The Game Day Goods

The 53 for the 2024 Atlanta Falcons is Set

Article by Allison Smith

Cover Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

August 27, 2024

For limited game viewing, I did a pretty good job at picking the 53-man roster. Not that many misses and usually trade for trade, short of the offensive line.

Bolded were my picks for the roster that the Falcons agreed. Regular font, I picked and got cut, italicized is on the Falcons’ roster that I missed.

Granted I didn’t have enough on the offensive line, but I don’t study that as much as other positions. The big surprises to me, not just because I was wrong, are Chris Blair, Carlos Washington, Jr, Kevin King, and Natrone Brooks. I think a couple of these guys will be back on the practice squad tomorrow. King played safety and cornerback. Brooks at corner and in the return game. Hopefully some or all of these guys will make it back for special teams and farther onto the roster. And PLEASE no one get hurt, but if someone does…..these are some great “next man up.”

I also think that Taylor Heinicke may get traded for something or released after some other back up quarterbacks are out there for viewing. And I don’t mean Desmond Ridder since Arizona released him earlier today.

QB: Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix, Jr Taylor Heinicke – need a third, don’t think he is currently on the team

O Line: Jake Matthews, Kaleb McGarity, Matthew Bergeron, Storm Norton, Chris Lindstrom, Drew Dalman (need additional here – but not an o line expert or fan) Ryan Neuzil, Kyle Hinton, Jovaughn Gwyn

WR: Drake London, Ray-Ray McCloud, KhaDarel Hodge, Casey Washington, Chris Blair, Darnell Mooney

TE: Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley John Fitzpatrick

RB: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Jase McClellan, Avery Williams, Carlos Washington, Jr

Dline: Grady Jarrett, Ruke Orhorhoro, Zion Logue, Brandon Dorlus, Kentavius Street, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Ta’Quon Graham, Eddie Goldman

CB: AJ Terrell; Natrone Brooks, Kevin King (at CB or S), Dee Alford, Jayden Price Mike Hughes, Clark Phillips III, Antonio Hamilton, Sr

LB: Troy Anderson, JD Bertrand, Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, Kaden Elliss, Matthew Judon, Nate Landman, DeAngelo Malone James Smith-Williams

S: Jessie Bates, Justin Simmons, Micah Abernathy, Richie Grant (DeMarcco Hellams – when he returns)

And our starting to be questionable ST: Liam McCullough, Younghoe Koo, Bradley Pinion

Now, we wait and see what happens with other teams, who is released, added to team practice squads and what happens to the 53 before the biggest date of the year…..Sunday, September 8 – when the Era of Rah really begins.

Jobs on the Line as Falcons Host Jaguars

Article by Allison Smith

August 24, 2024

Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons – Jay Bendlin

In the last pre-season game, Atlanta hosted Jacksonville. Many spots are already set, but many more are still on the bubble and making the decisions harder on Head Coach Raheem Morris and others. Many guys have stepped up in practice and in the first 2 pre-season games, making decisions harder. Then, of course, the addition earlier this week of pass rusher Matthew Judon and Safety Justin Simmons moved everyone in those positions down a spot. Both are expected to play in week one, although they just arrived in The ATL.

Per numerous insiders at 92.9 The Game that have been at Flowery Branch and exposed to training camp and the team, “This vibe is different.” Very happy and connected team, everything is feeling different than previous training camps. Coach Rah is constantly challenging players, but in a positive way. Everyone is clear on the standard that has been set.

The entire team came out dressed….complete prep for a regular game, from staying at the hotel, dressing out, warm ups – by team and location on the field, then went in for a “half time” then back out. After that, the guys not playing changed back into their sweats, but trying to get that routine as much ready as possible. In just over 2 weeks, it is real ball.

I don’t know that this third game changed anything for the coaches and their evaluations. There were no additional stand outs or surprises. In my opinion, this game reinforced some of the guys that were not on the bubble going into the game. It seems that many positions are so stacked, it will be interesting to see how the Falcon staff evaluates and decisions some of these positions.

My one sidetrack of the pre-season….while offense finally has a leader, defense is healthy and bolstered…..now, Special Teams is sketchy. Missed field goals and short punts. But we will see what the regular season holds.

