Latest news with #AtlantaFalcons'
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Dirty birds? Kirk Cousins ‘misled' by Falcons drafting QB in 2024
Kirk Cousins believed he had all the facts and with no reason to doubt the Atlanta Falcons' vision with him as the centerpiece of a new offense, he signed a four-year, $180 million contract in March 2024. Weeks later, Cousins felt entirely different about the situation when the Falcons shocked the NFL -- Cousins included -- and used the No. 8 overall pick to select Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Most pundits projected Penix would be selected in the late first round or early second with an average of 25th to 35th overall. Cousins said on the debut of the latest season of 'Quarterback' on Netflix that 'it certainly would've affected my decision,' knowing the Falcons would be drafting a quarterback that high in 2024. Two picks after the Falcons selected Penix, the Minnesota Vikings used one of their two first-round picks to draft J.J. McCarthy. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, said he felt 'a little bit misled' by the Falcons. 'I had no reason to leave Minnesota with how much we loved it there if both teams are going to be drafting a quarterback high,' Cousins said on the show. 'But I've also learned in 12 years in this league that you're not entitled to anything. It's all about being able to earn your spot and prove yourself.' Cousins said he made the 'best decision' he could about his own health last season when, after a 6-3 start, he suffered a shoulder injury and attempted to play through the pain. He admitted on the documentary the move was more about preserving his starting job than self-preservation, fearing he would not reclaim the starting role if he tapped out for a week or two to fully heal. Instead his performance suffered, Atlanta's offense lagged and head coach Raheem Morris ultimately put Cousins on the pine in favor of Penix. 'I remember reading Drew Brees' book back in 2010 when he first wrote it, how he made the point that he tried to never let his backup see the field -- even if it was somebody who was really no threat. He just felt like you should never do that. Doug Flutie taught him that,' Cousins said. 'So that was something I always was aware of, that in this league, if you give someone else the chance, if you want to get 'Wally Pipped' and there's Lou Gehrig behind you, that can happen at the time.' Cousins, 36, is now banking $27.5 million this season from Atlanta to be Penix's backup. He said he'll be 'an adult' but confessed it's painful to go to work as a reserve. 'I feel sorry for myself and it's hard to do, but that's what you got to do,' he said. Field Level Media 2025 - All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Watch: Falcons WR Drake London makes NFL Top 100 Players of 2025
The Atlanta Falcons' 2024 season ended in disappointment, but they saw growth from a handful of key players, including wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson. Both former top-10 picks were among the most productive players at their respective positions last year. London posted a career-high 100 catches for 1,271 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He finished his third NFL season ranked fourth in receiving yards, and ninth in both catches and touchdowns among wide receivers. Advertisement The former USC star played so well that he was voted onto the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025. In his first-ever appearance on the countdown, London landed at No. 97. Watch the full segment, as shared by the NFL's social media account below. WATCH: Drake London on NFL top 100 players of 2025 Robinson was perhaps even more impressive, rushing for the third-most yards of any running back last year (1,456 yards) while finishing fifth in touchdowns (14). As he enters his third NFL season, Robinson has firmly established himself among the most complete backs in the league. Expect the former Texas standout to also make his debut on the "NFL Top 100" this week. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London makes NFL top 100 players list
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'I'll do anything that isn't football': Atlanta Falcons star Kirk Cousins follows fearless mental health routine during NFL season
A surprising thing came out of the Atlanta Falcons' camp this week. While most NFL players spend every day getting ready for games, Kirk Cousins does something different. On Tuesdays, during the football season, he completely steps away from the game. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now No film, no meetings, and no playbook. Just rest. His reason isn't what many expected. It's not about skipping work or being lazy. In fact, it's part of a serious routine he's followed for years—one that might change how people think about recovery in pro sports. Kirk Cousins follows a weekly break from football every tuesday On June 24, 2025, during a press talk, Kirk Cousins confirmed he takes every Tuesday off during the season. He said, 'I'll do anything that isn't football.' This may be hanging out with family, doing a few errands, or just lounging. He said that at least eight years ago, he made the decision to take one full day off a week. It has since become a significant part of his career. Kirk Cousins is currently the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. His team works hard every week in practice,but for Kirk Cousins, one full day off helps his body and mind refresh. His message was simple—rest matters. He believes this pause helps him perform better in practice and games. Kirk Cousins shares how his tuesday breaks help his game and health Kirk Cousins said the routine helps him recover not just physically but mentally too. He explained that football takes a lot of focus, and without rest, it can wear players down. His Tuesday breaks are meant to clear his head. He also mentioned doing regular things like reading books, walking with his wife, and visiting local places. This part of his life became more public when it was shown in the Netflix series 'Quarterback.' In one scene, Kirk Cousins was seen enjoying a quiet day out, far from the football field. Many fans found it unusual—but also refreshing. Even though this practice is rare among NFL quarterbacks, Kirk Cousins says it works for him. And looking at his long and successful career, it just might be the break more players need. Also Read:
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bijan Robinson wants to play Olympic flag football: 'I would love to show my skill set on that type of stage'
