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Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > December > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJohn Abraham erases “bad guy” image
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch - It was easy to lose track of the number of times John Abraham limped off the field last week in Minnesota, only to return moments later. The injury report says, “Thigh.” But pick a body part.
“You don’t look so good,” somebody said to him after the Vikings game, as he struggled to dress.
“I’m still alive — that’s all that matters,” he said.
Imagine that. John Abraham, playing through injuries. John Abraham, thinking of a team and not his ego, thinking of a playoff berth and not his contract. What would they think in New York? What happened to that guy who was vilified for sitting out playoff games in 2004? (He said he had a bad knee. They suggested he was more concerned about his next contract.) What came of the brooding soul who grew so tired of the criticism that he started mocking them by having attack words stitched on hats?
“Bad Guy.”
“Overrated.”
“Selfish. Me Me Me.”
Today, Abraham laughs.
“I had some crazy hats,” he said. “I just wanted people to get off my back. People would say, ‘He’s selfish,’ so I thought, OK, and rather than say something back, I’ll just put it on a hat.’ I can’t be that bad, but you wouldn’t know it. I got into one situation in New York and suddenly I was the worse person ever. I had a DUI. Twenty-three years old. I did a stupid thing. Six years there and they were still talking about that. Is there anything else? Nothing about the Pro Bowls? Just, ‘He got a DUI three years ago. He’s a troubled guy.’”
He can recount this without anger. It tells you he has let it go. He has set a Falcons record for sacks in a season (16 1/2) despite playing on a relatively obscure defense in which he is the focus of opponents’ protection schemes. It speaks to his talent. He limped back in against the Vikings so he could sack Tarvaris Jackson and help the Falcons secure their first post-season berth. It screams something about his motivation.
“We’ve got to win, and I know I’m a big key to winning,” he said. “Everything that hurts feels better when you win.”
The Falcons acquired Abraham from the Jets in 2006. They gave him a six-year, $45 million contract. But nobody could really be sure what the Falcons were getting: An impact pass rusher, or an injury-prone end with a less than pristine image.
Abraham looked forward to being a Falcon. It gave him a fresh start. It got him back to the South (he grew up in Timmonsville, S.C.). But the nightmare only mutated. In 2006, a groin injury kept him out half the season, the Falcons slid to 7-9 and Jim Mora became bipolar. In 2007, Abraham stayed healthy most of the season, but everything else was a spectacular disaster. Michael Vick, Bobby Petrino, 4-12.
“It was tough, because everything I came here for was leaving - the coach, the quarterback, everything,” he said. “This year has helped me a lot. It got me loving the game the way I used to. Loving to play the game, playing hurt, playing when you feel like you can’t play, wanting to put it all on the line. I got that back.”
The last time he felt like this?
“It’s been a while,” he said. “It’s been an up and down road for me in the last four or five years. This is the most stable year I’ve had in a long time.”
Abraham has had at least one sack in 10 of 15 games this year, had three sacks three times and totaled more this year than in his first two seasons as a Falcon combined (14). Somehow, he wasn’t picked for the Pro Bowl.
He admits he was upset about it for two days. Now? “There’s another bowl I’d rather go to. It’s a little bigger than the Pro Bowl.”
The Falcons won’t use Abraham more than they have to against St. Louis. He could use the down time. As this subject came up, teammate Lawyer Milloy walked by.
“It’d be nice if he actually stayed in a game,” Milloy joked.
“Hey, 16 1/2 sacks,” Abraham said. “Imagine if I stayed in — I’d have 32.”
Nothing hurts when you win.
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By Barkin'Dog
December 25, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
John Abraham is a bad-a?? dude… in a great way. He has saved more than one game and he is all-pro in my book. I can’t wait to see what he does in the playoffs. Go Falcons… and Happy Holidays!!
By leland
December 25, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Mr. JS—you’ve put your finger on something significant here, I think. There’s this fellow who’s being paid more than seven million dollars a year ($7,000,000) playing well, trying hard and, besides that, going several years without an arrest. You ask me, there’s something noble about that. And it goes without saying that your perspicacity in seeing that nobility lifts you to an equal nobility. You and Abraham. Abraham and you. Paired peas. Paired peas in a pod. Your pal, Leland
By Vic Mackey
December 25, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
JS — that would be a very weird looking pea pod.
But I think he should get a double word score for using the word perspicacity on a blog. Wonder how many people are reading that and looking up the definition.
