The Falcons’ decision to draft Bijan Robinson, a running back, over Jalen Carter and other prospects will be heavily scrutinized until one side is proven right.
Atlanta’s new regime saw Robinson, the prospect, as an offensive weapon, not just a running back. His value on the field is obvious; anyone who watches him says he’s special. However, what sold the club on the Texas product was Bijan Robinson, the person.Â
Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith have raved about his character and other intangibles since draft night, and his thought process behind choosing #7 adds to that golden boy mystique.
“My reason was, it’s biblical, my faith is the biggest thing for me,” Bijan said, via the team’s website.
After donning #5 as a Longhorn, Robinson had to choose a new number since Drake London owned it. He landed on one of the most legendary numbers in franchise history.
Robinson had to get permission from Younghoe Koo, which the Falcons kicker obliged. But the young man took a step further and asked the greatest #7 in club history — Michael Vick.
“I asked Younghoe, even Vick,” Bijan said, via the team’s website.. “It’s big because there’s legendary dudes in this program that have worn it the right way. If I can just carry it on, that would be more of a blessing. … Hopefully we can talk about some special stuff in the future with it.”
A lot of Falcons still consider Mike Vick the greatest quarterback in team history, which is undoubtedly a wrong opinion but understandable. He was the most electric player in the game for a stretch and was one of the most marketable players in Atlanta sports history.
Some fans still contend the number should be retired even though no Falcons player has ever had his number retired. It couldn’t have gone to a better successor.
Bijan Robinson will absolutely live up to the number, not only because of his physical talent but, more importantly, because his character will ultimately lead to success in Atlanta. He’s a class act and will soon be the face of this franchise.
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Photographer: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire
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