Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins is known for hammering dunks even in the face of tight defense. Sunday, Collins was seen hammering again, but it was not a dunk this time around. Instead, it was the Atlanta United FC's Golden Spike.
John Collins is a national treasure. pic.twitter.com/cncoK1pyaS
— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) August 19, 2018
The Golden Spike tradition has been going on now for more than a year. On the club's official website, the team stated the symbolism of the Golden Spike to Atlanta.
“In 1837, a spike was driven into Georgia’s red clay, declaring Central Avenue as Zero Milepost for the most significant transportation endeavor to that point for the South — a railroad from Atlanta to the Midwest.”
Atlanta United decided to commemorate its significance to the city's history before each home game of the team.
“90 minutes before Atlanta United take the field, the players will arrive at the American Family Insurance Fan Village to sign the Golden Spike, followed by the club's faithful fans and supporters (All are invited to sign it). Approximately 45 minutes prior to kickoff, Atlanta United supporters will march to the stadium carrying the Golden Spike, signed by all, as a symbol of unity and strength. Join the supporters, join the movement.
In the stadium, the Golden Spike will be hammered into the railroad platform fronting the supporters section with the stadium chanting…. A-T-L…A-T-L….A-T-L. At the Golden spike, every strike rings true to our hearts.
After the final whistle, the Golden Spike will be hammered in by a player, an honor voted on by the fans (via Twitter).”
The 20-year-old Hawks sophomore joins fellow players and celebrities like Dennis Schroder and 2 Chainz on the list of those who have had the honor of leading the pregame ritual.
However, Collins needs more than hammering as he and Trae Young lead a young Hawks team next season.
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