Pre game discussions had Dave Archer with 65 on his must keep roster, will see if I can do any better on mine. We know this is going to be hard on the coaches and GM Terry Fontenot. They are headed to meet after the game….then get the roster to 53 by 4pm on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, snatch some guys for the practice squad and hope to “hide” some diamonds in the rough from the rest of the league.

QB: Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix, Jr – need a third, don’t think he is currently on the team

O Line: Jake Matthews, Kaleb McGarity, Matthew Bergeron, Storm Norton, Chris Lindstrom, Drew Dalman (need additional here – but not an o line expert or fan)

WR: Drake London, Ray-Ray McCloud, KhaDarel Hodge, Casey Washington, Chris Blair

TE: Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, John Fitzpatrick

RB: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Jase McClellan, Carlos Washington, Jr

Dline: Grady Jarrett, Ruke Orhorhoro, Zion Logue, Brandon Dorlus, Kentavius Street, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Ta’Quon Graham

CB: AJ Terrell; Natrone Brooks, Kevin King (at CB or S), Dee Alford, Jayden Price

LB: Troy Anderson, JD Bertrand, Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, Kaden Elliss, Matthew Judon, Nate Landman, DeAngelo Malone

S: Jessie Bates, Justin Simmons, Micah Abernathy, Richie Grant (DeMarcco Hellams – when he returns)

And our starting to be questionable ST: Liam McCullough, Younghoe Koo, Bradley Pinion

I have us at 48, clearly need more backups at Offensive and Defensive Line, but at least I got us close to a game day roster. We will see what happens on the way to Tuesday.

Jags Ones Defeat Falcons Two Plus

Article by Allison Smith

Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons – Jay Bendlin

August 23, 2024

Pre-season game 3 is in the books. A third loss by the Falcons, but no starters have been seen suited up. Each of the games provided allot of evaluation and insight into who should be on this 53-man roster by Tuesday.

The Jaguars start with their number one defense while the Falcons continue to hold their starters. Taylor Heinicke gets the start at QB and has two failed attempts, but on 3rd and 10, finds Casey Washington over the middle for a 20-yard gain. The next first down has a hold on the offensive line, for a 1st and 20 that leads to a 2nd and 20 after a no gain run by Carlos Washington, Jr. Heinke finds Washington Jr on a quick flip for a gain of 8 yards on the left side. On 3rd and 12, an incompletion leads to a punt at midfield.

Jacksonville sends out their first team offense. Trevor Lawrence, from the 10, hands the ball to Travis Etienne, twice, for gains of 7 and 19 yards, stopped both runs by DeAngelo Malone. From the 29, Lawrence misses a receiver, then finds another for a huge catch and run, a gain of 42 yards. Back to Etienne, quickly stopped by Anthony Johnson. On 2nd and 7, another run for a gain of 2 yards. On 3rd and 5, Lawrence quickly throws a pass to the sideline for a first down, covered by Jayden Price. Milo Eifler was called for roughing the passer and the ball is moved to the 8. Etienne goes to the 5, Zion Logue got off his blocker and stopped Etienne. On 2nd down, outside toss to Etienne is stopped by Kevin King, who was flying across the field to stop the play near the sideline. Then Lawrence finds a receiver in the back of the endzone for a touchdown. King and Price were in close coverage, but not close enough to break up the pass.

Q1: 7:01 Jax 7/Atl 0

Natrone Brooks takes the kick off from the end zone to the 30. Heinicke dumps the ball out to John Fitzpatrick, who leaps over a defender for a gain of 9 yards. Washington gets the fake as Heinicke takes the ball along the right side for a first down. A quick pass for 2 yards, then a first down to Chris Blair along the sideline. Across midfield, Heinicke hands off to Washington Jr for a 5-yard gain. Heinicke keeps the ball and goes out of bounds on the left side after a 2-yard gain. From the shotgun, the pass is tipped in the air and falls incomplete. It’s 4th and 3 from the Jaguars’ 38, Heinicke takes a shot towards the end zone for Washington. The ball falls incomplete and Jacksonville will take over at the 38.

Lawrence has a short pass to Evan Engram, who is quickly pushed out of bounds by Brooks after a 5-yard gain. Then, Etienne for 4 yards, stopped by Donavan Mutin and Micah Abernathy. On 2nd and 6, Lawrence with the bootleg to Engram with Brooks quickly bringing him down. Etienne finds a small hole and shoots up the middle for 14 yards, finally stopped by Abernathy and King. From the Falcons 39, Lawrence finds a receiver at the first down marker to move the chains again. Lawrence is pressured and has to run out of bounds after a 9-yard gain.

