Falcons QB Matt Ryan surprises North Gwinnett football at practice

Matt Ryan warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

By Amanda C. Coyne

Sept 21, 2018

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.

READ | Gwinnett high school graduation rate up in 2018, matches state rate

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.

SUWANEE, GA - SEPTEMBER 11: Atlanta Falcon Matt Ryan (C) and Campbell's Chunky Soup surprise high school football team during practice on September 11, 2018 in Suwanee, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for Campbell's Chunky Soup)

“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.”

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:

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About the Author

Amanda C. Coyne

Amanda Coyne is a hyperlocal reporter for the AJC, covering Gwinnett County.