QB Matt Ryan, who we recently featured for his awesome charity work, joined his fellow athletes in a heartwarming clip describing the team’s uniform addition for the Big Game.

“It’s bigger than football,” the NFL team shared on its Facebook page. “We will wear the initials of Fallen Heroes on our helmets this Sunday. #SaluteToService.”

Ryan kicks off the video by introducing himself along with a fallen soldier’s name and photograph.

“This Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons will honor Fallen Heroes. Every player’s helmet will bear the initials of a military member that made the ultimate sacrifice,” the team shares in the video.

The 1:30-minute feature showcases the entire team and the Fallen Soldiers they’ll honor on Sunday.

Facebook fan Kim commented on the clip, sharing, “Thank you Atlanta Falcons!!! My grandson’s father is Kalin Johnson. He gave his life for all of us. Thank you for acknowledging the men and women for their sacrifice for our freedom!”

The Falcons replied to all the warm wishes, writing, “Thank you everyone for your support! We wore initials of fallen soldiers on our helmets for our game on November 27. We will continue to support these efforts in the future.”

Stay linked to Good Celebrity for all the latest celebrity news headlines, including our upcoming feature on Falcons’ wide receiver Julio Jones impact on the world through charity.

In case you missed it, here’s our feature on Patriots’ QB Tom Brady and his philanthropic efforts!

The post Atlanta Falcons Stars Give Us All a New Reason to Tune In To the Super Bowl: Watch Now! appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

The Atlanta Falcons QB has long been considered one of the elite players at his position in the NFL but a trip to the biggest stage in all of sports eluded him… until now. Ryan will look to etch his name in the history books when he and the Falcons take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI on February 5.

Super Bowl LI bound! #RiseUp #InBrotherhood pic.twitter.com/Zki8VBo9PA

— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) January 23, 2017

Much like Brees, Ryan shines equally as bright off the field as he does on it. Let’s take a look at the many ways in which this charitable athlete gives back.

Matt Ryan Gives Back to Children

Combining his love of golf and passion for helping children, Ryan annually hosts a celebrity golf tournament with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), specifically the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Centers of the specialized pediatric hospitals.

The event annually raises between $250,000 and $300,000.

“It’s gotten a little bit bigger, a little bit better every year and we raise a little bit more money,” Ryan said following the sixth year of the tournament in 2016.

“Obviously it’s something I look forward to. To be able to raise money for CHOA and to be able to help them in some small way is rewarding for me and I think it’s really rewarding for the people who get to come out and have a fun day,” he added.

Among the famous faces Ryan draws to his tournament are former Falcons QB Steve Bartkowski and former Atlanta Braves players Phil Niekro and Chipper Jones.

Chipper Jones: When Matt Ryan invites you somewhere you show up. #AtlantaIcons pic.twitter.com/fIzPnoW9u1

— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) April 11, 2016

The CHOA has three hospitals and 27 neighborhood facilities throughout Georgia and sees roughly 870,000 patients per year.

Dinner for Two with No. 2

In addition to his golf tournament, Ryan raises funds for the CHOA Aflac Cancer Center through his annual “Dinner for Two with No. 2,” which is named after his jersey number.

The evening features a Q&A segment with Ryan and a guest (previous participants include Falcons players Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White), along with a meet-and-greet photo opportunity for attendees and a signed football given for every two seats sponsored.

Ryan and his wife, Sarah, donate $500 for every donation of $1,500.

“The Aflac Cancer Center means so much to Sarah and me,” Ryan said ahead of the inaugural dinner in 2013. “We’ve hosted a golf tournament the last three years and this “Dinner for Two with #2” with Tony Gonzalez will be a fun way to broaden that support.”

My Cause My Cleats

In 2016, Ryan took part in the NFL’s #MyCauseMyCleats social campaign which saw hundreds of players wear custom cleats promoting charitable causes during games.

Ryan once again chose to bring awareness to CHOA sporting the nonprofit organization’s logo on his shoes. He shared his kicks on Instagram along with the caption: “I’m committed to making all kids better today and healthier tomorrow.”

I’m committed to making all kids better today and healthier tomorrow. #MyCauseMyCleats @childrensatl

A photo posted by Matt Ryan (@ryan_matt02) on Nov 29, 2016 at 11:04am PST

Matt Ryan is a Role Model for Kids

In an age when professional athletes are more visible than ever, Ryan takes pride in setting a good example for the youth of America.

“I think you certainly are a role model, especially in the social media age we live right now,” he said during the Best of Preps Banquet in 2011. “Everything we do can be seen by kids. One of the greatest responsibilities we have is to influence them positively. That’s not something I take lightly.”

There’s no better way to set a positive example than through your actions. Outside of his work with CHOA, Ryan routinely donates to local Atlanta schools, takes part in the Falcon’s online reading program “Read with a Falcon,” and partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation granting “Meet Matt Ryan” wishes.

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Nominee

Ryan’s good deeds haven’t gone unnoticed by the NFL and the Falcons.

In 2016, he was named the team’s nominee for the 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, given out annually to the player who exemplifies excellence on and off the field.

“Matt has set the tone for our team in many ways; as a leader in the locker room, on the field and in our community. He helps us be the best team that we can be,” said Falcons head coach Dan Quinn.

“This really means a lot; to be compared to someone like Walter Payton, because of what he stood for and what kind of person he was both on and off the field. And also to be grouped with the great list of players and men that have won in the past. I’m very proud of the impact we’ve made on the community here in Atlanta, I’m very proud of what I’ve done on the field and it is an honor to even be considered for this recognition,” Ryan said.

Win or lose on the field, Matt Ryan’s lasting legacy will be the impact he made, and continues to make, in and around the Atlanta community.

Stay tuned to Good Celebrity this week as we bring you more celebrity news stories about Super Bowl stars and how they’re giving back to their communities!

The post Matt Ryan: A Complete Look at the Super Bowl QB’s Charity Work appeared first on Positive Celebrity News, Good Celebrity Gossip, Positive Entertainment News | Good Celebrity.

The young NFL star stopped his run and offered to help 82-year-old Eleanor Szendel finish up her landscaping. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, the woman respectfully declined that offer because she was almost finished up.

The former Florida State University athlete told Eleanor and her daughter-in-law, Denise, that he would come back anytime to help her in the future. After the trio started talking, Eleanor, an FSU fan, recognized the star and was tickled that he would stop to help her.

“My mom recognized him because she’s had all four of her kids, a daughter-in-law and son-in-law go to FSU over the last 12 years, and so she was like ‘You’re Devonta Freeman,’” said her son, Bryan Szendel, to the press.

Bryan posted a photo of Denise and Eleanor with Devonta to share the NFL athlete’s good deed with the world.

“She was just really touched that he stopped and helped her out like that,” Denise said.

This isn’t the first charitable stint for the former Seminole. According to Yahoo Sports, he found out about his first Pro Bowl selection while delivering Christmas gifts to families in need last year.

“I just really like meeting a young man who was so respectful. I just really liked the way he represented my kid’s school,” Denise said.

@devontafreeman takes a stroll in the neighborhood, sees my mom and grandma working hard in the yard and stops to help them finish up. Thank you for being a stand up guy Devonta! #ATL #falcons #FSU #seminoles

A photo posted by bryanszendel (@bryanszendel) on May 2, 2016 at 5:58pm PDT

Photo Credit: Instagram (@bryanszendel)

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