ATL to cheer #96
Special to RRSPIN written by John Kisic
Turkey, family and football are the main components of
the great American holiday tradition of Thanksgiving.
Fifty-four Roanoke Valley residents used the long week-
end time off from work and school to load a charter bus
organized by Ms. Jan Tugwell for the 500 mile ride to
Atlanta, Georgia, and attend an NFL football game
between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals
to show support for rookie Cardinals defensive lineman
and Roanoke Rapids favorite son, Kareem Martin.
All were hopeful of getting to spend some time with Martin
on Saturday evening before Sunday’s big game.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals organization changed their
plans and flew into Atlanta much later than originally
anticipated on Saturday night, which made the reunion
with Kareem impossible.
A few in the group went on their own and were able to
meet with Kareem and other Cardinals after the game as
the team boarded the team bus out of Atlanta, and get
autographs and photos with players like quarterback
Drew Stanton and defensive stars Larry Foote and Patrick
Peterson. And even more exciting for those on the trip
who missed Kareem, Martin has promised to make it up
in the off-season by attending a private cookout or a
similar event with the Atlanta trip group.
RRHS JV basketball coach Jimmie Monroe organized a
group and attended an NBA game between the Atlanta
Hawks and Charlotte Hornets Saturday night. Others
enjoyed the use of the Executive Lounge at the Westin
Buckhead hotel, and spent time watching college football
and enjoying catching up with each other in these busy
times.
Before the 4:00 PM kickoff Sunday, everyone had fun
spending the day around the Georgia Dome visiting the
many attractions nearby. Some visited the College
Football Hall of Fame. Others went to the aquarium or
just hung out at the CNN Center eating great food and
watching the early NFL games.
When game time arrived, everyone including several
current RRHS football players just finishing a fantastic
season of their own, former teachers and coaches, and
friends were thrilled with the excitement and pride of
seeing number 96 with the name Martin on the back of
his Cardinals uniform run out of the tunnel and onto an
NFL field.
Sadly, the Falcons defeated the Cardinals by a score of
29-18, but the Cardinals still sit atop of the NFC standings
with a 9-3 record as they gear up for the NFL playoffs
and the possibility of a trip to the Super Bowl in early
February. It would not be a long trip for the Cardinals
as the Super Bowl is being played on their home field
in Phoenix this year.
Imagine the excitement of seeing Roanoke Rapids
alumni Kareem Martin playing in the biggest game of
them all in front of a world-wide audience. Time will
tell, but it is certain that this community is extremely
proud of Kareem no matter what happens from here
and enjoyed their chance to show that pride and support
this past weekend.
Number 96 Kareem Martin Arizona Cardinals jerseys are
popping up all over Roanoke Rapids. With Christmas
just around the corner, it’s safe to assume that they
will be seen everywhere around town just in time for
the playoffs!
John Kisic in the stands at the Georgia Dome