End of the First Quarter

After a failed pass and rush, on 4th and 1, Tank Bigsby gains 2 yards and is stopped by Brooks, after the first down. Bigsby is stopped for no gain by Price. On 2nd and 10 from the 17, Lawrence finds Engram for an 11-yard gain and first down. From the 6, Etienne gets the ball and gains a singe yard before being stopped by LaCale London. Lawrence has an incompletion, then returns to Engram for another touchdown in the corner of the end zone.

Q2: 11:19 Jacksonville 14/Atlanta 0

From the 25, Heinicke throws high, but Washington snatches the ball out of the air for a first down. Jase McCellen goes up the middle for 11 yards and another first down. A quick release to Blair and the Falcons are across midfield. No huddle continues on 2nd and 3, Heinicke stands too long and is sacked. On 3rd and 6, Heinicke drops back, is hit as he throws an incompletion. Bradley Pinion punts 40 yards to the Jacksonville 11.

Mac Jones enters at the quarterback position. Hands off to Bigsby who is tackled by Mutin after a 7-yard gain. Brooks makes the next short stop, but there is an offensive penalty that moved the Jags back to the 9 for a 2nd and 12. From the shotgun, Jones is hit as he throws from the goal line and the ball is incomplete along the sideline. On 3rd down, Jones quickly finds a receiver for a 6-yard gain, immediately stopped by Price, forcing a punt at 4th and 6.

After a 60-yard punt, McClellan goes for 3 and then 5 yards. on 3rd and short, Heinike has to step up, nearly sacked in the pocket and passes incomplete, with a flag on the play – holding on the offense. Pinion back on to punt for a 44-yard punt.

Jones hands off to Bigsby who only gained 5 yards. Quick pass across the middle and immediate stop by Price. At midfield, Jones finds a receiver along the sideline for 5 yards, pushed out by Eifler. Another single yard gain stopped by Brandon Dorlus and then a SACK by Bradlee Anae for a 5-yard loss. The sack forces a punt from the 50 which falls into the end zone.

Heinicke completes a pass to Drummond for 5 yards.

Two Minute Warning

From the 25, Heinicke throws 2 incompletions and Pinion is back on for another punt, this one, 45 yards.

From their own 30, Jacksonville’s Bigsby runs up the middle for a first down, stopped by King. After an incompletion, Jones finds a receiver for a 12-yard gain, finally stopped by Eifler. On 2nd and 4, with 41 seconds to go before half time, Jones hits a receiver for a 6-yard gain, another stop by Brooks. On first down, the receiver has a 15-yard reception, then Jones scrambles 8 yards, stopped by Eifler. On 2nd and 2 from the 13, Jones finds a receiver in the end zone for another Jaguar touchdown.

Half time: Jaguars 21/Falcons 0

Again, watching via online app is sketchy at best. This gives a good account of the first half, but not sure this changed any minds on any players. The same standouts continued to stand out. The first team – guaranteed starters – were is sweats on the sideline, so this is not indicative of what we will see in 2+ weeks when Pittsburg comes to town to kick off the season.

The Era of Rah Begins

Atlanta Falcons 13 and Miami Dolphins 20

Article by Allison Smith

August 9, 2024

And so it begins…..the Era of Rah. Head Coach Raheem Morris is coaching his first game back as the Atlanta Falcons Head Coach. Pre Season Game 1 is at the Miami Dolphins, where the team has been in co-practice most of the week.

Captains are Storm Norton, Richie Grant, and Younghoe Koo.

Received the opening kickoff, with the new kickoff rules. Carlos Washington Jr returned the kick a few yards.

Now, we see Michael Penix, Jr for the first time. Casey Washington gets the call for a run that ended in a 3-yard loss. On 2nd and 13, Penix from the shotgun, finds Washington for a quick 7-yard gain. Now on 3rd and 6, Penix takes a shot down the field, just over the extended hands of Washington.

Deangelo Malone makes the tackle finally, even farther back as the returner escaped the first tackle, but ran backwards. Miami starts at their own 12. A quick pass, Antonio Hamilton Sr makes the quick stop. He was blocked, but got away and forced the 4-yard loss. From the shotgun, another quick pass. Kevin King knocked the ball out, but went out of bounds so the Dolphins retain. On 3rd and 3, empty backfield, Miami takes a shot down the field, out of bounds. King with good coverage.

