for 12:30 p.m. (Field 1)**

High school football programs from across Georgia descended upon West Hall High School in Oakwood, Ga. for the 2008 Atlanta Falcons High School Player Development (H.S.P.D.) and 7-on-7 Tournament.  Designed to foster success on and off the field, this three-day tournament features standout student athletes who will soon play on Saturdays in college.  Check the Falcons in the Community blog throughout the weekend for more H.S.P.D. and 7-on-7 action!

Tournament Action from June 6 Games: