With the 26th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected pass rusher Takkarist McKinley out of UCLA on Thursday.
McKinley registered 61 total tackles, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in his junior season at UCLA.
After his name was called on Thursday night, McKinley brought a framed photo of his late-grandmother Myrtle Collins who raised him on stage as he met NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. McKinley gave a passionate speech about the promise he made to Collins on her deathbed to become a professional football player and to get out of the rough neighborhood in Richmond, Calif. the two lived in.
McKinley ended up yelling an expletive during an interview with former Atlanta Falcon Deion Sanders. After using an expletive on live television, McKinley said, "Fine me later, man."
Here's what the internet and Falcons fans had to say about the drafting of McKinley:
💯 dreams come true so happy right now! pic.twitter.com/8PmMUDgaFx— Takkarist McKinley (@Takk) April 28, 2017Promised completed ✔️ can't wait to hit the field with the @AtlantaFalcons
.@Takk promised his his grandmother he'd make it to the NFL.
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2017
She was there with him tonight.
Wow. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/8fTcySJwtV
Welcome @Takk to the brotherhood
— Andy Levitre (@LevitreAndy) April 28, 2017
The @NFL when Takk McKinley said "fine me later" pic.twitter.com/D66YZcHCEJ
— Zach Wollett (@zach_wollett1) April 28, 2017
On Falcons #NFLDraft pick @Takk McKinley: "...he’ll get 15 sacks and about that many personal fouls flags a year." https://t.co/Gnh5LH7521
— Wes Blankenship (@Wes_nship) April 28, 2017
Who's favorite player now is not Takk McKinley????? Kind of wish the falcons get to rematch the pats this year but y'all got yalls chance.
— Trill Bill (@thatsthatboss) April 28, 2017
🙏🏼🙏🏼— Michael Bell (@michael123bell) April 28, 2017Couldn't be any happier for Takk McKinley, what a story, god bless him
Just woke up and watched @Takk McKinley video from the draft last night for like the 10th time for some morning inspiration to start the day
— Michael Piparato (@MPiparato) April 28, 2017
The moment when DQ knew @Takk was officially #InBrotherhood. pic.twitter.com/5jmtxu5msj
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 28, 2017
I like it! @Takk Congrats Bro!!
— Desmond Trufant (@DesmondTrufant) April 28, 2017
Welcome to the brotherhood @Takk. Now let's go hunt some quarterbacks!! #RiseUp #InBrotherhood pic.twitter.com/UsRhFWigXV
— Vic Beasley (@VicBeasley3) April 28, 2017
Based solely on his excitement and interview, we think the #Falcons will like Takkarist McKinley a lot. #finemelater #AtlantaFalcons #nfl
— Gutsy Girl (@advgutsygirl) April 28, 2017
So, #TakkaristMcKinley is extra. The yelling and pic of his granny was too much. But, I hope he brings that passion to the field. #NFLDraft
— Christopher Dawkins (@CLDawkins) April 28, 2017
hello, good morning, is takkarist mckinley the commissioner of the nfl yet
— Bill (@bflip33) April 28, 2017
How could you not like Takkarist McKinley after that?
— Leigh Love (@leighlove14) April 28, 2017
Someone should check if Takkarist McKinley is still walking around Philly screaming and yelling.
— Ogie Ogilthorpe (@TwoBarrelTimmy) April 28, 2017