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Falcons veteran Keith Smith arrested over suspended license: reports

Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith was arrested Wednesday for driving with a suspended driver’s license, but his agent said the issue stemmed from a miscommunication about a traffic ticket he received earlier in the year, according to reports. 

Smith, 31, was arrested in Atlanta on traffic charges after he was pulled over for an expired registration, the NFL Network reported. 

Keith Smith of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to a game against the Los Angles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Nov. 6, 2022, in Atlanta.  (Adam Hagy/Getty Images)

He was arrested after it was discovered he was driving with a suspended license. According to his agent, A.J. Vaynerchuk, Smith was unaware of the status of his license. 

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Vaynerchuk told NFL Network Smith was issued a speeding ticket earlier in the year and paid for it. A “miscommunication occurred,” and it was not until Wednesday’s traffic stop that Smith realized it was actually suspended. 

Atlanta fullback Keith Smith warms up prior to an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Oct. 30, 2022, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.   (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Falcons issued a statement regarding Smith’s arrest but declined to comment further. 

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“We are aware of a legal matter involving Keith Smith this afternoon and have been informed of its details. We will have no further comment at this time,” the statement said, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. 

A nine-year veteran, Smith was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft. 

Keith Smith of the Atlanta Falcons, left, is hit by Darius Slay (2) of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Sept. 12, 2021, in Atlanta.  (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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After four seasons in Dallas, he signed with the Raiders but was released after just one season. He signed with the Falcons in 2019 and signed a one-year contract extension in March. 

He has 33 career starts in 129 games and has totaled 35 receptions for 205 yards and 53 yards on the ground. 

Matt Ryan looks ahead to broadcasting career, hints at desire to play in 2023: ‘We’ll see what happens’

Veteran quarterback Matt Ryan recently revealed he will take on a new job during the 2023 NFL season in television broadcasting. 

The former longtime Atlanta Falcons quarterback will join CBS Sports as an analyst, but Ryan does not want anyone to think he has shut the door on his playing career.

During a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s NFL Radio, Ryan reflected on his career in the NFL and expressed excitement about his opportunity to step into a broadcasting role.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan watches play against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Nov. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

He also mentioned that “all the stars” would have to align for him to put a football uniform back on.

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“I don’t know,” Ryan said when asked what might prompt a return. “This situation, all the stars would have to [align]. I’ve just learned, at least during my experience in the 15 years I’ve played, to just not shut any doors.”

The 38-year-old seems to be taking things one day at a time.

“That’s really the decision behind that. Like I said, I’m excited to kind of take this next step and to move forward,” Ryan said. “But, at the same time, you never know what’s going to happen in this league. Anything can shake out, and so, we’ll see what happens.”

Matt Ryan of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium Oct. 23, 2022, in Nashville. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

After the Falcons’ failed pursuit of Deshaun Watson last offseason, Ryan requested a trade from the franchise that drafted him in the first round in 2008.

Ryan was sent to the Colts in exchange for a third-round pick and had, by far, the worst season of his career in 2022. He was benched two different times by two different coaches. He also suffered a shoulder injury during the season.

When he was on the field, he struggled with turnovers as he played behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league.

Ryan also has major financial reasons to keep the door open to ensure he collects the $12 million in guaranteed money the Colts owe after releasing him.

Matt Ryan of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium Dec. 4, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Ryan added that his experience with a TV crew for its postseason coverage helped him land his new opportunity.

“I had the opportunity after the season to go up and get in the studio with the crew on ‘NFL Today,’ and I had a blast doing it,” he said. “I really did. I enjoyed being up there with those guys, getting to talk ball beforehand, talk through the show, get on-air and talk a little bit. I really enjoyed that aspect of it,” Ryan said.

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“The opportunity they presented me with for next season — where it’s a combination of doing some things and getting in the studio and doing some work there, just to really get a feel for how all of this operates and to learn from so many of the professionals that they have there — it seemed like a good fit, and I’m excited about that.” 

Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Matt Ryan announces broadcasting career but clarifies he’s not retiring from NFL

Veteran NFL quarterback Matt Ryan is stepping into the broadcast booth, but he’s not hanging up his cleats just yet.

CBS Sports announced Monday that the longtime Atlanta Falcons signal-caller will join the network as a studio and game analyst for the upcoming season.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

“As one of the NFL’s marquee quarterbacks for the past 15 years, we’re thrilled to add Matt to our talented roster of NFL analysts,” Howard Bryant, executive producer and executive vice president for CBS Sports, said in a statement.

