Atlanta Falcons
Connections: Michael Boley was bitter over his demotion
Jan 7, 2012
New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley, bitter from his demotion in 2008 by the Falcons, had 13 tackles and one sack the last time he faced his former team.
Boley was drafted in the fifth round by the Falcons in 2005 and started 52 games, and played in 64, before he fell out of favor and was allowed to leave in free agency.
Other connections:
- Giants assistant offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. coached the offensive line when Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was at Boston College.
- Ryan will see several other Boston College friends. Giants cornerback Will Blackmon, linebacker Mark Herzlich, linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka and guard Chris Snee all played at Boston College with Ryan.
- Falcons kicker Matt Bryant played for the Giants from 2002-03.
- Falcons secondary coach Tim Lewis was the Giants' defensive coordinator from 2004-06.
- Falcons guard Garrett Reynolds and Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks were college teammates at North Carolina from 2006-08.
- Falcons guard Justin Blalock and Giants cornerback Aaron Ross were college teammates at Texas from 2003-06.
- Falcons running back Jason Snelling and Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty were teammates at Virginia from 2002-04.
- Giants safety Deon Grant attended Josey High in Augusta.
- Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent and Giants running back Danny "D.J." Ware were college teammates at Georgia in 2006.
- Falcons linebacker Spencer Adkins and punter Matt Bosher were teammates with Giants safety Kenny Phillips at the University of Miami.
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.
