Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley returned to Oakland after a mental evaluation by Los Angeles police following in an incident on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The person said the incident was isolated and not believed to be serious.

The Falcons acknowledged the incident in a statement Tuesday night involving a friend, who had called police.

“We were recently made aware of the situation involving Takk in Los Angeles earlier today,” coach Dan Quinn said in the statement . “Any time a situation occurs that is or could be related to mental health issues we take it very seriously. We will do everything we possibly can to support and assist Takk as our players’ mental and physical well-being are always our top priority.”

TMZ.com reported that McKinley was in a hotel when a friend became concerned for his well-being and called police around noon. McKinley cooperated and left with police.

He was not arrested for a crime, according to the report.

McKinley, who played at UCLA, was drafted by the Falcons in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

He became an instant internet sensation when he carried an over-sized picture of his grandmother on stage with him on draft night and let loose with some expletives.

Subscribe to "The Bow Tie Chronicles" podcast with the AJC's D. Orlando Ledbetter on iTunes or on the new AJC sports podcasts page.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons new head football coach Raheem Morris poses with an Atlanta Falcons jersey at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta. Also pictured is Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, left, and General Manager Terry Fontenot. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez