Gwinnett County

Falcons QB Matt Ryan surprises local high school football team

Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Coliseum on January 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — When members of the North Gwinnett High School football team heard the whistle blow at practice last week, it wasn’t Coach Bill Stewart, but Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

Ryan surprised Stewart and the team on Sept. 11 to celebrate their 2017 7A-state championship title.

The quarterback assisted in running drills with the team, which is off to a 2-2 start in the 2018 season.

“We appreciate all that Coach [Stewart] does for all his players and for this community,” Ryan said. “It’s just a fun chance to hang out and spend time with these players.”

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The visit was part of the NFL Play 60 Initiative.

Video of the event, posted on Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Facebook page, may be used by Campbell’s Soup in a future commercial, according to a district spokeswoman.

Watch Ryan’s surprise play out here:

NG Bulldogs catch Falcons Fever with QB Matt Ryan

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan dropped by a North Gwinnett HS football practice, congratulating them on their 2017 state championship season. The surprise visit included some practice time with Ryan and a focus on the life lessons these student-athletes are learning today that will help them in the future. Thank you, Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons for caring about the community!

Posted by Gwinnett County Public Schools on Thursday, September 20, 2018

This article was written by Amanda C. Coyne, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.