Falcons defensive end Za’Darius Smith told reporters Tuesday he’s doing something absolutely incredible, bringing his entire church congregation to his team’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. This isn’t just a few tickets, folks, this is a full-on, emotional pilgrimage for Smith and his community.
It’s a Full-Scale Operation For Za’Darius Smith’s Church
Smith isn’t messing around; he’s orchestrating a major event. He told the press, “This weekend I’m bringing my church up. I know that’s something that my mom always wanted, so I got a Greyhound bus pulling up this weekend to my church to bring them up for the game.” Can you imagine that? An NFL Pro Bowler, chartering a Greyhound bus for his church family. He’s got 45 tickets lined up, confirmed and ready to go. And he’s not stopping there. Everyone’s getting T-shirts, they’ll be fed well, and he’s even got a little envelope for each person, promising “something nice” inside. Smith even chuckled when he asked reporters to say a few words to them on the sidelines and “ask questions about the young Z.” This is pure class.
More Than a Game, It’s About Family and Legacy
This isn’t just a generous gesture; it’s deeply personal for Smith. His mother, Sharon Smith, passed away in February, and he revealed that his grandmother and father also recently died. He made the tough decision to leave his previous team, the Philadelphia Eagles, last October after his mother’s doctor gave him the devastating news that she didn’t have long to live. This move to the Falcons carries a profound meaning because, as Smith said, “My mom,rest her soul, man,she always wanted me to be in Atlanta with the Falcons.” His church, Harrison Street Baptist, is in his hometown of Greenville, Alabama, which is about a three-hour drive southwest of Atlanta. Smith signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Falcons last August, and now we’re seeing the personal impact of that decision play out in the most heartfelt way.
This Sunday, Za’Darius Smith isn’t just playing football; he’s honoring his family and his roots in the biggest way he knows how. Kickoff between the Falcons and Panthers is set for 1 p.m. ET. You just know he’s going to be playing with an extra fire, knowing his church and the memory of his mom are right there with him.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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