LANDOVER, Md. — A moment of silence was observed in memory of Jimmy Carter before the Atlanta Falcons faced off against the Washington Commanders on Sunday evening, just hours after the 39th President of the United States passed away at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia.

 
Carter, a proud Georgian, served as president from 1977 to 1981, leading a nation less than 8 miles (12 kilometers) from his birthplace. He made history by being the first sitting president to host the NFL’s Super Bowl champions when he welcomed the Pittsburgh Steelers to the White House in 1980.

 
Falcons owner Arthur Blank shared his condolences in a statement released by the team prior to the game, expressing his sadness over the loss of his close friend and mentor. He regarded Carter as “a great American, a proud Georgian, and an inspirational global humanitarian.”

 
Blank highlighted Carter’s commitment to civic duty, noting how Carter embodied the change he envisioned for others. He recounted their first encounter at The Home Depot, reminiscing about Carter’s unifying spirit that left a lasting impact on many lives. Describing him as a person of strong faith, Blank remarked on Carter’s principled actions and his dedication to doing things with integrity and for noble causes.

 
As the game proceeded, fans and players alike reflected on Carter’s profound legacy and his contributions both as a leader and a humanitarian, ensuring that his memory would live on in their hearts and actions.