Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones was among a group of Atlanta Falcons players who visited with families and youth group members from Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina -- the same church targeted in a tragic June 17 attack that left nine members dead.
Jones was asked why it was important for him to make such an appearance.
"Just to show everybody here that we support them here in Atlanta," Jones said. "It was kind of a national experience that everybody went through, in their own kind of way. This could have happened anywhere. I look at it like it could have happened back home in Alabama. You just have to show people that you support them and you're here for them."
Joining Jones to sign autographs and spread good cheer to the children were free safety Ricardo Allen, cornerbacks Phillip Adams and Jonathon Mincy, and defensive tackle Cliff Matthews.
The event took place at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta. Included in the group were church members who survived the shooting or had family members who were killed during the tragedy.
Jones said he received a call two days ago from the team asking him to attend.
"My mom is coming in town today, but I let her know, 'Hey, I'm going out here to support the victims and the families from Charleston,'" Jones said. "I talked to the little kids. They're doing great. Just keeping them in good spirits."
Here is a short video of Monday's event, shared by the Arthur Blank Foundation.
Veteran Falcons wide receiver Roddy White, who was unable to attend the event, is from Charleston.