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“He has played the game at the highest level, including winning an MVP award and taking his team to the Super Bowl, and will bring a fresh perspective to CBS Sports. We look forward to Matt sharing his knowledge, insight and opinions with our viewers and bolstering our NFL coverage.”

Ryan, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts after one season, also made the announcement on Twitter but added that his new gig does not mean he’s done with his playing career.

Matt Ryan #2 of the Indianapolis Colts looks onward during warm-ups before his game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 2, 2022, in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

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“Excited to join the @NFLonCBS family! Looking forward to breaking down the game this season,” he said in a tweet. “P.S. – this is not a retirement post.”

Ryan, 37, played 14 seasons in Atlanta where he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and in 2016 was named league MVP, the same season he led the Falcons to the Super Bowl.

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He was traded to the Colts in 2022 in exchange for a third-round draft pick, starting 12 games. He was released after finishing the season with 3,057 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan speaks during a news conference at the NFL team’s practice facility in Indianapolis on March 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Ryan remains a free agent but will make appearances on CBS Sports as a game analyst as well as provide commentary on the “The NFL Today” and other shows across all network platforms.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

2023 NFL schedule release: 5 teams with the easiest docket

The 2023 NFL schedules have officially been released for all 32 teams, and as fans view which games they want to circle on the calendar, some teams are looking at their opponents knowing they have a real shot to pick up a good amount of wins to make the playoffs. 

Strength of schedule is determined based on the win percentage of projected opponents from the previous season, which usually provides a baseline for how hard, or in this case easy, wins are going to come by for each team in the NFL. 

While wins each week are, of course, tough through the four quarters, these five teams have it much easier than their counterparts in 2023. 

Let’s take a look, starting with the fifth-easiest schedule:

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Ryan Tannehill, #17 of the Tennessee Titans, makes an adjustment at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Nissan Stadium on Nov. 27, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

5. Tennessee Titans (.448 opponent win percentage in 2022)

Head coach Mike Vrabel and the rest of the Titans want to erase how their 2022 season ended, seven straight losses which knocked them out of the playoffs and had them finish 7-10. 

While they have some hard opponents to start the season – Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals and Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens in London – they have a stretch of the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts from Weeks 8-13, with many of those winnable games. 

The Falcons and Steelers have young quarterbacks with developing talent still on the roster, no more Tom Brady in Tampa Bay means big questions for what the Bucs will look like, and while Jacksonville is always a tough division opponent, Carolina and Indy will likely feature rookie quarterbacks in 2023. 

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Tennessee could do the same after drafting Will Levis, but this is still Ryan Tannehill’s offense at the moment and Derrick Henry still runs the football very well. Armed with Vrabel’s knack for a solid defense and the Titans will be looking for some revenge after flopping last season. 

4. Indianapolis Colts (.434)

The AFC South is a theme in this group, as the Colts get just what they need to start rebuilding under new head coach Shane Steichen, who comes over after a brilliant run with the Philadelphia Eagles as their offensive coordinator. 

Armed with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft, they selected Anthony Richardson out of Florida, surprising some but not when you view what Steichen has been able to do with a running quarterback like Jalen Hurts. 

Richardson may be a project, but he does not have the hardest schedule to go against in his rookie campaign. It is division opponents quickly with the Jags and Houston Texans in Weeks 1 and 2 followed by the Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, Titans and Jags again in that order. 

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson reacts after being chosen by the Indianapolis Colts with the fourth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

While those may be tough games, the Cleveland Browns, Saints, Panthers and New England Patriots are Weeks 7-10 before the bye week. None of those teams reached the playoffs in 2022. 

Indy finishes their season with the Steelers, Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders and Texans in the final four weeks as well. 

3. Houston Texans (.431)

Much like the Colts, the Texans will be hoping their new head coach-quarterback duo will result in positive steps in 2023. 

DeMeco Ryans is defensive-minded coming from the San Francisco 49ers, but C.J. Stroud out of Ohio State went No. 2 overall to hopefully be the team’s quarterback of the future. It did not hurt trading up to No. 3 overall either to take Will Anderson out of Alabama to add an elite rookie talent off the edge either. 

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The Texans have some fun pieces to watch, including cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and running back Dameon Pierce, and they will do so as another AFC South team with a favorable schedule. 

The Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Jaguars in Weeks 1, 2 and 3 will be tough sledding, but it opens up after that. Pittsburgh, Atlanta, New Orleans, Carolina and Tampa Bay will be the next five games (the bye week comes in Week 7), before facing the Bengals in Week 10. It does get a bit tough toward the end with the Titans in Weeks 15 and 17 as well as the Jets in Week 14. Also, worth noting that the Broncos (Week 13) and Browns (Week 16) could see vast improvements with better quarterback play in 2023. 

