Q&A: Ben Garland was disappointed the Falcons didn’t re-sign him
Former Falcons guard Ben Garland is set to start at center for the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Garland, 31, will be making his third Super Bowl appearance. He also was a member of the Denver Broncos for Super Bowl XLVIII (48) in 2014 and the Falcons in Super Bowl LI (51) in 2017.
Here’s what he had to say:
Q: How was it jumping in there and taking over at the center spot when they needed you?
A: "I got an incredible opportunity to play center. I wish it could have been under better circumstances. Wes (Richburg) is such a good guy. I'm glad I got this opportunity, and I'm going to do my best at it."
Q: Are you glad you landed with San Francisco after the Falcons didn’t want to re-sign you?
A: "You just feel blessed. You always feel that there is a bigger plan for you. Obviously, I get to be here. What a cool opportunity to go from that (not being re-signed). That was always a disappointment that they didn't want to sign me, but to come to this organization and be apart it, it's a real blessing to be here."
Q: No ill-will for the Falcons?
A: "I love this opportunity, and I'm really glad I got to play for coach (Kyle) Shanahan again."
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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.
