FLOWERY BRANCH -- Just about everyone in the Georgia Dome was fooled.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan faked the ball inside and then pitched it outside to number 27, Gartrell Johnson III, a running back who had never played in a game for the team.
In a thrilling 39-32 victory over the Bengals, Johnson raced down the right sideline for a 23-yard gain in the second quarter.
Johnson was signed Sept. 21 after Jerious Norwood suffered a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve.
Johnson, who was drafted by the San Diego Chargers and spent some time with the New York Giants, spoke with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about his big play and his role with his new team.
Q: How has it been so far with the Falcons?
A: It's been a blessing. Everyone has just welcomed me here with open arms. It's like I was here the whole time, the whole training camp.
Q: What were you doing after being released by the Giants?
A: I kept working hard every day. I was working out twice a day and keeping in touch with my agent. I knew a call was coming.
Q: What was it like to be streaming down the sidelines on that 23-yard run against Cincinnati?
A: It was amazing. To be here in the South, close to my family. It was all-around good deal.
Q: Being from Miami, how did you end up at Colorado State?
A: Sonny Lubick. He was a coach at the University of Miami when they won all of those titles back in the day. He went out and got another running back from Miami, Cecil Sapp at Colorado State. I kind of followed in his footsteps.
Q: What was your college career like? Did you enjoy playing in Fort Collins, Colo.?
A: It was great. I was all-conference my junior and senior year. It was typical college stuff.
Q: What was it like being drafted by the Chargers in the fourth round?
A: Everyone wants to be drafted. It was great. But it was tough when they put me on waivers after the second game last year. I was picked up by the Giants the next day.
Q: What happened out there?
A: Injuries.
Q: How could it play out for you here?
A: Just by me working hard, it will take care of itself. I just keep working hard and try to get better each day. I'm not looking back on anything.
Q: After being released by the Giants, you were living here with your Dad. What part of the metro area does he live in?
A: Cascade. Southwest Atlanta.
Q: What type of things do you like to do when you're not playing football?
A: Just hanging out or watching television. My favorite show is "Burn Notice."
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