Falcons fan who’s had season tickets for 50 years named NFL Fan of the Year

ATLANTA — The Falcons may not be bringing home the top prize this season, but one Falcons fan has come out on top.

Henry Ison was named the 2021 NFL Fan of the Year during Thursday night’s NFL Honors award celebration televised on Channel 2.

Ison’s commitment to the Falcons for the last five decades helped him beat out 35,000 others vying to be the NFL’s biggest fan.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Ison, who is affectionately called The Coach by his family has been a Falcons season ticket holder since 1971. He’s stuck with the Falcons as they made their way through three different home venues.

He and his family will even hit the road for away games, including an annual family road trip to New Orleans for the rivalry game against the Saints.

The NFL Fan of the Year isn’t just picked because of their dedication to their team, but also the way they use football to bring family, friends and communities together.

In addition to being a Falcons superfan, Ison is also a Vietnam War veteran and a community activist. He owns a local recycling brokerage company, Ison-Herr Industries, and donated shipping container to be made into make-shift hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The NFL Fan of the Year receives two tickets to Super Bowl LVI, special league prizes, private Q&A sessions with NFL executives and invitations to events throughout the NFL season.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Super Bowl to be an emotional one for LA Rams cornerback from metro Atlanta Atlanta's own Grant Haley said his hero and best friend will not be in the stands to watch him play.

©2022 Cox Media Group