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Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson visits Apalachee High School football team

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby:Lawrence Fernandez•10/10/24•

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Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
XFL owner Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson on the sidelines during the first half between the Vegas Vipers and the Arlington Renegades at Choctaw Stadium. (© Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images)

Dwayne’ The Rock’ Johnson has played a superhero role in some of his films. But beyond the cameras and the widescreen, he has inspired countless people. This time, he offered emotional support to the Apalachee High School football team of Winder, Georgia, a month after the gruesome mass shooting that occurred on their campus.

As Johnson posted on his account on X/Twitter:

“Sometimes in life, things may break around you, but it does not mean that you’re broken. And these kids and their families are the living example of that.”

Hence, Johnson forged an unbreakable bond with the Wildcats by inviting them to Trilith Studios in Atlanta. The actor/entrepreneur was there to film his bit in the live-action version of ‘Moana.’

The students were excited when they saw Johnson enter the empty studio. For his part, Johnson dapped with and honored every Wildcat for the strength they’ve shown in these trying times.

Before breaking a huddle with the battle cry’ Apalachee Strength,’ the box office star also promised to attend their home game against the Jackson County Panthers.

While Apalachee lost to Jackson County in their first home game after the shooting, Johnson declared them ‘undefeated’ in the game of life. That Friday evening is also an emotional victory for a community that has grown tighter after the terrible incident.

As for Dwayne’ The Rock’ Johnson, he put the spotlight on the unsung heroes during the mass shooting, including the family of the late Mason Schermerhorn. The long-time professional wrestler also visited the Wildcats in their locker room for a pre-game pep talk.

Johnson summarized the entire experience with the caption:

“With every hug, handshake, embrace, and words shared that I was blessed to experience – it was the powerful reminder that on the other side of tragedy – faith, hope, prayer, resiliency, and mana are REAL.”

After Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s visit, life goes on for Apalachee High School

The Apalachee High School community is returning to normal after the terrible incident on Sept. 4 at around 10 a.m. local time. Colt Gray, the 14-year-old perpetrator, used an AR-15-style rifle as he wandered around campus.

By the time the incident was over, four people were dead, and nine others sustained minor injuries. Sadly, the aftermath was doubly painful for the Wildcats. One of the deceased was Richard Aspinwall, a math teacher and an assistant football coach.

In the video posted by Dwayne’ The Rock’ Johnson, the one player recalled Aspinwall as someone who “pushed them to be greater and made them better people.”

As Apalachee High School bounces back from this dark moment, Johnson solidifies his support by posting on X/Twitter:

“My heart aches and breaks for the students, teachers at Apalachee High School, their families, and their community over the pain that they’ve had to endure.”