Outpouring of support after youth’s tragedy includes Super Bowl tickets
Taeden Johnson is headed to Super Bowl LV.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and the NFL recently surprised the 12-year-old Athens youth with a trip and two tickets to the big game, which will be played today in Tampa Bay.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Chip Towers wrote about the recent tragedy that struck Taeden, when he lost his mother, grandmother and little sister in a fire at the family’s Athens home. The family’s possessions were also destroyed.
Taeden is a big Falcons fan and wants to play professional football in the future.
After hearing his story, Jarrett — with the help of his team and the NFL — not only surprised Taeden via Zoom with the tickets, but encouraged him to continue to work hard in school and believe in himself, according to a press release about the gift.
Back in 2016, Jarrett himself escaped a house fire with other family members and friends, who were gathered for a draft party before he was selected by the Falcons.
The NFL is providing the tickets, while the Atlanta Falcons are providing transportation and hotel accommodations for the Athens youth.
Taeden has received an outpouring of support since the tragic fire, thanks in part to his mentor, University of Georgia graduate Zac Hendrix, who created a GoFundMe page for Taeden’s future and a college fund. As of Sunday afternoon, the effort has raised more than $225,000.
About the Author
Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.
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