FLOWERY BRANCH — Cornerback Kelvin Hayden played six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before signing as a free agent with the Falcons on Aug. 30.
Hayden, who signed a one-year contract with a base salary of $735,000, is elated to return to the city where he started his career and is one of its Super Bowl XLI heroes.
It was his interception and 56-yard touchdown return that wrapped up the victory in that game against the Chicago Bears.
In a Q&A with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Hayden discusses his role with the Falcons, returning to Indianapolis and his take on the Colts’ downfall.
Q: How did you feel things went against Detroit? That was your most extensive action of the season.
A: It felt good. It was good to be out there, running around and having some fun.
Q: How has the transition to the Falcons’ defensive system been?
A: I still think it's a process with myself and James [Sanders]. I think we are ahead of the learning curve. Both of us have a good IQ for football. That's a plus. Getting us acclimated is still a transition, but for the most part, I think we've got things covered.
Q: How’s the transition to a new team been for you?
A: I expected things to be different, which they are. But there are similar [things] as well. I'm around a good group of guys, just like in Indy. The guys' main thing is that they want to win. Once you've been around a group of guys like that, that's all you can really ask for. Everything else, you can adjust to.
Q: Have you talked to some of your former teammates?
A: I was just texting [safety Antoine] Bethea. I talk to those guys maybe once or twice a week. Maybe on the off day or maybe Sunday morning I will shoot those guys a text to wish them good luck. I still talk to a handful of those guys.
Q: How are they coping with the bottom falling out up there?
A: I try not to talk about it. I try to get away from that because everybody is approaching them about that. I know what it is. They know what it is, and we know what the mindset is.
Q: Any thoughts on getting ready to face the Colts?
A: Yeah, I'm excited. It will feel good to get back to where it all started. I never really thought about being in the visitor's locker room. But it will be good to get back to Indianapolis and go against those guys.
Q: Are you going to have to remind yourself to go to the right locker room?
A: Yes, definitely. It's going to be fun. It's going to be a good experience.
Q: What can you tell the Falcons’ offensive linemen about [Colts defensive ends] Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis?
A: Those guys are going to give it their all every play. They are going come out on some plays, but when they are in there, they are going to give it their all. Those guys are effective at what they do.
Q: The pass defense appears to be improving here?
A: I think we are clicking. We are still transitioning to where we want to be. We are just taking it step by step. Sooner or later, we'll get to where we want to be. We want to be effective, go out there and do our jobs.
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