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Arthur Blank will forever be immortalized in Atlanta Falcons history.
The NFL franchise’s longtime owner and chairman was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor on Sunday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Falcons fans were treated to free hot dogs, chips and refillable cups as Blank was celebrated at halftime in a special ceremony led by actor Samuel L. Jackson.
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The Home Depot co-founder is the latest NFL owner to be sworn into their team’s Ring of Honor, but the appointment has led many fans and others debating whether a team’s owner should be included. Critics say such honors are self-serving.
One Redditor commented on a post about the induction: “I mean Blank has been a really good owner, but this does give Vince McMahon putting himself in his own Hall of Fame vibes.” Another added: “Do you think he says ‘thank you’ after pouring himself a drink too?”
Others argue that owners like Blank are more than deserving, citing contributions that go beyond the football field.
“He took the organization to the next level,” former Falcons linebacker and 2004 class inductee Jessie Tuggle said in a phone interview. “He made it good not only for the players but for the fans and the city of Atlanta. … He did something that’s unique, making the franchise super popular and more entertaining while also producing Pro Bowlers like me, [not to mention] what he has done for the community.”
Blank, who turns 82 this week, bought the Falcons for $545 million in 2002 and built a franchise that is now worth $5.9 billion, according to Sportico valuations. The entrepreneur has made fans happier at MBS with consistent affordable prices for concessions at games and concerts. He secured a Major League Soccer club and has donated more than a billion dollars for worthy projects and charitable causes.
The Falcons, though, have never won a Super Bowl (notably blowing a 28-3 lead in Super Bowl 51) and have failed to reach the postseason the last six…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-owners-want-own-rings-130000409.html
Author : Sportico
Publish date : 2024-09-24 13:00:00
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