By Big MIKE
December 25, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Thank God for guys like John, he epitomizes what old school hit you in your mouth football is about, the intensity,effort and willingness to play though the pain is just a few of the wonderful in tangibles that make this guy special.I played in the Big Ten and, and know what real gut and glory guys are. John keep doing what you do and Canton will be calling your name.P.S. Mr.Schultz can we get the other J.A.[Jamaal Anderson} to please give us something so thi won’t be a one dimensional ‘D’.
By BirdDawg
December 25, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
They can’t stop him. Double team him or whatever, he still gets to the QB. Abraham is the MVP of the defense. Many of those sacks came at critical times when the D needed a stop.
By Dennis G. Berdanis
December 25, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
We love ya John! Thanks for coming to the Falcons.
By Greg
December 25, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
I can’t say enough about Abraham…and I hope he reads this. Ryan and Turner have been great, but he is actually, if you look at the tapes, the team’s MVP this year. He has saved our hides more than anyone. I want to know the answer to this mystery: I understand how he beats tackles with his speed moves/underneath moves/ spin moves. But I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW HE BEATS 350lb. TACKLES WITH BULL RUSHES! He must get them off balance somehow, but I swear I’ve seen him simply push these guys back (sometimes right into the quarterback). And he’s giving up about 98lbs. Amazing!
By Abraham is a beast
December 25, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
I am rooting for Abraham on every play! I love to watch this guy scare the heck out of opposing qbs. Keep it up John! Thanks for all you are doing!
By Tami
December 25, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
If the Falcons didn’t have Abraham, they might not be where they are this season. There’s nothing like a QB sack to kill an opponent’s scoring drive. Just when a team thinks they’ve got a TD within their grasp, here comes Abraham to instantly change the picture. He’s incredible. A terrific addition to this team, and it seems, a terrific guy.
By Brian Hunt
December 25, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
I completely agree with Greg. Abraham has been the team’s MVP. He’s the only player that has truly been irreplaceable. The drop off in the pass rush between him and his back ups is larger than the drop off in talent at any other position on the team.
By mahjk17
December 25, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
i still remember his first game as a falcon. man he was a monster against the panthers that day. since that game two years ago i say he is the best acqusition the falcons had in there history. he is the most under rated player in the league a lot like how joe johnson is in the nba.
By Klstreet
December 25, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Abraham is the man. Thank god he is with us to help anchor this defense.
By Mike
December 25, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
John Abraham is definitely the Falcon MVP. #55 always seems to make a big play at a critical time in the game, not to mention how he frees up some of the other guys to make plays. I have seen every Falcon season since 1966 and to me this team rates up there with Leeman Bennett’s 1980 and Dan Reeves’ 1998 teams. This team is probably more special because of the recent circumstances they have risen above. It’s no coincidence that Mike Smith brings back memories of ‘80 and ‘98. At this point, what coach would Falcon fans be willing to trade him for. I’ll take Smitty! GO FALCONS!
By crabapplejoe
December 25, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Yeah, our defense is a different/better defense when he is on the field. Just think if we hadn’t let Patrick Kerney get away from us over a few dollars. He and Abraham would have made a dynamic defensive end duo over the past few years.
By Stephen
December 25, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
John Abraham is the real deal and we Atlanta Falcons fans appreciate his efforts on the field each week. What he does to disrupt the opposing offenses is fantastic.
Hopefully via the draft and off-season acquisitions, we can get him some help on defense for next season.
However, in the meantime…GO FALCONS - KICK BUTT IN THE PLAYOFFS!!
By Tommy Maddox
December 25, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Get healthy! Stay healthy!
Tackle bad guys!!!
A professional for sure.
By lex luther
December 25, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
John Abraham is a man!!!! What if the falcons had another vicious defensive end on the other side where teams could not double team Abe? OH MY GOD!!! The Falcons defense is as good or better than any I’ve seen in all the 22 years I’ve been a falcon fan. Even the “Grits Blizz” had it’s share of lumps and the 98 squad was undersize as well. I say to hell with the critics, ABE,,do your thang MAN!!!!
By Dr. Warren
December 25, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Hail to the prophet John Abraham, who will bring this team to the Promised Land!
John, if you’re reading this, the Pro Bowl voters can shove it up their unholy *e*.
