After being kept off the field for most of last season due to an injury, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett in a press conference said he’s glad to be back at Flowery Branch and is ready to get back to work.
“I feel like I’m in a really good spot,” he said. “Feeling confident out on the field and just putting myself in position to be ready to compete in training camp.”
Jarrett’s journey to this point started when he suffered a torn ACL in the eighth game of last season against the Tennessee Titans. That forced him off the field and on the injured list for the entire season.
Jarrett said his goal is to be ready to go for Falcons training camp later this summer, although it may be more measured for him due to his recovery. He added that the process of recovery, including just doing the simple things in life was difficult.
“[It] was a challenge and an eye opener only because you know you can take the little things for granted,” he said. “Like going to the restroom without help, getting in and out of a car. Being put in that position really just gave me another fire just to get back to just function.” He told the press that spending time with family and staying focused on getting back to football helped keep his spirits up during his recovery.
Jarrett called new head coach Raheem Morris “a great leader of men” who connects well with all of the players on the team. “I believe that he’s the right guy to get us where we want to be and we want to play championship football around here,” he said, adding that the goal of winning championships comes with a lot of work that needs to be collectively done to make those goals happen.
Jarrett says he’s doing his part to improve the team by taking the rookies on the team under his wing and mentoring them.
Jarrett says he hasn’t forgotten the support he’s received from the team and fans during his recovery.
“[I’m] really just thankful for everybody that’s been in my corner to get me to this point and continue to get me back to full strength,” he said.