FOOTBALL IN HIGH HEELS: ATLANTA RISING
STAMFORD, Conn. – August 22, 2017 – As the NFL season approaches, NBC Sports will present “On a Mission: Atlanta Rising” profiling Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC owner Arthur Blank on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. ET on NBC.
The one-hour profile will examine Blank’s personal and professional life from his childhood through February’s dramatic Super Bowl defeat and beyond.
In the documentary, Blank discusses dealing with his father’s death when Arthur was 15, and the growing pains he experienced as the co-founder of The Home Depot. Over the course of the show, he also talks about his tenure as an NFL owner (since 2002), including his evolving relationship with former Falcons QB Michael Vick, and the team’s run to and defeat in Super Bowl LI last February. In addition, Blank discusses his newest sports franchise – the expansion Atlanta United FC – who are unbeaten in their last six MLS league matches. The show will also offer an inside look at the construction of the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium and how it coupled with Blank’s philanthropic efforts are helping to reshape downtown Atlanta.
“The story of Arthur Blank extends far beyond the playing fields of his Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC,” said Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC Sports Group. “Viewers will enjoy this look at Arthur’s life from boyhood through his building of The Home Depot to the present day, as he plays vital business and philanthropic roles in the downtown revitalization of Atlanta. He is an exceptional example of a true leader and visionary.”
Following is a sampling of notable quotes from the documentary:
“What stands out to me about Arthur is his commitment to community. He wants to be successful in business, but more importantly, he wants the city to be proud of what he does.” – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
“He was determined that Michael Vick’s life was not going to go down the drain. Arthur Blank helped Michael Vick right his life.” – Sports Illustrated writer Peter King
“He has been a Super Bowl-caliber owner for us the whole time I have been here.” – Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan
In addition to Blank, “On a Mission: Atlanta Rising” features interviews with:
- Angela Blank (wife)
- Georgia Governor Nathan Deal
- Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff
- Falcons RB Devonta Freeman
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
- Sports Illustrated Writer Peter King
- Home Depot Co-Founder Bernie Marcus
- New England Patriots Chairman & CEO Robert Kraft
- Falcons President & CEO Rich McKay
- Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn
- Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed
- Falcons QB Matt Ryan
- Former Falcons QB Michael Vick
- Former Falcons WR Roddy White
