Fullback Ovie Mughelli has been an important part of the Falcons running game in his four seasons in Atlanta. The Pro Bowl player was lost for the season in October when he suffered an MCL tear in his right knee.
“I think the loss of the fullback is hurting them more than people know," Mike Mayock of the NFL Network said. “Mughelli was one of the top fullbacks in the league over the last several years. I think Michael Turner trusted him explicitly.”
Mughelli spoke with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday about his surgery and rehabilitation, watching from the sidelines and how he plans to help the running game next season. The following are excerpts.
Q. Overall, how have things been going for you since the injury?
A. It's been going good. I definitely can't complain because playing in the NFL is a privilege and a right. It's surprising that I haven't been seriously injured earlier being a fullback, playing special teams, throwing my body into the wedge. It's like a mini car crash every time I block a linebacker. It's amazing I've held up this long. I'm happy the injury wasn't as serious as I thought. The MCL is healing up well and I'm ahead of schedule right now.
Q. How far ahead of schedule are you?
A. I'd say I'm a couple of weeks from when they said I should be able to take this step or do that exercise. I'm trying to get more ahead of schedule every day. I'm not trying to push it too much to reinjure it. But I'm competitive by nature and I want to try to beat whatever their typical schedule is for a rehab of this injury.
Q. How frustrating has it been to sit on the sidelines?
A. It's been extremely frustrating. Luckily, I'm a nine-year vet and I'm able to understand how blessed I am to play this game. I don't think anyone owes me. I'm not angry but I definitely want to be out there helping my teammates. I want to be out there and play and block and run. Now I see what people talk about when they say they miss the camaraderie of their teammates. We bleed and sweat and fight with these guys. We kind of take it for granted that it's always going to be there. It's not always going to be there. You can't find that unique team element anywhere else.
Q. How much are you around Flowery Branch?
A. I go for rehab every day. When I'm done, I have the ability to go to practice or meetings. It's not required but sometimes I like to watch the guys practice or go to meetings. Now that I'm feeling better I'm going to start doing that more because it's crazy being at home after my surgery and not being able to go to games. Watching as an armchair quarterback, I see how fans can be going crazy and throw stuff at the TV because I turn into a fan. Man, we take fans through some changes, through some rides, up and down, back and forth. Every game is exciting and you see how hard those guys go out and fight for each other. I was proud, like a proud father. When they are out there, win or loss, I feel for them.
Q. You have one year left on your contract, so you have next year to come back. Do you want to come back with an edge, with something to prove?
A. Edge is an understatement. For the longest time I've wanted to be the best at what I do and I think the last couple of years me and Mike Turner and the running game really started to get things going. I have so much pride in my offensive line and myself in running the ball. People talk about the Falcons running game and my chest swells up with pride. I knew I was a part of it, an important cog in the machine. I'm trying to come back with a vengeance, get me and Mike back to the Pro Bowl. I hope we go to the Super Bowl this year and next year I can be part of a Super Bowl run. I have big goals, big dreams. I definitely plan on showing the Falcons next year why I think I'm the best fullback in the league. Talk ain't going to do it. It's all about production and I look forward to producing.
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