Who's the next face of the Falcons?

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

He's dressed in black and red, and stands on the 50-yard line at the Georgia Dome. His presence is commanding, and his voice is forceful and commanding when he speaks. He's leading a choir.

Enlarge photo

STUART RAMSON, AP Actor Samuel L. Jackson is the man urging Falcons fans and the city to "Rise Up" in a new video.

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If you're thinking Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez or Michael Turner, you're wrong.

Instead, the Atlanta Falcons have gone Hollywood for a video promotion released Friday. Actor Samuel L. Jackson is the man urging fans and the city to "Rise Up" in the powerful production.

"It's time we all rise up," Jackson says in the video. "We've been knocking on the door. Now it's time to blow it up."

Jackson, whose ties to Atlanta include a Morehouse diploma, tells ESPN.com it was an honor to film the commercial. He also still has his Steve Bartkowski jersey, he told the magazine.

"I really believe the Falcons are headed in the right direction," Jackson said.

The one-minute performance likely won't be the last Jackson does with ties to Atlanta. Atlanta director Kenny Leon has previously said he'd like for the "Pulp Fiction" star to play the role of Martin Luther King Jr. on Broadway.