Evans signs with Falcons | Unsplash
Evans signs with Falcons | Unsplash
A.J. Terrell is ready for his close-up as the new face of the Atlanta Falcons.
"I came in holding myself responsible," Terrell told AtlantaFalcons.com. "As guys come in and come out (of the building), my role becomes bigger. I have more experience under my belt, and I'm just feeding it into the younger guys."
Terrell has covered plenty of ground since being drafted by the Falcons as the No. 16 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, a night when fans loudly booed his selection, seeing it as a lack of good judgment by the front office.
This offseason, Terrell has made such appearances as taking part in a promotional shoot for the team's throwback red helmet reveal, throwing out the first pitch at an Atlanta Braves game and appearing as the Golden Spike hitter at an Atlanta United game.
It’s a still-emerging status that the Atlanta native has well-earned, finishing last season with an 85.6 coverage grade, per PFF. On the year, Terrell was targeted only 66 times while allowing just 29 receptions by opponents for an average of 6.9 yards a catch. The Athletic’s Diante Lee recently listed him and Chase Young as the only "hits" of the 2020 defensive draft class.
"All of that stuff is sweet, but it comes from hard work, trust in the guys, guys trusting in me," Terrell said. "Putting in (work) over time and having fun with it."
Terrell reflects there is still plenty more he wants to accomplish, including becoming more of a vocal leader in the locker room this season.
"I'm really just focusing on me,” he said. “As I am focusing on me, things take care of themselves. So, why not look at it that way? Just holding myself accountable and keeping it that way is what I am supposed to do."
Alerts Sign-up