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It's still very much an open question which NFL players will suit up for Team USA in the flag football competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But if he makes the team — and if his coach allows it — Bijan Robinson is ready to serve. 'You always want to play for your country,' Robinson said Monday at the Atlanta Falcons' training camp, 'and I would love to show my skill set on that type of stage.' Advertisement With the news last month that NFL owners approved players' participation in Olympic flag football, speculation has run wild about the possibilities of, say, Derrick Henry crushing a bunch of Frenchmen or Justin Jefferson mossing the entire nation of Japan. Now, as NFL players return to camp from their offseasons, many are embracing the idea of possible Olympic glory. 'It's going to come down to our schedule and where it lies, and if they even let us go,' Robinson said. 'But I would love to play in that game if given the opportunity.' Several players, including Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford, have already publicly distanced themselves from the idea of playing flag football. Robinson, however, seems prepared to embrace pretty much anything, including his role as an ambassador of the game. Advertisement Over the weekend, he took in the Champions League final in Germany — a precursor to Atlanta's appearance in the NFL's International Series later this year — and found time to check out some of his potential competition at a flag football camp. 'They had all these kids in Germany playing flag football, and playing well,' Robinson said. 'So that made me happy, to see they are very enthusiastic about it.' Robinson even got in the mix himself, chasing down some players, and came away impressed with the German players' speed — 'They could be really good in the next two years when the Olympics comes.' When asked if he got juked, he politely smiled, as if to say, Are you serious? Advertisement As a high schooler in Arizona, Robinson grew up playing flag football in the offseason, and he noted how popular the sport is across the country. Which brings up another point in the NFL players-suiting-up debate — there's already a pretty robust flag football infrastructure in place. Darrell Doucette III, for instance, has led the United States to the past four global flag football championships, and isn't quite as keen as everyone else that the NFL is thundering onto his turf. 'The flag guys deserve their opportunity. That's all we want,' Doucette told the Washington Post last month. 'We felt like we worked hard to get the sport to where it's at, and then when the NFL guys spoke about it, it was like we were getting kicked to the side.' Bijan Robinson has played plenty of flag football, including at the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games. (Photo by) (Perry Knotts via Getty Images) Robinson, for his part, takes a diplomatic stance on the matter. 'Obviously, there's a lot of great flag football players out here, and that's all they play,' he said. 'They're very specific. You have guys that can be running with the football and they can get this low to the ground—' at this he stops and crouches just inches above the practice turf— 'just not get touched. No NFL player is doing that, or trying to do that, at least.' Advertisement There's a whole lot of football — three full seasons, to start — between now and the 2028 Olympics. Robinson may or may not get his wish to join the team, but he sounds interested to watch where the sport goes next, regardless of his involvement. 'I'm just excited to see how much it grows up to that point,' he said. 'If (head coach) Raheem (Morris) lets me go, I'll do it.'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bijan Robinson wants to play Olympic flag football: 'I would love to show my skillset on that type of stage'
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It's still very much an open question which NFL players will suit up for Team USA in the flag football competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But if he makes the team — and if his coach allows it — Bijan Robinson is ready to serve. 'You always want to play for your country,' Robinson said Monday at the Atlanta Falcons' training camp, 'and I would love to show my skillset on that type of stage.' Advertisement With the news last month that NFL owners approved players' participation in Olympic flag football, speculation has run wild about the possibilities of, say, Derrick Henry crushing a bunch of Frenchmen or Justin Jefferson mossing the entire nation of Japan. Now, as NFL players return to camp from their offseasons, many are embracing the idea of possible Olympic glory. 'It's going to come down to our schedule and where it lies, and if they even let us go,' Robinson said. 'But I would love to play in that game if given the opportunity.' Several players, including Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford, have already publicly distanced themselves from the idea of playing flag football. Robinson, however, seems prepared to embrace pretty much anything, including his role as an ambassador of the game. Advertisement Over the weekend, he took in the Champions League final in Germany — a precursor to Atlanta's appearance in the NFL's International Series later this year — and found time to check out some of his potential competition at a flag football camp. 'They had all these kids in Germany playing flag football, and playing well,' Robinson said. 'So that made me happy, to see they are very enthusiastic about it.' Robinson even got in the mix himself, chasing down some players, and came away impressed with the German players' speed — 'they could be really good in the next two years when the Olympics comes.' When asked if he got juked, he politely smiled, as if to say, Are you serious? As a high schooler in Arizona, Robinson grew up playing flag football in the offseason, and he noted how popular the sport is across the country. Which brings up another point in the NFL players-suiting-up debate — there's already a pretty robust flag football infrastructure in place. Darrell Doucette III, for instance, has led the United States to the past four global flag football championships, and isn't quite as keen as everyone else that the NFL is thundering onto his turf. Bijan Robinson has played plenty of flag football, including at the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games. (Photo by) (Perry Knotts via Getty Images) 'The flag guys deserve their opportunity. That's all we want,' Doucette told the Washington Post last month. 'We felt like we worked hard to get the sport to where it's at, and then when the NFL guys spoke about it, it was like we were getting kicked to the side.' Advertisement Robinson, for his part, takes a diplomatic stance on the matter. 'Obviously, there's a lot of great flag football players out here, and that's all they play,' he said. 'They're very specific. You have guys that can be running with the football and they can get this low to the ground—' at this he stops and crouches just inches above the practice turf— 'just not get touched. No NFL player is doing that, or trying to do that, at least.' There's a whole lot of football — three full seasons, to start — between now and the 2028 Olympics. Robinson may or may not get his wish to join the team, but he sounds interested to watch where the sport goes next, regardless of his involvement. 'I'm just excited to see how much it grows up to that point,' he said. 'If (head coach) Raheem (Morris) lets me go, I'll do it.'
