Atlanta Falcons join NFL-USO tour, visit troops in Japan

Atlanta Falcons join the NFL-USO tour in Japan as part of a week-long visit that marks the 60th anniversary of the NFL’s partnership with the USO. Current and former Falcons players visited U.S. service members stationed across Japan, including safety Jessie Bates III, defensive lineman Zach Harrison, outside linebacker Jalon Walker, and Falcons legend John Abraham. Stops included Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo, and the U.S. Army’s Camp Zama. During the trip, players engaged troops and families through work-site visits, youth football clinics, skills challenges, and community events. The NFL-USO effort has raised more than $75 million for veteran and military support organizations since 2011, and it supports the league’s “Salute to Service” initiative. Falcons’ trip also reflects a broader history dating back to 1966, when the NFL became the first major sports league to send players overseas during the Vietnam War.