FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- This offseason, Bijan Robinson, the star running back for the Atlanta Falcons, embarked on a global journey, visiting Japan, Dubai, and Germany. However, one of his most impactful trips was a domestic visit to Brooklyn, New York, where he attended a boxing match with his head coach, Raheem Morris.

A Unique Bonding Experience

Robinson and Morris flew together to watch the much-anticipated bout between Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Lamont Roach at the Barclays Center. This outing provided a rare opportunity for the two to connect on a personal level during a typically hectic offseason.

"It was sick, man," Robinson shared after a Falcons practice. "Me and [Morris] got to bond, and he got to know who I was more as a person, as I did him."

Insights into Morris’s World

Morris, who grew up in New Jersey and played football at Hofstra University, brought along some of his lifelong friends, offering Robinson a glimpse into his past.

"I have a cool friend group, I think. But he has them dudes [that] are wild. They're super funny, they're super, super sweet people. But you can tell when they're together it's all jokes, endless jokes," Robinson said. "And then you can just tell that they all grew up together. So that love is always there, and it's just cool to see where he came from and who he is."

Leadership and Growth

Robinson, 23, has expressed a desire to step up as a leader this season. Last year, he emerged as one of the NFL's top running backs, ranking third in rushing yards (1,456) and tied for third in rushing touchdowns (14).

"I think Bijan makes everybody better around him as a person, as a leader," said Pro Bowl right guard Chris Lindstrom. "If you're having a bad day, Bijan is putting a smile on your face. If you need a pick me up, he's there to give you a hug. So, he's special in that sense."

Morris noted that Robinson’s leadership has expanded from the running back room to the entire offense, including second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and now to the rest of the team.

On-Field Focus

On the field, Robinson is concentrating on creating more explosive plays. Among the top five players in rushing yards last season, Robinson had the fewest runs of 20 or more yards (5) and zero runs of 40 or more yards. In contrast, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, who led the league in rushing (2,005 yards), had 17 runs of 20 or more yards and seven that exceeded 40 yards.

Robinson has been dedicating his offseason to improving his explosiveness, incorporating drills and sprinting 100 yards to prepare for a season with more long runs.

"We are all waiting for that Saquon type of season for when it comes to explosives," Robinson said. "But I've been working on it a lot this offseason and obviously when it gets to the season, it's time to go show it and go do the work the right way."

Building Trust and Chemistry

Robinson is fully aware of the importance of the bond he’s building with Morris and his friends.

"It's huge," Robinson emphasized. "If you can build chemistry with your coach and if he can obviously create trust in you on and off the field, I mean, that's huge for you as a player."

This unique bonding experience at a boxing match has not only strengthened the relationship between Robinson and Morris but also set the stage for a promising season ahead for the Atlanta Falcons.