What Freeman had to say about his concussion: ‘I know what I signed up for’

Falcons running back Devonta Freeman discusses his return to the team from the league’s concussion protocol program. Video by D. Orlando Ledbetter

Here’s what Falcons running back Devonta Freeman said upon his return to the team from the NFL’s concussion protocol on Wednesday:

On second quessing things: "Nah, you just have to get cleared. Once you get cleared it's back to being you."

On being out: "It was hard just because I'm a competitor and want to be out there. Watching from the sidelines gives you a different perspective. It just makes me respect the game a lot more."

On if he has any long-term concerns: "I discussed this concussion thing with the doctors. But it's not something that I worry about. What's going to happen is going to happen. You can't live and dwell on what happened in the past. You just move forward."

On if he's scared having two in a short period: "No, I'm going to be the same guy when I get back to the field. Still have fun. Talk junk a little bit."

On getting the concussion: "It happens so fast that you don't notice it for a couple of hours later. I was really out."

On if he's overly concerned: "I know what I signed up for. This is a Gladiator sport. You just have to be aware of what can happen because it can happen at any time. You know what you signed up for."

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