For Za’Darius Smith, Atlanta’s home opener will include a personal tribute alongside the football.
The Falcons defensive end told reporters September 15 that he is paying for about 45 people from his Alabama church to attend the team’s home opener against Carolina. Atlanta News First reported that the group is coming from Harrison Street Baptist Church in Greenville.
A trip in his mother’s memory
Smith said bringing the congregation to a game was something his mother had wanted. She died in February.
He said he arranged a bus, bought tickets and T-shirts, and planned to provide food. He also told reporters he would have an envelope with something inside for each attendee.
The trip was still ahead when Smith announced it. It is not a report that the congregation has already attended the game.
When the Falcons play
The home opener against the Panthers is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, at 1 p.m. Eastern, according to Atlanta News First.
Featured image: Mercedes-Benz Stadium file photograph from the existing GAFollowers media library. It does not show Smith’s congregation or the upcoming game.
