LANDOVER, Md. (AP) 鈥� with a moment of silence before the Atlanta Falcons鈥� game at the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, hours after the 39th president of the United States in Plains, Georgia.
Beyond being a Georgia native who led the country from the White House less than 8 miles (12 kilometers) away during his time in office from 1977-81, Carter was the first president to host the NFL's Super Bowl champions there when he welcomed the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1980.
released by the team before kickoff said he was deeply saddened by the loss of his dear friend and mentor, calling Carter 鈥渁 great American, a proud Georgian and an inspirational global humanitarian.鈥�
鈥淗e lived his life with great civic responsibility and took it upon himself to be the change he wished to see amongst other,鈥� Blank said, recalling meeting Carter at The Home Depot. 鈥淧resident Carter鈥檚 kind and uniting spirit touched so many lives. He was a man of deep faith, and did everything with principal and grace, doing things the right way for the right reasons."
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AP NFL:
Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press
