Za’Darius Smith arranges for church members to attend Falcons opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 10:53 AM
Last updated Sep 16, 2026

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Za'Darius Smith is ensuring 45 members from his church in Montgomery, Alabama, attend the team's home opener against the Carolina Panthers. This gesture honors his late mother, who passed away earlier this year. Smith mentioned he will provide transportation for the group via Greyhound bus, reflecting a personal commitment to pay tribute to his family's support during a challenging time. Smith has returned to the field following the loss of his mother, grandmother, and father, and is motivated to perform well in front of that support system this Sunday.
- •Smith will host 45 church members at the Falcons' home opener.
- •He honors his late mother with this transportation effort.
- •Smith recently returned to football after personal tragedies.
- •He had three tackles and two sacks in his season debut.
- •The home opener against the Panthers takes place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- 10:53 AMYahoo Sports — Falcons player honors late mother, pays for church members to attend home opener
"Za’Darius Smith says 45 people from his church will attend the Falcons home opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Sep 16, 2026, 11:31 AMExpert weighs in on ex-Chiefs OL Jawaan Taylor's debut with Falcons
NFL•Sep 16, 2026, 11:31 AMFalcons fall to No. 29 in The Athletic's Week 2 power rankings
NFL•Sep 16, 2026, 11:05 AMOne Green Bay Packers offensive line stat paints a brutal picture for Jordan Love
NFL•Sep 16, 2026, 11:04 AMBold predictions for Week 2 of 2026 NFL season
NFL•Sep 16, 2026, 11:03 AMHow did former Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick perform in first Jets game?- NFL•Sep 16, 2026, 10:50 AMPatriots Add Familiar Veteran To Strengthen Defensive Front
