Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is confident and larger than life. But last week, before he met with the Apalachee High School football team still reeling from a deadly mass shooting, the legendary actor and professional wrestler said he didn’t know what to expect.
That feeling of uncertainty changed quickly as Johnson navigated the production soundstages in Atlanta. First he heard the cheers, then he came face to face with their smiles. Dozens of students, who were invited to visit him, jumped up and down for joy after seeing their hero.
“I was absolutely blown away by their spirit and energy. I looked these kids in their eyes and hugged ‘em - I know they’re in great pain, but man are they resilient and staying strong,” Johnson wrote on Instagram Saturday. “It was as if they just needed a reason, an opportunity to just ‘let it all go’ in this moment.”
That electric atmosphere was notable for the team whose defensive coordinator and math teacher Ricky Aspinwall was among four people killed in the Sept. 4 shooting. Math teacher Cristina Irimie and 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo also died while nine others were injured, police said.
Apalachee head coach Mike Hancock said the message to his team since the tragedy has been about being around your teammates and healing together. They previously served as honorary guests of the Atlanta Falcons during their practice at Flowery Branch on Sept. 13.
But their time at the soundstage was another big moment for a team still reeling. Many students put out their outstretched arms in excitement. Johnson made sure to give them a high-five.
Johnson then took the mic like he was back in the wrestling ring and posed for a selfie, as some students continued to scream and put their hands on his head. “Like I was their dad, rubbing it for good luck,” joked the actor, who is in Atlanta filming a movie.
The team surrounded him before everyone eventually yelled “Apalachee baby!” in unison.
Going forward, Johnson, who said he was in touch with Hancock, will attend the team’s first home game, which is still to be determined. After cancelling its last few games, Apalachee’s next scheduled contest is Sept. 27 at Clarke Central in Athens.
Johnson hoped those smiles and laughs would help their healing process. While saying his final goodbyes in Atlanta last week, Johnson said the last student hugged him and said, “we needed this, Rock.”
“So did I,” Johnson replied.
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