Demarco Hellams was carted off the field with some sort of leg injury.

Natrone Brooks calls for a fair catch on the punt at the 41. Toss to Washington, Jr who gains a couple of yards along the left side. Penix drops back and hits Chris Blair, but he fumbles and Miami takes over in Falcon territory.

The Miami quarterback takes the ball himself and runs left for 5 yards. At the Falcons’ 45, Hamilton Sr makes a good tackle, but after the first down. From the 40, Miami runs the ball to the left and JD Bertrand makes his first NFL tackle after a 3-yard game. Second down has the running back slipping on the field with Kentavius Street on the tackle. Street and Arnold Ebiketie pressure the quarterback who throws early for an incompletion. Dolphins kick a 57-yard field goal to go up 3-0.

Washington, Jr grabs the kickoff and takes it up to the 20. Penix is under center and fakes the handoff, Penix finds Washington on the sideline for a big gain, but was just out of bounds for an incompletion. Next is a big pass to Blair for a 41-yard completion. Penix then overthrows Washington. False start backs the Falcons up, on 2nd and 15, Penix drops back, pumps and finds Washington on the 2nd read for another first down. From the 28, Jase McClellan gets the call and goes up the middle for 8 yards. McClellan then gets stopped at the line. On 3rd down, under pressure, Penix overthrows Washington, Jr in the end zone. Koo ties the game up.

The Dolphins begin their second possession with a pick off by King who returns the interception 29 yards. undercut the route.

From the Miami 16, Washington Jr loses a yard. Penix screen to Washington Jr who catches and runs up to the 4. First and goal, Washington Jr is wrapped up for a loss. From the 8, Penix passes to John Fitzpatrick who carries defenders to the one. Penix analyzed and held the ball for Fitzpatrick to get open. Third and goal from the one, Penix overthrows Washington in the side of the end zone. On fourth and goal, Penix hands to Washington Jr who runs straight into the end zone.

With 3 minutes left in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 10 to 3.

Miami starts at their own 27. A quick hand off, Zach Harris makes the stop in the backfield. On 2nd and 11, Miami’s pass is nearly intercepted, the receiver is WWE slammed by Bertrand immediately. On 3rd and 5, empty backfield, a wide open tight end gains 43 yards, Falcons were caught in cover 2, then a missed tackle, but finally a stop by Hamilton, Sr. Second down is an incompletion by blocked pass. A successful reception gets the Dolphins to the 9. First and goal, a handoff for 4-yard gain.

The second quarter begins with a 2nd and goal from the 6, from the shotgun, the Dolphins have a dropped pass. On the next play, the Dolphins score with Bertrand closing, but the receiver gets the ball over the pilon before the tackle.

A few seconds into the second quarter, the Falcons begin their third possession form their own 10. Penix drops back and passes up to McClellan, who tries to one-hand the ball but cannot. Penix goes back to McClellan up the middle for a successful reception, then to Fitzpatrick for the first down along the right side. McClellan tries to run again for no gain. A reception my Washington on 2nd down causes a 3rd and 6. Penix in the shotgun drops back and fires to the sideline at the marker to KhaDarel Hodge, but the pass is broken up.

After the punt, Miami gets a good run off a reverse for a 21-yard gain. Across midfield, the running back is stopped by Braylen Trice after a 2-yard gain. Back to back first downs and shove out of bounds by Micah Abernathy move the Dolphins to the Falcons 25. Several more quick first downs have the Dolphins at the Falcons’ 5, then backed up vis delay of game to the 10. Still driving and on 4th and 2, the quarterback keeps the ball and slides for a first down at the 3, but Raheem Morris challenges the spot of the ball and the Falcons get the ball.

First down is a Washington run up the middle for a gain of 6 yards. Then Taylor Heinicke, in at quarterback, hands off to Jovaughn Gwyn who fumbles and loses the ball.

Miami takes the ball two yards on the recovery, then another quick 6 yards for the touchdown and with just over 5 minutes left in the half, the Dolphins lead 17 to 10.

The Falcons take over on the 19 after the kick off. Heinicke has a short 4-yard pass to Dylan Drummond. Heinicke then attempts two deep pass that fall incomplete to Blair, then to Washington. Ryan Sanborn punts 42 yards to the Miami 35.  

The defensive rookies continue to stand out. Miami goes three and out with quick stops and passes defended by Bertrand, Ruke Orhorhoro.

As the first half draws to a close, the teams exchange punts again, with one final play and possession by the Falcons as time expires.

I was not able to watch the second half as the stream of the game kept going out. The Falcons did lose 20/13 with no scoring in the fourth quarter.

Overall, we got much of what we expected. Seeing mostly rookies and guys competing for playing time and positions. Penix looked pretty good, al biet overthrowing some receivers, but also those overthrows were out of reach of defenders too. Penix finished 9 of 16 for 104 yards. Both Casey Washington and Carlos Washington, Jr stood out offensively. Casey had 3 receptions for 27 yards and a fumble recovery on special teams. Carlos had 16 carries for 25 yards, a long of 9 yards, 1 reception of 13 yards, with only 2 targets. The offense had 3 fumbles, 2 lost; which does not bode well, but some of these guys may not be on the roster by September, or certainly will learn to hold onto the ball better.

Defensively, rookies Jayden Price had 7 tackles, Bertrand 4, Ruke 2 and looked good overall. Returners, Malone, Abernathy, and Ebiketie had decent playing time and good performances. King, of course, stood out with a great interception. He read the play and stepped in front of the pass. There are many defenders that are new to the Falcons that competed well, but with the starters on the sideline in plain clothes, it will take a couple of games to see who sticks and who does not.

Unfortunately, the game started pretty early with some injuries on both teams. DeMarcco Hellams left on the cart with an injury to his left leg, later in the first half rookie Bralen Trice also injured his left leg. No prognosis on either yet.

Overall, saw some good things from some young guys. Seemed like the same story we have seen for 10 years, close, red zone, no scoring, defense hands O the ball and nothing good happens. But this was pre season game 1 with a totally new regime, so we will see.

#RiseUp

#FalconAlleyOwt

Blessings Are Key for the 2024 Atlanta Falcons Draft Class

Allison Smith – May 16, 2024

Another awesome interview by the voice of the Atlanta Falcons, Dave Archer. Today, Arch had the first three draft picks of the 2024 draft with him. Talk about some impressive young men. After the interview was over, I texted a friend, “I am fully on the Super Bowl train again.”

Archer introduced the guys and asked a few questions before asking fan submitted questions.

Asked about being drafted to Atlanta, Michael Penix, Jr. from the University of Washington called out that being drafted into the NFL in general is amazing, he grew up wanting to play in the NFL and here he is. He’s very excited to be in Atlanta.

Clemson Defensive Tackle, Ruke Orhorhoro noted that his is very familiar with Atlanta and is happy to not have to move far and learn a new place. He is ready to “put my big boy pants on” and get to working.

Bralen Trice, also from the University of Washington is ecstatic to come to Atlanta.

Asked how he will handle pressure on the field and relationship with quarterback Kirk Cousins:

Penix said that he doesn’t feel pressure any more. He played in the National Championship game and felt no pressure. It is the game that he loves and played since he was 5 years old.  He prepares himself mentally and physically for everything, then just goes about his business. He is ready for any moment. As for Kirk, he is planning to lead the team to win. “I am going to do my part and play my role.” Kirk is a veteran and a professional, there is allot to learn from him.

With a deep defensive line and lots of rotation, how are you feeling about your part:

Ruke is ready to contribute to the culture , excited to bring new energy to the team. With a big smile and energy beaming, Ruke noted that when he steps on the field, his energy level goes up and he cannot wait to get to work on and off the field. He is ready to learn from starting DT’s Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata, then put his own spin on what they teach.

Trice said this may sound corny, but, “I let go and let God.” He knows that God will handle the stress and pressure and Trice just does his job and trusts his teammates to do theirs.

Ruke commented on his style of play. He said it is fast, physical and aggressive. He is always ready to put his nose into stuff, is not scared of anything, and is ready to do the dirty work. He tries to model himself after Kansas City DT Chris Jones, he is tall and good with hands. Jones always sees what he hits. Ruke is preparing to slow down in his head and see the bigger picture.

Trice on preparing to be an aggressive edge rusher. He began by commenting on many edge rushers that just focus on the passing game and are going after the sack count. Trice plans to focus on the rushing game as much as the passing game. He wants to be aggressive and take on any situation. He models himself after the Las Vegas Raiders’ Max Crosby, he is all effort, relentless. Trice had 16 sacks in his last 28 games, sounds like he goes after the passer quite successfully.

Things may change entering the NFL now, but they are already planning how to prepare on game day.

Penix prays, has a favorite gospel song “God’s Got a Blessing,” then kicks other tunes to pump up. Penix’s song ensures that he keeps his head up, through many difficult circumstances over the years, he realizes that there are no excuses, you have to overcome and help the team win.

Ruke starts his time on the field with a prayer, then walks around alone and visualizes everything he did in practice and what he plans to do on the field that day.

Trice has a good prayer the night before. Then on gameday, after meetings and prep, he tries to slip in a 30-minute nap to refresh. We will see if he manages nap time in the busy NFL Sunday.

Asked what it means to have played in front of their families over the years, Trice said that seeing his Mom in the stands nearly makes him tear up. His Mom did allot for him and his siblings and is so happy, that motivates him to be great for her and the people around him and God.

Ruke asked his family not to come his freshman year at Clemson as he did not play and was mad about it. Parents still came, they were just happy to see him in his jersey on the sideline. That gave him inspiration and now gives him extra energy to play.

Penix talked about the many sacrifices his parents made and he has to pay them back, on the field and as a man. He always looks for his parents in the stands and knows that it is a true blessing to be able to play.

Penix is excited to work with Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson and Quarterback Coach TJ Yates. They both have great personalities. Penix loves being in a QB room with coaches that can relate to you, your position and experience of being a rookie in the league. They are going to ensure Penix gets to where he wants to be.

Ruke is excited to play with Jarrett, he noted “it’s crazy, been watching film on him since freshman year and now I to get to soak up the knowledge from him directly.”

Trice played for new Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Lake when Lake was the head coach of U of W. Trice called Lake as soon as he got drafted saying, “Let’s turn it up.” Trice knows Lake’s style of coaching and how he leads a team. Lake knows how to flip the switch, be nasty and get everyone in same mindset.

Having come from the latest national championship contender, Penix said the major change is that this is your job now. In college, you have classes and football, here, football is everything. While you have more time to learn, you need to watch the veterans, they won’t tell or teach you everything, so you have to notice the small things and better your game on your own.

Clemson and U of W have been pumping guys into the league lately and Trice and Ruke have many resources to reach out to for assistance and questions. Clemson being D Line U, Ruke reached out to former teammates like Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins who are always willing to provide advice, no question is a dumb question and Ruke has appreciated that.

Although everyone’s time in Atlanta has been limited, mostly at Flowery Branch, Trice noted that the folks around are always so nice and welcoming and trying to have conversations vs. many places, people don’t even look up to speak. Ruke is very familiar and knows the lay of the land and is planning to take the guys to all the good restaurants, “I like to eat” he says with a big smile.

If they could be as good at another sport as they are at football, Penix would be a golfer. He just started playing recently and isn’t that good, but gets really happy when he gets the ball on the green. It is a good sport that you can play for a long time. Ruke said he is already good at basketball, so he would do baseball, that is where the big bank is. Trice played tennis for 6 years and was pretty good, so he would continue tennis. It provides lots of cardio and movement and is addicting when you are good at it. Arch is concerned about starign Trice down across the tennis net, but is excited to tell Penix about all the great local golf courses.

And finally, the big question….what is your WHY?

Penix has two younger brothers and they have been looking up to him from a very young age. He noticed at 14, his brothers would come home from school talking about what their friends had said about him. He realized that his brothers were going to copy him, so he needed to be great on the field and a role model off the field. He wanted to show them that you can be strong and overcome adversity. Even though they are spread across the country, he wants to show them, every time he steps on the field, what they can also become, that adversity comes to everybody, but adversity can’t stop you.

Ruke plays for the shear love of the game. He loves every aspect, when your “legs are heavy, drives me to grind harder.” “If love and respect the game, it will love you back.”

Trice does it all for Mom. She set him up for success, sacrificed for him. He wants to take care of her. He loves the game, but first, plays for Mom.

All of the guys are super excited to step into and out of the tunnel for the first time, come onto the field, see the fans, the stadium view. Penix said he is excited to see the fans, run on the field and WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP.

We are with you Penix, we are with you.

#RISEUP #DIRTYBIRDS

FALCONALLEY OWT