The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, died on Sunday at the age of 100. Carter, the longest-serving president in American history, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family.
Carter leaves a legacy highlighted by his humanitarian efforts around the world. The Nobel Foundation noted his “decades of tireless efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, promote democracy and human rights, and promote economic and social development” when it awarded him its Peace Prize in 2002.
Less well known, and arguably less consequential, is Carter’s lifelong passion for sports. He was the first president to invite Super Bowl champions to the White House, a tradition that continues to this day. In 1980, he hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the defending World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates, at the President’s Residence.
The Georgia native was also a supporter of Atlanta’s professional sports teams, including the Braves, Falcons and Hawks. They, among others, paid tributes to the former president soon after his demise on Sunday.
Here’s a look at how Carter’s life was remembered in the sports world.
NFL
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and role model, President Jimmy Carter,” Blank’s statement read. “He was a great American, a proud Georgian and an inspiring global humanitarian. He lived his life with great civic responsibility and made it into himself the change he wanted to see in others.”
Washington Commander
The Commanders held a moment of silence for Carter before their game Sunday night against the Falcons.
MLB
Atlanta Braves
The Braves released a statement on Carter’s passing on Sunday afternoon.
“President Carter was a testament to the best America, and Georgia, can produce,” the Braves wrote in their statement. “He served both his country and his home state with honor throughout his life. While the world knows him as a remarkable humanitarian and peacemaker, we know him as a devoted Brave fan and we rejoice in his bravery. Will remember to stand up.”
MLB
The league also released a statement on Carter’s death.
The league wrote, “A native of Georgia, President Carter was an ardent supporter of the Atlanta Braves. As governor of Georgia, he was in attendance when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record on April 8, 1974, at Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium. was broken,” the league wrote. “Over the years, President and Mrs. Carter would often be seen cheering on the Braves at many postseason contests. We extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family.”
MLB Network shared video of Carter throwing out the first pitch in the 1995 World Series, which Atlanta won over Cleveland.
NBA
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks were among the Atlanta teams to release a statement addressing Carter’s passing.
“President Jimmy Carter represented Georgia at its best,” the team wrote. “From his rural upbringing, which he never strayed from, to his passion for Atlanta sports, Carter was proud of his home state and left a legacy for Georgians to be proud of.
He showed the world for a century what can be accomplished when leadership, faith and diplomacy meet Southern hospitality. He and his wife, Rosalyn, left Georgia and our nation better than they were, giving their lives in service, especially to those who could neither protect nor care for themselves. could provide
“Our deepest sympathies along with our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”
NBA
The NBA celebrated Carter’s humanitarianism in a statement remembering the former president.
“The NBA family mourns the passing of President Jimmy Carter,” the league wrote. “President Carter’s extraordinary humanitarian efforts and commitment to public service are an inspiration to people everywhere.”
College football
Carter’s alma mater, Navy, also paid tribute to him as he played sprint football for the school.
How fans remembered Jimmy Carter
In addition to Atlanta teams, some fans associated Carter with other events in the sports world. One also noted the number of home runs Babe Ruth hit during Carter’s lifetime.
Another memory came when Carter welcomed a college championship team to the White House.
The Men in Blazers account remembered when Carter invited the legendary Brazilian footballer Pele In 1977 at the White House.
Pele died on December 29, 2022, exactly two years before Carter’s passing.
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