CUMMING, Ga. -- Falcons fans cheered two of their favorite players Tuesday, but they weren't congregating at the Georgia Dome.
More than 600 students at Shiloh Creek Elementary School welcomed linebacker Michael Boley and wide receiver Michael Jenkins in true, pro-football fashion -- a boisterous pep rally with homemade signs and high-pitched screams.
"I haven't been to anything like this," said Boley, who led the Falcons in tackles in a season-opening win over the Detroit Lions. "The kids were great today."
Jenkins and Boley visited with the students for about an hour taking turns talking about the importance of education and physical fitness. Falcons cheerleaders Erika and Tamara talked about their careers and pitched in with a few trivia questions.
"Listen to your teachers and your parents and learn from them," said Jenkins, who couldn't play football as a child if his grades weren't up to par.
"Your education is very important," added Boley. "It's going to help you in life. We wouldn't be here today if we didn't get our education."
Students -- some wearing Falcons jerseys or other gear from the players' colleges -- roared in approval as the Falcons shared their life experiences and took questions from the audience. But the highlight of the day came with an impromptu push-up contest featuring Jenkins, students and school staff (more in the FalconsLIFE blog).
"If you're watching TV, when it's commercial time, you might get up and do some jumping jacks or push-ups," Jenkins said. "Maybe get your parents to do it with you."
Physical education teacher Cate Hernandez, a Falcons season ticket holder, helped bring the players and cheerleaders to Shiloh Point. At the end of the event, the special guests were presented with school t-shirts.
"We just created 600 little Falcons fans out there," she said.
RELATED LINKS:
- COMMUNITY: More Falcons in the community news
- VIDEO: Video of Falcons in the community
- PHOTOS: More Falcons in the Community photos
