Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

The Bow Tie Chronicles: Keeping up with Keith Smith, Part 1

Falcons running back Keith Smith (40) completes a catch for a first down during the first half Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Credit: Alyssa Pointer

Credit: Alyssa Pointer

Falcons running back Keith Smith (40) completes a catch for a first down during the first half Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
By
June 23, 2021

In the 269th episode of The Bow Tie Chronicles podcast, host D. Orlando Ledbetter presents Falcons fullback Keith Smith, who discusses making it through last season after contracting COVID-19, the death of his cousin and the birth of his second daughter. He also discusses how tough it was to fight through all of the tough losses in the 2020 season. | Listen to Part 2: Staying course after 9 NFL cuts | Listen to Part 3: Social justice, and gaining financial literacy

ExploreFullback Keith Smith expects rebound season in 2021

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

With Michael Penix Jr. out for the season, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins — pictured attempting a pass against the Panthers on Sunday — will start Sunday against the Saints' seventh-ranked passing defense. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

3 intriguing Falcons prop bets vs. the Saints

As the Atlanta Falcons face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, here are "easy," "interesting" and "out there" prop bets to consider.

Michael Penix’s season is over before Falcons know if he’s the answer

Michael Penix hasn’t proved over 12 starts that he can be a consistently good NFL starter, much less the franchise QB, and now he will have to recover from ACL surgery.

Falcons’ defense gets a boost from the return of linebacker Divine Deablo

The Falcons (3-7) will be seeking to snap a five-game losing streak when they face the Saints (2-8) at 4:25 p.m. Sunday at Caesars Superdome.

The Latest

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) leaves the field after the game where the Carolina Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime 30-27, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Michael Penix’s season is over before Falcons know if he’s the answer

3 intriguing Falcons prop bets vs. the Saints

Falcons’ defense gets a boost from the return of linebacker Divine Deablo

Featured

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones scores another victory over use of campaign cash

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appears to have scored another victory over Attorney General Chris Carr as the Republican gubernatorial candidates battle over campaign finance issues.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.’s season is over; needs surgery to repair ACL

Michael Penix Jr., whom the Falcons hoped was their quarterback of the future, will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in his left knee.

Typewriter Tom fuels a growing interest in analog writing devices

Roswell's Tom Rehkopf owns about 1,000 typewriters, which he tinkers with at his workshop and happily shares with fellow aficionados, curious youngsters and even Tom Hanks.