2. New Orleans Saints (.554)

Derek Carr, #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders, reacts at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 18, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Derek Carr joins a new team for the first time in his career and gets a good schedule to make his mark early. 

He has the weapons with Michael Thomas (if healthy), Chris Olave, and of course, Alvin Kamara in the backfield to get things going on offense in the Bayou. It will all start with the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, but the Panthers, Packers, Bucs, Patriots and Texans follow that. Those should be winnable situations for New Orleans. 

We saw how the NFC South shook out last season – the Bucs won the division with just an 8-9 record – so playing the Bucs, Falcons and Panthers twice this year are toss-ups the Saints hope to go their way. 

The Chicago Bears, who owned the worst record in the NFL last season, are also on the schedule. 

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1. Atlanta Falcons (.417)

The team with the easiest schedule in the NFL is the Falcons, and quarterback Desmond Ridder is being looked at to take a leap in his sophomore season. 

The Panthers and Packers begin the season at home, which are good matchups for Atlanta as those can go either way, at least looking on paper. The Lions will be tough, as will the Jags in London in Week 4. But the Texans, Commanders and Bucs follow the London game. 

Desmond Ridder, #4 of the Atlanta Falcons, scrambles with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2023 in Atlanta. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

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Much like the Saints, the Bears, Colts, and Texans grace the schedule, giving the Falcons a chance to make a push in a wide-open NFC South.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Titans’ rookie Peter Skoronski says Falcons coach repeatedly called him ‘boring’ during draft interview

Offensive tackle Peter Skoronski was one of the most sought-after 2023 draft prospects. 

NFL teams routinely do their due diligence before they decide to spend draft capital on players. Aside from evaluating a prospect’s on-the-field talent, teams conduct face-to-face interviews with players.

The Atlanta Falcons entered the offseason in search of an upgrade in talent along their offensive line and had interest in Skoronski. However, Skoronski’s awkward conversation with the Falcons brass during the scouting combine might have a played a part in why the team ultimately did not draft him.

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Peter Skoronski of Northwestern looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

“The head coach was on me the second I got in there,” Skoronski told The Athletic in reference to his conversation with Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.

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“I was giving them generic answers to their questions, and he said, ‘You’re really boring me right now. Your answers are so boring.’ The whole meeting, he kept looking at his computer. I was kind of laughing to myself and said, ‘Sorry, I don’t know what you want me to do. I’m answering you honestly.’”

Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77) blocks Purdue Boilermakers defensive end Jack Sullivan (99) during the college football game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Purdue Boilermakers on November 19, 2022, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Skoronski did have some positive experiences with other teams, including his pre-draft meeting with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

“I liked his energy,” Skoronski said of Vrabel. The Titans ended up selecting Skoronski with the No. 11 overall pick in this year’s draft.

“Everybody has been welcoming me, and just showing me around a little bit, which is cool. I’m getting a feel for the place, and it’s been great. This is going to be my place of work now, and I’m looking forward to it,” Skoronski said.

Offensive lineman Peter Skoronski of Northwestern speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Skoronski’s grandfather Bob Skoronski won five NFL championships.

Over the years, many players have commented on the surprising questions they were asked by coaches and general managers during the NFL Draft process. Some of the questions and remarks are meant to gauge how a player will respond.

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However, in some cases, the line of questioning was simply inappropriate. Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Dez Bryant received one of the more shocking questions from then-Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland.

During a pre-draft visit, Ireland asked Bryant whether his mother was involved in prostitution. Ireland later apologized, saying he had used “poor judgment.”

Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Lions trade Jeff Okudah, No. 3 pick from 2020 NFL Draft, to Falcons

The Detroit Lions have traded cornerback Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons for a fifth-round pick later this month.

Okudah was the third pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and was billed as far and away the top cornerback of that draft class.

The Ohio State Buckeye star was selected after Joe Burrow and Chase Young but has not lived up to his draft stock.

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Jeff Okudah of the Detroit Lions gets set against the Dallas Cowboys Oct. 23, 2022, in Arlington, Texas.  (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

He played in just 10 games in his first two seasons — nine in his rookie year and one in 2021 after rupturing his Achilles in the season opener.

Okudah started in 15 games last season and took his lone interception to the end zone for a pick-six. He made 73 tackles, 59 of them solo, and defended seven passes while forcing a fumble.

