Texans linebacker Justin Tuggle, the son for former Falcons great Jessie “The Hammer” Tuggle, enjoyed facing his father’s old team for an NFL practice on Wednesday.
Tuggle remembers coming to practice as a kid in Suwanee and later in Flowery Branch, tagging along with his father.
“I just cherish all of those memories as a kid,” said Tuggle, who’s competing for a starting spot.
Tuggle’s climb in the NFL, like his father’s, has been an improbable one. He started his career at Boston College as a quarterback. He transferred to Blinn Junior College and later signed with Kansas State, where he made the switch to linebacker.
Like when his father was coming out of Valdosta State in 1987, Justin Tuggle went undrafted. He was signed by the Texans and made the team last season.
The elder Tuggle, who went on to become a five-time Pro Bowler, and former Falcons defensive end Chuck Smith have tirelessly worked with Justin to help him through his transition.
“Those two have put a lot of work in me,” Tuggle said. “I’m just trying to be the best player that I can be. I have a new respect for my Dad and all of the tough times that he went through”
The Texans welcomed linebacker Brian Cushing back to practice and Tuggle could end up starting next to him.
“It’s cool because I remember being at training camp when I was young,” Tuggle said. “I was running behind my Dad. Now, I get to practice against them. It’s a cool experience getting to come full circle and get to experience it on the other end.”
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan remembers Tuggle from his time at Boston College.
“I think he’s doing a good job,” Ryan said. “He actually started out at B.C. I was a fan of his early on. He’s playing a different position. He’s doing a nice job for their defense.”
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