Atlanta Falcons tight end Michael Palmer will be hosting the Locust Grove High School football team at the team's upcoming preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.
After learning of the passing of Locust Grove football player, Forest Jones, Palmer wanted to do something special for the team and coaches by providing a special dinner and tickets to the game. Palmer is a local product from Stone Mountain, Ga., who starred for Parkview High School.
Last week, Locust Grove head coach Clint Satterfield surprised the team with a special video message from Palmer inviting them to the game, as well as offering encouragement to continue to play hard and carry on Jones' spirit.
"I know these young guys have been going through a tremendously difficult time over the past few weeks," Palmer said. "I have never lost a teammate before but I have dealt with the loss of someone I was very close with. I know how difficult it is and I thought by giving this team an opportunity to come to one of our games it may help them have some fun and bond as a team. I'm sure there are a bunch of kids on the team who have never been to the Georgia Dome before or to an NFL game. I feel that I'm in a position to give back as a professional athlete. I'm glad that I can jump in and make a difference."
Palmer also reached out to the Fitzgerald High School football team in Ben Hill County, Georgia who also suffered the loss of teammate D.J. Searcy to provide the same opportunity. Due to a scheduling conflict, Fitzgerald High is unable to attend but did receive a special video message from Palmer.