Jeff Okudah of the Detroit Lions reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Ford Field Oct. 30, 2022, in Detroit.  (Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

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The Lions beefed up their defense through free agency earlier this offseason, acquiring corners Emmanuel Moseley and Cameron Sutton and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

Okudah now joins fellow 2020 first-rounder A.J. Terrell, whom the Falcons selected at No. 16. The Falcons also signed Jessie Bates III earlier this offseason.

Jeff Okudah of the Detroit Lions celebrates an interception against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field Nov. 13, 2022, in Chicago.  (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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With Okudah entering his fourth year, the Falcons have until May to decide if they want to pick up his fifth-year option for the 2024 season.

NFL Draft 2022: Ex-coach June Jones breaks down QB class, reveals who he likes the most

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LAS VEGAS – Former NFL coach June Jones was spot on last year when he predicted Mac Jones would have immense success in his rookie season. He would lead the New England Patriots to a playoff appearance.

Jones, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and interim coach of the San Diego Chargers, told Fox News Digital in a recent interview he thinks most of the quarterbacks in this year’s class are “wait-and-see” type players. He said out of everyone, Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett was the one he liked the most.

“I think they’re all gonna be wait-and-see guys. I do think (Kenny Pickett) if he goes to the right team, I think he possibly could be (a starter),” Jones said. “I’m not high on (Sam Howell) from North Carolina. But Pickett I think has enough throwing ability and has been in a passing offense. … I think he may be able to jump up in there and get a chance anyway to play early.”

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June Jones as a coach of the Atlanta Falcons. (Getty Images)

Jones said he even was a bit interested to see how Ole Miss prospect Matt Corral was going to do. But while most experts have predicted he goes in the first round, Jones said he’d be surprised if that happened.

“The guy that I kinda like a lot and everybody is kind of now negative on is the Ole Miss guy, Matt Corral. I have to admit now they’re worried about things that don’t happen on the field. They’re talking about off-field, ‘Oh, maybe he’s in the clubs a little too much’ or whatever. But some of the best quarterbacks were in the clubs too much,” Jones said.

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Malik Willis of the Liberty Flames throws during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Malik Willis, out of Liberty, was another quarterback who NFL analysts had been interested in.

However, Jones sees him as a “project.”

“The guy that everybody is talking about, Malik Willis, I think is a project and I would be hard-pressed if I was somebody who is not real secure in my job to take him because he’s gonna be forced into playing. I think he’s a project,” Jones told Fox News Digital, adding he still thought Willis gets taken in the first round.

Jones expressed interest in Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe. The former Hilltoppers star will likely fall to the second or third day.

Bailey Zappe of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in action against the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium on Dec. 18, 2021 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

“I think there’s a couple down the line guys. The kid from Western Kentucky (Bailey Zappe), I think he’s the best guy. I think if he was 6-foot-3, he would probably be listed that way because he’s a better passer than all of them,” Jones said. “Athletically, he’s good enough to move around and create some stuff, too. But I really liked his accuracy down the field. He’s more accurate. I read some comments about him that some guys question his accuracy. Well, if you watched the film, there’s no question this guy can throw.

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“I kind of feel like how I felt about Mac Jones last year when nobody really thought he was the guy. Then all of a sudden everybody went back and reevaluated and found out he was one of those guys and New England was kinda lucky to get him.”

Jones hasn’t coached in the NFL since the 1998 season with the Chargers. He had successful runs in college with Hawaii and SMU and recently was the head coach of the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL in 2020 before the league shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kenny Pickett of the Pittsburgh Panthers during warmups for the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on Dec. 4, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Logan Whitton/Getty Images)

He told Fox News Digital he’s found success with CoachTube, a platform that provides online sports coaching and training from former college and professional coaches and players.

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Jones said the feedback has been “pretty unbelievable” and he’s gotten calls about his courses from coaches at all levels.

Julio Jones had ‘no clue’ he was on TV for infamous Shannon Sharpe interview

Was Julio Jones conned into revealing his trade wish on live TV? One NFL insider says so.

“I have it on good authority that Jones had no clue that he was on national TV when he said to FS1’s Shannon Sharpe, ‘I’m outta there’ two weeks ago, which led to his trade request becoming public,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported on Monday.

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The controversial call took place on the May 24 episode of “Undisputed,” and reportedly angered the Falcons front office. It was the first time Jones publicly said that he wanted out of Atlanta.

Earlier on Monday, Jones arrived in Tennessee via private jet following his trade from the Falcons on Sunday.

