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Thank You Arthur Blank

By Andy Hendricks

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank waves after the game against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta defeated Green Bay 44-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank waves after the game against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta defeated Green Bay 44-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arthur Blank is, without a doubt, one of the best owners in the NFL.

These past couple of years in the NFL, we’ve seen owners ignore their team’s fan bases and act with no regard for cities that have loved and supported their teams for years. Stan Kroenke moved the St. Louis Rams to Los Angeles, neglecting the history of Kurt Warner and the “Greatest Show on Turf” team that won Super Bowl XXXIV. Dean Spanos moved the San Diego Chargers to Los Angeles, rejecting the support of die-hard fans that were continuously loyal, in spite of the Chargers’ lack of success. Jed York was instrumental in the 49ers moving to Levi Stadium, and having Candlestick Park torn down, destroying an NFL monument and a home to innumerable legends of the past.

However, Falcons fans can sleep soundly with Arthur Blank in charge. As the co-founder of Home Depot, Blank has heavily invested his time and money in Atlanta, employing many Georgians and millions of Americans as his business expanded. Further, when he purchased the Falcons in 2002, he did not buy the team as a simply another venture to exceedingly line his pockets. He wanted more for the city of Atlanta, explicitly stating:

"Our larger goal remains to perform under the worldwide spotlight of the Super Bowl. There are 31 other teams out there that want the Lombardi Trophy just as much as we do, so we have to stay diligent to remain a relevant team."

For Blank, it’s more than filling up the stadium on Sundays. It’s more than getting the primetime TV slots. It’s more than selling jerseys. It’s more than a business. The Falcons are his pride and joy that give the people of Atlanta something to represent them and something to root for.

This mindset is displayed in the new stadium. Blank didn’t just lobby for a field with more seats, he made sure the Falcons would get a world class stadium, attracting events like the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, and NCAA Final Four to bring more business and opportunity to Atlanta. Also, Blank understands that going to an NFL game is an expensive endeavor, especially for larger families. So it was decided that there would be very affordable options for food and refreshments available.

When also considering his charitable efforts, his purchase of an MLS team to bring yet another point of pride to Atlanta, and his resounding spirit for the Falcons, it’s hard to be disappointed with Blank as the owner.

So, thank you Arthur Blank. You’ve given us a team that will not pack up and leave overnight like Irsay’s Baltimore Colts, and you’ve given us a team worthy of endless chants, screams, and cries on Sundays.

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