Running back Todd Gurley, who has agreed to terms with the Falcons on a one-year contract, is looking forward to returning to the state.
Gurley, who played at Georgia, went on the "Green Light" podcast with this former teammate Chris Long for a rollicking 20 minute interview that covered Atlanta rappers, a visit from Julio Jones, a potential number change, the NFC South and his $7.5 million wire transfer from the Rams.
“The dude(s) that came over to my house as soon as I got cut, Julio (Jones) and Deandre (Baker), they both pulled up to the house and checked up on me,” Gurley said. “(I was) chopping it up with Julio. That’s why I was like I’m trying to get to the A. Going back to Georgia. Going back home. I was waiting for it.”
A day after he was cut by the Rams, Gurley agreed to a $6 million deal with the Falcons. The Rams also still owe him $7.5 million, which he was expecting to be wired into his account in three to five days.
Long didn’t directly ask about Gurley’s left knee, but asked about his playing time being reduced during the 2018 season.
“You know me, I try not to press the issue about nothing, so I just kind of sit back (and) do my job,” Gurley said. “Hey, it’s not my job to tell (the coach) to get me the ball. If it happens, it happens.
“I’m not going to (fuss) about anything. I’m going to just keep quiet and do my part. When I get the ball, I’m going to do good with it for the most part. Especially, when stuff was going good, but I don’t know what happened, man. All I know is that I’m with the Falcons now. This (stuff) goes by fast.”
Gurley’s left knee is an issue and the Falcons would likely want to have their medical staff check it. The Ravens pulled out of a three-year deal with defensive tackle Michael Brockers on Friday over a medical verification issue.
Gurley is also considering an number change. Running back Qadree Ollison currently has number 30. which Gurley wore with the Rams. He wore No. 3 at Georgia.
“I’m thinking about changing it up,” Gurley said. “I’m thinking 21. I can go down there like Prime Time (Deion Sanders). Like 21 maybe. Twenty three. I might switch it up.”
For some reason, he ruled out No. 25.
“It’s definitely a good feeling for a new start, for a fresh start for me,” Gurley said. “It’s really like a next chapter in my career. What is funny is I remember the process my rookie year with you, I’ve seen them let you go. You and James (Laurinaitis) on the same night and Robert Quinn, (Alec) Ogletree and Mark Barron. I always witnessed that from the beginning for sure.”
Still, Gurley was caught off guard.
“I’ve seen it, but I didn’t see it coming, but obviously like I’ve seen the process over the years and I understand how it goes,” Gurley said.
Gurley had some fun with getting released when he tweeted out about getting cut on his off day. It was classic line for Chris Tucker’s cult movie “Fridays.”
“But I’m also the same type of person if someone gets cut, I’m joking on them,” Gurley said. “So, I can’t get mad if somebody is joking on me. I joke on myself all the time.
“If you know me, it’s jokes all of the time. It’s some truth to every little joke, but I’m still like just having fun with it. Stuck in the house all day. I know people are drinking and having fun, so I’m going to have fun with y’all.”
Gurley is expected a different brand of football moving from the NFC West to the NFC South.
“Since I’ve been with the Rams, I’ve played the Saints and the Bucs like twice,” Gurley said. “It’s going to be tough. They’ve got some good running backs (Christian) McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, TB (Tom Brady) just signed with the Bucs. I just signed with the Falcons. I get to play with one of the best receivers in the game in Julio Jones. We’ve got a young dude in (Calvin) Ridley. They just got Hayden Hurst.”
He knows the Saints have won the last three division titles.
“New Orleans is tough,” Gurley said. “They’ve got (defensive end) Cam Jordan over there. He’s one of the best in the game. One of the strongest. (Carolina linebacker) Shaq Thompson. ... It’s going to be some good competition for sure.”
Gurley said he’s watched the movie “Quiet Place” and has been spending his time on Hulu and waiting for the $7.5 million to be wired into his account.
“I’m just going to be here, really in my neighborhood training,” Gurley said. “I’ll have my massage people pull up to the house. Chiropractors people pull up to the house and just try to stay safe from there. Then also try to make sure that they are not around a lot of people. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
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