Q&A: Falcons' Reggie Kelly enjoys his second tour of duty

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH — Reggie Kelly was at home in Gwinnett County in August baby-sitting his 7-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son when the phone rang.

It was the Falcons, and they wanted to re-sign their former second-round draft pick after they reached an injury settlement with Justin Peelle.

Kelly, who was drafted by the Falcons in the 1999 draft, leaped at the opportunity after playing eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Kelly, who played four seasons (1999-2002) with the Falcons, has played in all eight games and been used mostly as a blocking tight end this season. He has caught one pass for 7 yards.

In a Q&A with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Kelly discussed his role, both stints with the Falcons, and his love for fishing.

Q: How are things going for you during your second tour of duty with the Falcons?

A: It feels good to be back. Obviously, it’s a different locker room, a different bunch of guys, but the same type of talent. It feels good to be back, and it’s going extremely well.

Q: How do you bridge both stints together with coach Dan Reeves and now with coach Mike Smith?

A: Both teams were successful. I think that comes from having the right guys in the locker room. That’s a key ingredient because guys know how to be professional and have the right type of coaches. I’ve been fortunate and been blessed to have the right type of coaches over my career. Coach Dan Reeves, his name speaks for itself. Coach Smith is a great coach as well. He’s a guy who has a goal, and he’s not going to let anything stand in his way. He has tunnel vision. He’s not easily distracted. You need a big-time leader like that. He’s a great coach, and I feel privileged to play under him.

Q: Smith and coach Marvin Lewis, your old coach in Cincinnati, are friends. Do you see some similarities?

A: I do see some similarities. As a matter of fact I think they coached together in Baltimore. Both of them preach the same message and that’s being physical. I had eight years of that in Cincinnati, and now I’m getting it again here in Atlanta. They are two coaches that are cut from the same cloth. I like those type of coaches. They are just old-school, hard-nose coaches.

Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do when you get a chance to get away from football?

A: I really like to fish. It doesn’t matter what type of fish. It can be bass, crappies or whatever. I just like to sit around on the bank and fish. I like to have my kids out there with me as well. I’m teaching them about the outdoors. That’s priceless. ... I’m from Mississippi. We love to fish and hunt. I want to teach my kids to appreciate the outdoors.

Q: How have you fit into the offense here?

A: I’m just trying to do whatever they need me to do. When I got here, they were already established. They already had key components and the key ingredients. I just wanted to fit in. ... I’m learning every day, which is good. They are stretching me, which is good. I’m excited about everything that I can do to help out in this offense.