As for former Falcons teams, I was there to watch the Gritz Blitz of ‘77—lowest point total allowed in NFL history—and John and Boley are the only current Falcons who evoke that magical defensive squad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0a9ErSXS-s
By Dr. Warren
December 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Hail to the prophet John Abraham, who will bring this team to the Promised Land!
John, if you’re reading this, the Pro Bowl voters can shove it up their unholy *e*.
As for former Falcons teams, I was there to watch the Gritz Blitz of ‘77—lowest point total allowed in NFL history—and John and Boley are the only current Falcons who evoke that magical defensive squad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0a9ErSXS-s
By The Grinch
December 26, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
The first game of the 2006 season against Carolina when we had Abe, Coleman, Grady and Kerney was one of the most dominating performances by a d-line I’d ever seen. That was the one he tore his groin in at the end. Had we kept that line together, it might have set records. I seem to remember that it was the only d-line in NFL history to start four guys who’d had double digit sack seasons. Insane. If we were getting ANYTHING out of Jamal Anderson this year…well, no point in beating that horse. Abraham’s the man though; no doubt.
By Myrtle Beach
December 26, 2008 5:43 AM | Link to this
Nice story, Humphery was as good or better probably pretty close but i never saw Humphery come out of a game. They are going to have to add 50 lbs to Anderson and make him a DT, he has heart but a step slow with no moves then get someone to play the other side. Michael Johnson would be a good one to give a try but no guarantee he would be any better. Never know?
By HATinGA
December 26, 2008 5:49 AM | Link to this
With a name like Abraham (Biblical)what do you expect, to be fruitful and the sacks to multiply!!
By bucko
December 26, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this
it is so nice to see so many postive things about the FALCONS on the blog and see our players up there high in ratings. JA you are a blessing and I hope they get you some help next year. Go all the way FALCONS
By JERRY
December 26, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this
WHAT A GREAT YEAR FOR FALCON FANS. GOOD LUCK FALCONS IN THE PLAYOFFS AND THE SUPERBOWL.
By Bill
December 26, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
A great Gamecock!
By Marsha
December 26, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Abraham is one of my favorite players on the Falcons team. The Falcons could never have reached the heights they have reached this year without him. He is an unsung hero, and seldom gets the attention and the credit he deserves. I’m with the other poster, the Pro Bowl can shove it, hope Abraham and the Falcons make it to the best bowl, the Super one!!!
I love my Falcons, love Matt Ryan (what a QB, fantastic) and I am so proud that we can say that MV will NEVER play for our hometeam, ever again. Good riddance to trash.
By Previous Ryan Skeptic
December 26, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
I’m with you again crabapplejoe. I had the same thought after reading the article. Not taking away from John Abraham (he is a beast) but just imagine having Kerney AND Abraham. If that’s not scary for a QB to the second power then I don’t know what is! But as you can recall, Kerney left right when $%^& hit the fan. Anyways, that’s not here or there, however, we’ve seemed to manage well and that’s what matters. GO FALCONS!
By Claude Humphrey
December 26, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
John will be remembered as one of the all-time Falcon greats by the time he’s finished.
By Phil4real
December 26, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Great Post!!!
Abe has been great to watch. Much love to the coaching staff. The guys are enjoying playing the game again and playing hurt, means the staff is motivating and getting the job done. Keep up the great work Abe. Oh yeah, can you teach JA to be relentless.
PS.Kroy Bierman will be a probowler soon too.
By cb
December 26, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Abraham should have been selected to the Pro Bowl—last week the Vikings were witnesses. This week the Rams will get his undivided attention. It is a pleasure to see Abraham, Milloy, and the rest of the defense (Babineaux, Foxworth, Coleman, Lofton, and now Wire in particular) bring it EVERY PLAY! Not the most talented defense in the league but very well coached. The Falcons have won or been in contention in EVERY game this year because of the focus they have towards improving THEIR OWN PERFORMANCES—a true mark of professionalism. This focus on improvement is evident in every phase of the game: offense, defense, and special teams. I would like to thank the Falcons ORGANIZATION for this year—but it isn’t over yet. Stay focused! GO FALCONS!!!
By ginger
December 26, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
LOVE THIS MAN!!! Yeah John!! I was raised a Falcons Fan from the time I can remember. It was a matter of loyalty…I have been there through it all, I think my first words were Barkowski…and I’m a chick. This is the first team in a very long time(including the super bowl team) I can clearly claim to be very very proud of! It’s a team playing football!! Not a ghetto rat quarterback and a spineless coach!! Yippppeeee!!! GO FALCONS!! g
By mobetter than last year
December 26, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
i have been a falcon fan since mid 80”s my thing is next year it goes like this great, good, bad get 2or 3 yr of this winning now abe is a mad man, abookend,fine one more of book end next yr so we can have twopeatGO FAL CANS.THIS YR
By Jerry
December 26, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Kerney, Kerney, Kerney.
