Atlanta Falcons dedicate Sunday's game to high school player who died

Image 1 of 4

The Atlanta Falcons dedicated Sunday's game to the Pike County High School football player Dylan Thomas, who died after an in-game injury at the end of September.

The 16-year-old was hit during a game and began complaining of leg pain before collapsing on the sidelines.

Thomas was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital and received several surgeries, but he passed away two days after the game.

RELATED: Coroner: Pike County football player suffered cardiac arrest

The Falcons invited Thomas' teammates and family to be on the field and hold the Falcon's flag as players took the field. The Pike County High School head coach Brad Webber said it was a healing experience for the team.

"For our players, who have really been through a lot in the last couple of weeks, its' an unbelievable experience for them," Webber said. "Just the love that the Falcons, the NFL has shown to us will never be forgotten."

Thomas' photos were shown to the entire crowd of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Pike County High School students also traveled to the game to support Thomas' family and the team.

To further support the Thomas family and to show solidarity, some former Pike County High School football players who attended the game announced they are holding a flag football tournament on December 8, 2018 at the Pike County High School stadium. They will use the proceeds to create a Dylan Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit students at Pike County High School for years to come.