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A recent report from NJ.com claims that 14 NFL teams have received cash from the government for salutes to the military and other advertising. The Falcons, for example, reportedly received more than $1 million over a four-year period.
VFalcons owner Arthur Blank has now written a letter to fans explaining the situation.
“Our marketing and sponsorship agreement with the National Guard is designed to fulfill their objectives of increasing awareness and aiding in recruiting efforts, which has become more important in an all-volunteer service environment,” Blank wrote. “This is no different than any other sponsorship agreement in that it is structured to fit a business need.