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Atlanta United sends Falcons’ Takkarist McKinley a welcome gift

Falcons rookie defensive end Takkarist McKinley talks with team staffers during rookie minicamp on Friday. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

Falcons rookie defensive end Takkarist McKinley talks with team staffers during rookie minicamp on Friday. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
By Juliakate E Culpepper
May 15, 2017

After signing his rookie contract on Thursday, Falcons’ linebacker Takkarist McKinley received some love from Atlanta United.

The Atlanta United team Twitter account sent a message to McKinley that a quarter-zip Atlanta United jacket was on it’s way to Flowery Branch to welcome the Falcons’ first-round Draft pick to Atlanta.

McKinley wore a Manchester United jacket when signing his rookie contract on May 11 and told ESPN he wore it because he doesn't have much red in his closet yet.

"I really didn't have too many red clothes with me, being from UCLA, where we're blue and gold," McKinley said. "I just wanted to wear something red, and that's what I had. It represented the Falcons in a different type sort of way, kind of."

When asked if he plans to wear his new Atlanta United jacket, McKinley responded positively.

"Of course," McKinley said, according to ESPN. "Anything free, I'm taking it."

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Juliakate E Culpepper
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