--- title: "Here’s how the Atlanta Falcons honored fallen heroes" date: "2017-02-05" modified: "2021-02-05" authors: - name: "Shannon Corbeil" job_title: "Contributor, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/scorbeil/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/the-atlanta-falcons/" categories: - "Entertainment" - "Heroes" - "History" - "Sports" tags: - "Sports" --- # Here’s how the Atlanta Falcons honored fallen heroes ![]() **Update: This article previously stated that the Falcons would again be wearing the initials of fallen heroes at Super Bowl LI. This act of honor was solely done during their Salute to Service game in November 2016.** --- The Atlanta Falcons, who will face off against the New England Patriots this weekend in Super Bowl LI, honored veterans by wearing the initials of fallen heroes on their helmets during their [Salute to Service game]() in November 2016. Together with [TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)](), the Falcons put together a meaningful event that included the surviving families of the fallen. ![]() *The Atlanta Falcons honored 63 fallen heroes and recognized their surviving families at their Salute to Service game in Atlanta. (Courtesy of TAPS)* The tribute is part of the [NFL's Salute to Service campaign](). In partnership with [USAA](), the NFL works throughout the year to honor veterans and raise funds for the [USO](), the [Pat Tillman Foundation](), and the [Wounded Warrior Project]() (generating millions and millions of dollars in funds, as a matter of fact). It just so happens that the Atlanta Falcons played such a key role in honoring America's vets and their families that [Head Coach Dan Quinn was nominated for USAA's Salute to Service Award](). [The Facebook video ]()features players from the Falcons as they share the names of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. The list is a sobering reminder of the cost of freedom, but [the comments from people who personally knew the heroes]() named are what will make you reach for the tissues. ## Don’t Miss the Best of Mighty Sports We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: [subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter](). - [10 incredible facts about the Army-Navy game]() - []()[Navy hoists the Jolly Roger for 2024 Army-Navy Game uniform]() - []()[Travis Kelce’s grandfather was shot down 3 times during WWII]() ## Author Shannon Corbeil has worked for We Are The Mighty as a digital video producer, writer, and host, as well as a staff writer covering military history, trivia, and valor. Shannon is a fierce veteran advocate, covering the achievements of members of the military community and volunteering in multiple veteran non-profit organizations, including Pin-Ups for Vets and Warriors for Peace Theatre. Her undergraduate degree is in Humanities and Philosophy and her Masters is in Strategic Intelligence. A screenwriter and actor recently seen on SEAL TEAM and THE ROOKIE, Shannon writes about exciting projects in the entertainment industry. She is an alum of the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, a Finalist in the Disney TV Writing Fellowship, an inaugural fellow for the STARZ/VME #TakeTheLead Program, and has performed at the Geffen Playhouse and Kennedy Center as a writer, dancer, singer, and actor. As a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Shannon supported the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and conducted Cyber Threat Analysis at the National Security Agency. Her work has been seen in Business Insider, Task & Purpose, Military.com, and various other publications. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()