Falcons’ Takkarist McKinley of UCLA defensive line coach: ‘He probably saved my life’

In a recent video by Diesel Films, Falcons’ linebacker Takkarist McKinley credits UCLA defensive line coach Angus McClure with saving his life by keeping McKinley out of gangs and away from drugs.

In the video, McClure and McKinley return to UCLA and talk about McKinley’s three years as a Bruin.

"Coach Angus means everything to me," McKinley said in the video. "So for him just to give me the opportunity and just bring me in as family with all the hard work he did to get me here, I can't thank him enough. He probably saved my life because I had chances were I could have (gone) to the gangs or drugs, et cetera, et cetera, but you kept your word... You haven't changed up one bit."

In three seasons at UCLA, McKinley registered 99 total tackles, 16 sacks, 10 pass deflections and six forced fumbles.

McKinley was drafted No. 26 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2017 NFL Draft.

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