Falcons kicker Matt Bryant, who kicked for the Buccaneers from 2005-08, is over his bitter departure from the team.

“Now, I try to approach it likes it’s just another game,” Bryant said.

Other connections include:

  • Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey coached in Tampa Bay from 1994-95.
  • Falcons defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder coached Tampa Bay safety Sean Jones at Georgia from 2001-04.
  • Falcons president and chief executive officer Rich McKay served as the general manager of the Buccaneers from 1995 through 2003. Under McKay, the Bucs made five playoff appearances, won two division titles and captured the club's first Super Bowl championship.
  • Falcons defensive tackle Carlton Powell spent time with the Buccaneers during the 2010 offseason.
  • Buccaneers long snapper Andrew Economos is from Atlanta and played at Georgia Tech.
  • Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas is a native of Jacksonville and played in Tampa at South Florida from 2003-06.
  • Falcons wide receiver Eric Weems is a native of Daytona Beach and played at Bethune-Cookman from 2003-06.