To acquire the 32-year-old wide receiver, the Titans sent a 2022 second-round draft pick and a 2023 fourth-round selection to the Falcons. In addition to Jones, Atlanta also gave up a 2023 sixth-round pick.

The blockbuster deal is still pending a physical, according to the Titans.

At the time of the interview, many speculated as to whether or not Jones knew he was on television. Sharpe called him out of the blue and didn’t explicitly tell him he was on TV until after his admission – though he said he wasn’t going to the Cowboys once he was clued in.

It came out not long after the call that Jones had requested a trade weeks earlier, and a deal to Tennessee was finalized over the weekend.

Leading up to the trade, multiple reports claimed New England, Seattle and Baltimore expressed interest in Jones. Yet no other team was willing to give up what Tennessee did to acquire the seven-time Pro Bowler, according to NBC Sports.

When it came down to negotiations, the Titans were reportedly the only team serious about taking on the remainder of Jones’ three-year, $38 million contract.

Tennessee solidified the deal by adding an additional pick during a Sunday morning call between Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and Titans GM Jon Robinson, NBC Sports reported.

Robinson told reporters Sunday that the Titans will be restructuring contracts to fit Jones’ contract under their salary cap. He added that both the team and Jones are mutually excited to get to work.

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“I just talked to Julio an hour ago, and he’s fired up to get here and start working with his new guys,” Robinson said.

“He gives us real multiplicity on offense. We’re high on [free-agent wideout] Josh Reynolds too, and imagine Julio, A.J. Brown and Josh Reynolds in the pattern, with Derrick Henry in the backfield. You pack the box for Derrick and, I mean, someone’s gonna be open for Ryan [Tannehill] to hit.”

Julio Jones says he’s ‘out’ of Atlanta during call with Shannon Sharpe on live TV

As trade rumors continue to swirl around Julio Jones leaving the Falcons, the former All-Pro wide receiver all but solidified that he won’t be playing in Atlanta when the 2021 NFL season kicks off.

During Monday’s “Undisputed” on FOX Sports, Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe called Jones during the live broadcast and asked him about his future with the Falcons, and if he would potentially join the Dallas Cowboys.

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“Oh man, no, I’m out of there, man,” Jones responded to Sharpe during the live broadcast.

Sharpe followed up, asking him where he would like to play.

“I want to win,” Jones fired back.

Following the appearance on “Undisputed,” NFL Network provided some clarity on the situation, confirming that Jones requested a trade from the Falcons a few months ago and the team agreed to listen to offers. 

ESPN followed with a report that Atlanta is seeking a first-round draft pick in exchange for Jones. However, people around the league don’t believe the Falcons will get that kind of compensation for him, according to the report.

A recent report surfaced from NBC Sports Boston that Jones wants to join the New England Patriots and play with quarterback Cam Newton.

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Last season, Jones only played in nine games due to injuries. He hauled in 51 receptions for 771 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Jones, a seven-time Pro Bowler, has led the league in receiving in 2015 and 2018, and when healthy, he continues to be one of the best players at his position.

Ex-college football star says he’s victim of Falcons minicamp hoax: ‘Thought it was a legit opportunity’

Juantarius Bryant did not hear his name called during the three-day NFL Draft earlier this month and was among those free-agent rookies trying to latch onto a team for the summer with hopes of making the starting roster come fall.

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However, the former Austin Peay defensive back revealed Saturday he was the victim of a hoax. He said someone posed as Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees and invited him to rookie minicamp during the week. The offer was too good to be true.

“I did not realize it was not a legit opportunity until I traveled to the facility for rookie minicamp check in on Wednesday, May 12. It’s most definitely one of the most embarrassing things that has ever happened to me and a very humbling experience,” Bryant said. “Just want to apologize to everyone in the Atlanta Falcons organization for the mix-up. I honestly thought it was a legit opportunity on my end.

“I do not know or understand why this happened, but I do know that everything happens for a reason. Yes, this was heartbreaking for me, but just another stepping stone that I am not afraid to admit or overcome. At the end of the day, this will not make or break me. I will still continue to fight for my dreams because I know it’s what I really want. I’m still striving and still in the best shape of my live. When the opportunity presents itself, I will be ready.”

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The Falcons have not commented on the alleged hoax.

Bryant was initially a walk-on player at Austin Peay and was redshirted his freshman year.

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He turned his career around and managed to make the First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference team in 2019. He had 242 tackles, eight passes defended, three forced fumbles and an interception in 43 career games with the Governors.