ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — Grady Jarrett never forgets the people who made him into an NFL star.

The Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle grew up in Rockdale County and makes it a priority to always give back to the community and people he loves.

That includes his former eighth grade science teacher Dr. Denise Richardson, who Jarrett surprised last week with her own Falcons tailgating experience in Covington.

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As part of Academy Sports' teacher appreciation month, Jarrett set up a tailgate completed with grill, outdoor furniture, coolers and of course Falcons gear in her backyard.

How did Jarrett and Academy pull off the surprise? The Falcons defender pretended to video chat with her from an Academy store but instead was waiting for her outside.

The look on her face when she saw Jarrett standing in her backyard is priceless. Richardson and Jarrett spent the afternoon testing out the grill and playing some backyard games with her family.

The tailgating equipment will definitely be used again when Jarrett and the Falcons open the 2020 season Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Cox Media Group