Haynes had just been mentioned as having played his college football at the University of Georgia to a loud ovation when Ragland stood up and motioned for the microphone.
“He caught the winning pass against Tennessee from David Greene on a fullback fade, I believe, with less than one minute to play,” Ragland said of the play Bulldogs announcer Larry Munson made famous with his “we stepped on their face with a hobnail boot” call.
Whether it was Ragland’s affectionate display towards Haynes or Jeanne Schnaars’ wearing of her Matt Ryan jersey, the three dozen or so residents who turned out to play Wii bowling made their affinity for the Falcons evident.
Asked if she were glad to meet Haynes, Ragland responded, “Oh, yeah.”
Then she said she thought Haynes was glad to meet her, too, because she remembered his catch from eight years ago.
The visit, which also included Jerious Norwood, Thomas DeCoud, Jonathan Babineaux and Brian Finneran, was one of eight around metro Atlanta that the Falcons made on Tuesday as part of their “Hometown Huddle.”
The Falcons are the only NFL team that involves all 53 players on its roster in such a day to thank fans for their support.
Other events took place at Long Middle School, H.M. Turner Middle School, Sandy Springs Middle School and Brown Middle School, all with Atlanta addresses, a Publix super market, a Home Depot location in Decatur and the Georgia Aquarium.
Park Springs was the only retirement community.
With a population of more than 500, it accepts only those residents who are age 62 and older. It has some independent senior living but also provides assisted living care and skilled nurses. The average age of residents is 80 or 81, according to Greg Taylor, a residency counselor.
The trio of Biermann, Wire and Haynes played Wii bowling, which is a regular activity at the community.
“It doesn’t take a lot of physical energy,” said Taylor, noting some residents can play despite having to use a wheelchair.
The game certainly brought out its share of smiles and jokes.
When Wire took his first turn, an icon appeared on the large screen of a bald-headed bespectacled character whose name was “Moe.”
“That looks like me,” Wire, alluding to his shaven head, said to laughter.
On one try, Haynes knocked down nine of his virtual pins, but one remained standing. A gentleman in a wheelchair in the back of the room shouted, "You think football is hard." The woman next to him replied, "At least you don't get hurt."
After bowling a strike, Schnaars walked back to her seat next to Haynes and exchanged a high five.
“You’ve got to give me your secrets,” he said.
Afterward, the players signed autographs for the residents.
“I was looking forward to it,” Wire said. “There is a lot of wisdom in the older people here. It’s our duty to show thanks for the people who support us.”
Asked to elaborate about the wisdom, Wire said, “If I can learn one thing today that might help me on my path in life, then I will be better off. It’s a unique opportunity.”
For his part, Haynes was floored at Ragland’s shout out to him.
“It was awesome,” he said. “It was kind of amazing. I wouldn’t have thought that someone would know so much about Georgia [football] history. It’s fascinating.”
Haynes remarked on “how genuine” the residents were.
“You see the smiles on their faces,” he said. “It’s so refreshing.”
Later, during a trivia contest, Schnaars sat next to Haynes.
“I was so excited,” she said of the Falcons’ visit, “because my daughter lives in Atlanta.”
Falcons players were in the store helping customers and signing autographs as part of the Falcons Hometown Huddle event. The Home Depot shoppers came in as shoppers and left as Falcons fans as the players greeted them with handshakes and hugs.
Erik Coleman, Tye Hill, Michael Koenen, Trey Lewis, Todd McClure, Glenn Sharpe and Roddy White were the players on site. Brandy K. and Joie were representing the Falcons Cheerleaders at the event.
McClure and Koenen went behind the desk to assist customers who needed paint for their houses. Coleman and Lewis helped a construction worker carry some two-by-fours. Hill and Sharpe greeted shoppers with a trademark orange apron at the front door. White deemed shopper Don Fleming as the “best customer of the day."
The Home Depot employees and shoppers were excited to see the local NFL players, but it seemed players were more excited than everyone else. - Vance McCullough
AT THE AQUARIUM: The Georgia Aquarium was full of bright eyes and shocked faces Tuesday morning as several Falcon players, cheerleaders and even Freddie Falcon stopped by.
The Falcons arrived early and walked through the aquarium only to see visitors surprised looks as they passed. As fans discovered the nature of the visit a crowd grew as mini-footballs, autographs and pictures were shared with fans.
“It was cool to see some of the fans, to interact, shake hands and just see how people are doing.” said starting left guard Jusitn Blalock.
Every fan got an opportunity not only to get an autograph, but spend some time with the Falcon players and cheerleaders. The Falcons walked through and enjoyed the “worlds largest aquarium” while asking employees a variety of questions.
“Today I learned the Whale Shark is very big, graceful and non-violent. Its pretty impressive how big they get and how well they move around.” tight end Justin Peelle said.
“With the Falcons we like to do things a little bit different. We take our entire team out into the community to thank our fans and show we care for their support.” Said Community Relations manager Chris Millman. - Nate Stevens
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