Tag: atlanta falcons football news

Former Georgia TE John Fitzpatrick makes Atlanta Falcons 53-man roster

Congrats, John!

Former Georgia tight end John Fitzpatrick, a 7th-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has made the Atlanta Falcons 53-man roster.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch5VCZzP0eu/

Fitzpatrick made a name for himself in the trenches as an in-line blocking tight end at Georgia. The Atlanta native played four seasons in Athens, recording 17 catches for 200 yards and one touchdown.

Fitzpatrick joined our podcast ‘UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton’ this spring to talk about his experience playing through two broken feet to finish out the Bulldogs championship season.

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Former Georgia punter makes Atlanta Falcons roster

Former Bulldog Nizialek will punt for the Falcons this season.

Former Georgia punter Cameron Nizialek has made the Atlanta Falcons final 53-man roster.

Nizialek signed with the Falcons this offseason after a stint with the Atlanta Legends of the American Alliance football league and the Baltimore Ravens.

Nizialek battled with former Wake Forest punter Dom Maggio for the team’s punting duties during camp before ultimately winning the job.

Aug 13, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons punter Cameron Nizialek (6) kicks against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Nizialek transferred to Georgia from Columbia University in 2017, won the starting job and went on to boast UGA’s best net punting average (45.0) since Drew Butler in 2009 (48.1).

Jan 8, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs punter Cameron Nizialek (92) makes a field goal attempt during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2018 CFP national championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Butler took to Twitter to congratulate the fellow Bulldog.

Nizialek and the Falcons will take on the Philadelphia Eagles at home in week-one on Sept. 12 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Todd Gurley breaks UGA RB in the NFL record

Atlanta Falcons RB Todd Gurley set the record for most touchdowns by a former Georgia Bulldog running back in the NFL

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This past Monday night, Todd Gurley set the record for most touchdowns by a former Georgia Bulldog running back in the NFL. Gurley scored two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers to bring his career total to 62 rushing touchdowns.

Georgia Bulldog legend Herschel Walker is second on the list with 61 career NFL touchdowns. Not far behind is UGA and Denver Broncos great Terrell Davis (60 TDs). This is an impressive accomplishment, especially considering that Todd Gurley is only 26 years old.

Gurley also has a dozen career receiving touchdowns. He currently has the 46th most rushing touchdowns in NFL history. Emmitt Smith has the most rushing touchdowns in NFL history at 164.

Todd Gurley’s career high in rushing touchdowns (17) came in 2018 with the Los Angeles Rams.

It is not all good news for Gurley. Unfortunately, the Atlanta Falcons have started the season 0-4. Despite the poor record for the Falcons, Gurley’s career accomplishments deserve recognition.

Gurley ran for 36 rushing touchdowns during his career at the University of Georgia. Only Nick Chubb (44) and Herschel Walker (49) ran for more touchdowns at Georgia than Gurley. Lars Tate scored 36 career rushing touchdowns as well.

Stat is originally per Dave McMahon:

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Georgia football play of the day

Watch the Georgia football play of the day.

It’s Friday, July 24 and today’s play of the day comes from the book of clean old fashioned hate – Georgia versus Georgia Tech in 2013.

One of the most exciting games of the classic series, the 2013 matchup featured 75 points and a walk-off touchdown in the second overtime. Georgia star running back Todd Gurley had a monster game, scoring three touchdowns, two of those in overtime.

After Tech’s turnover on downs, it was Georgia’s turn in the second overtime – any points would win the game for the Bulldogs.

First-and-10 from Georgia Tech’s 25-yard-line, Gurley takes an inside hand-off and beats the defense to the end zone for the score and the Georgia win.

Watch it here:

 

 

Falcon’s GM comfortable with former Georgia star Todd Gurley’s knee injuries

Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff talks about newly signed former Georgia football running back Todd Gurley’s knee injuries.

Atlanta Falcons beat reporter Kelsey Conway recently spoke to the franchise’s general manager Thomas Dimitroff about newly signed running back Todd Gurley.

The former Georgia Bulldog recently signed a one-year contract worth $6m with the Falcons after being released earlier this year by the L.A. Rams.

Gurley was a two-time All-Pro in L.A. but after issues with arthritis in his previously injured left-knee, the team decided to move on from the 24-year old.

Unlike the Rams, the Falcons do not seem to be worried about Gurley’s injury history.

Dimitroff said:

He really takes care of his body well. We feel very comfortable with it. He’s a hard-charging runner and we’re counting on him being an excellent player for us.

Gurley being on just a one-year deal creates an easy out for Atlanta if he can’t meet expectations in 2020, but Falcons and UGA fans hope the Bulldog great can bounce back with a great season for Atlanta.