Leonard Floyd's Homecoming: Falcons' Pass Rush Revival Fueled by Family Ties and Championship Ambitions

A Homecoming with Emotional Impact

Before the official announcement of his signing with the Atlanta Falcons, veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd made one crucial phone call - to his mother, lifelong Falcons fan Chrishonda. Born in Chauncey, Georgia and a University of Georgia alumnus, Floyd's return to his home state carries profound personal significance.

"My mom was crying," Floyd revealed at his introductory press conference. "She was way more excited than me from the phone call. I told her, 'Ma, you got to calm down. They ain't even put it on TV yet.'"

Addressing a Critical Need

The Falcons' pass rush has struggled in recent seasons, finishing second-to-last in 2024 with just 31 sacks and a 28.1% QB pressure rate. Floyd's consistent production - averaging 9.7 sacks per season over his last five years - makes him an ideal solution.

Key Defensive Improvements Needed:

• Last player with 8.5+ sacks: Vic Beasley (15.5 in 2017)
• 2024 team sack total: 31 (31st in NFL)
• QB pressure percentage: 28.1% (31st)

Championship Pedigree and Familiar Faces

Head coach Raheem Morris, who previously worked with Floyd as Rams defensive coordinator during their Super Bowl LVI victory, emphasized the importance of defensive upgrades: "It starts with the people... shifting the focus to some of the defensive needs we have."

Floyd described Morris as "more like a brother" than a coach, citing their successful history together: "I had some of my best plays in L.A. with him. I won a ring with him."

The 'Smoking Gun' Mentality

With 66.5 career sacks, Floyd embraces his role as a pass-rush specialist: "When third-and-long comes up... Time to get the quarterback. That's why I show up."

Career Highlights:

• 2x seasons with 10.5 sacks (2020, 2023)
• Super Bowl LVI championship (1 sack, 5 tackles)
• 9.7 sack average over last 5 seasons

2025 Goals and Hometown Redemption

Floyd sets clear objectives for his Falcons debut: surpassing his personal best of 10.5 sacks and contributing to Atlanta's defensive resurgence. "It is a blessing, and I am going to go out and work hard for it," Floyd stated. "I'm ready to grab it by the horns."

Falcons fans, including Floyd's mother Chrishonda, will be counting on his proven pass-rush abilities to transform a defense that must improve to support the team's promising young offensive core of Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson, and Drake London.