I watched him have some good games and I’ve also seen him get totally dominated. He got whipped more than he whipped.
Go Falcons
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 26, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
ABRAHAM WAY TO EARN YOUR MONEY
YOU ARE 72-MILLION UNDERPAID!
By Marsha
December 26, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
i live in a trailer park and i hate black people!!!!
By bravesfanbob
December 26, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
John Abraham not making the Pro Bowl is the worst thing I have seen this NFL season. He’ll make that point known in the playoffs, everytime he gets up off of the opposing quarterback’s carcus. GO FALCONS!
By Rock Preston
December 26, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Jeff, you need an image makeover. Stop judging people!!!!
By Marsha
December 26, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
CHRISTMAS THANK YOU
——THOSE THAT EARNED THEIR PAY———
BAILING OUT LEAF, YOUR NAME IS WHITE
LEAF’S ARM SO WEAK, COULDN’T FLY A KITE.
RUNNING SO HARD, YOUR NAME IS TURNER;
YOU ARE THE MVP, YOU ARE TRULY A BURNER.
THE MAN ABRAHAM, YOU ARE A BEAST;
ON OPPOSING QBS, YOU LOVE TO FEAST.
THE MAN NORWOOD, GREAT CHANGE OF PACE;
RUNNING SO FAST, YOU’D WIN ANY RACE.
A SPECIAL “BUST” MOMENT
72-MILLION, YOU STOLE THE DOLLARS;
VIKES HIT YOU SO HARD, MADE YOU HOLLER.
ARM SO WEAK, CAN NEVER GO DEEP;
SHORT SLANTS, IS HOW YOU REAP.
WITHOUT WHITE AND TURNER, YOU’D BE DONE;
EVEN AGAINST DETROIT, YOU’D HAVE NONE.
AGAINST TOP 10-Ds, NOWHERE TO BE FOUND;
FACE IN THE TURF, YOUR HEAD WOULD POUND.
TUCKING & RUNNING, YOU WERE A JOKE;
IN THE REDZONE, YOUR ARE “MR” CHOKE.
COMES 1/20/09, THE END OF THE HYPE;
MV7 HEADLINES, ON ESPN AND ALL NEWS TYPES.
FILLING THE DOME, THAT IS A MUST;
MAKING ART MONEY, CAN’T AS A BUST!
—-FROM YOURS TRULY——-
…..THE ONE AND ONLY……..
VICK SUPPORTER 2
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 26, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
GOOD TRY MARSHA
GO CAROLINA (GOD’S TEAM)!
By Exodus Mentality
December 26, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
@ crabapple, Kerney was the man when he was a Falcon. He had the exact same non-stop motor than Abraham has. And Bierman deserves Jamal Anderson’s spot after working hard all game against the Vikings and having to chase Tavaris Jackson all up and down the field.
You’ll see me in the #55 jersey every game day throughout the post season. It’s one I’ll be proud to wear even when big John moves on out of here.
By John
December 26, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Please go home marsha, we dont have the time to listen to bored housewives with stupid a$$ rhymes.
By Wifey
December 26, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
The man is awesome….he has a great attitude on and off the field. I was impressed when I first met him and i am more impressed now….being a TRUE football I know when someone has passion for the game …..and John Abraham has the passion and true love for Football…GO FALCONS….
By Ssgreeno
December 26, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
John Abraham is worth every penny they pay him and more. What a special player he is! And what a ride we fans have had this year! I’ve loved it. Now we have a Real NFL team, and not just one or two stars.
By loanman
December 26, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
John: You are loved and respected. I spend half off the game screaming at the refs to call the all the holds and “tackles” on you. Yes, tackles!!!! They hold you long enough to tackles you and the refs still don’t call it. Yet, you maintain your composure. I couldn’t do it!!!
Dear Falcons, get John some help.
And, by the way, I am tired of watching Keith Brooking chase plays down the field most of the game. How about getting someone who is fast enough to get into the backfield and cover backs.
By loanman
December 26, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
John: You are loved and respected. I spend half off the game screaming at the refs to call the all the holds and “tackles” on you. Yes, tackles!!!! They hold you long enough to tackles you and the refs still don’t call it. Yet, you maintain your composure. I couldn’t do it!!!
Dear Falcons, get John some help.
And, by the way, I am tired of watching Keith Brooking chase plays down the field most of the game.
How about getting someone who is fast enough to get into the backfield and cover backs?
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 26, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
PRAY FOR A “CHICAGO” TEAM
———VIKINGS HAD————-
…..COUNT THEM (5) TURNOVERS……
——————AND——————-
THE FINAL SCORE WAS………..
ATL…..24
VIKES…..17
————-AND—————-
THEY WERE MISSING THEIR PRO BOWL RUN STOPPER WHO MISSED THE 1ST GAME, BUT NOT THE PLAYOFF UPCOMING GAME……
JUST IMAGINE A BIG “GRADY” JACKSON BUT WITH PRO BOWL CALIBER TALENT NOT IN THE GAME FOR ATLANTA……
————CHECK THIS OUT—————
THE VIKES WILL NOT TURN THE BALL OVER LIKE THEY DID IN THE 1ST GAME……AND
ADRIAN PETERSON WILL BE VER MOTIVATED THIS TIME AROUND………
PAT WILLIAMS WILL SHUT DOWN TURNER EVEN MORE THAN THE FIRST GAME (70 YARDS) AND WE ALL SAW HOW RYAN WAS MANHANDLED AND TAKEN OUT OF GAME AFTER THAT BONE CRUSHING HIT IN THE POCKET….
————-LET’S NOT FORGET———-
THAT PATHETIC ATTEMPT TO LOOK LIKE MV7 RUNNING FOR THE GOAL LINE……
THAT WAS HILARIOUS :)
WHY WOULD AN INTELLIGENT QUARTERBACK RISK THE TEAM’S SEASON ON A “SELFISH” RUNNING PLAY…….
——-THAT WAS NOT————-
READING THE DEFENSE…..NOR VERY INTELLIGENT…………
SO YES, THE BIRDS BETTER PRAY THEY DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL TO THE METRO DOME FOR A 2ND TRIP…..IT WILL SURELY BE AN EARLY EXIT…….BUT
————-CHECK THIS OUT—————
MV7 TOOK THE BIRDS TO THE PLAYOFFS IN BOTH 2002 & 2004 AND THEY ADVANCED IN BOTH SEASONS…….SO
————IF THIS TEAM IS 1 & DONE————
THAT CAN ONLY MEAN ONE THING…….
BUST—-BUST—-BUST—-BUST
——-I MEAN AFTERALL————-
HE IS……………
-MORE INTELLIGENT
-A DROP BACK PASSER
-READ DEFENSES
-CALLS AUDIBLES
-RUNS NO HUDDLES
————SO SURELY——————
A 1ST ROUND EXIT IS IMPOSSIBLE…..RIGHT?
By kappellmeister
December 26, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Vick Supporter 2 (thank God there are only two of you), Merry Christmas to you! I guess Santa has only put coal in your stocking this year, huh? Too bad your life is so pathetic as to only read articles about these resilient falcons so you can provide more tired bantering about our former idiot quarterback. I can only assume you are a somewhat well-spoken 11-yr-old spouting off his father’s comments. At least that would make more sense.
But in the meantime, the rest of us can take solace in the fact that it must just drive you crazy that these falcons are playoff bound. Running out of ammo for your beloved felon??? Merry Christmas!!!
By Mike
December 26, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Vick Supporter and Vick Supporter 2. I’ll be glad when Vick gets out and signs with another team so you can get on their board and leave us the hell alone while we support our team! GO FALCONS!
By Glen Livet
December 27, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Anyone who think a DUI is a Forgive & Forget offense never lost a family member to such a booze-addled creature. Any DUI “motorist” is a potential murderer and should be treated as such under, shall we say, Singapore rules. Of course, nothing truly meaningful will be done since too many shysters, judges and solons are themselves drunkards.
By Jack in GA
December 28, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
OK…time to get back to work Jeff….I need a good read on the games this week Hope all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
By Eric C.
December 28, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
If the Falcons are going to play like this…they might as well pull the starters. I can’t understand how the offense could get so cold…it seems they would much rather play at Arizona than Minnesota. Maybe not?
By bali smith
January 3, 2009 8:04 AM | Link to this
great article on abraham and good luck on ur live blog this afternoon. go falcons