Falcons safety J.J. Wilcox, the former Georgia Southern and Cairo High standout, is elated to play professionally in his home-state.

“It’s good to come back home,” said Wilcox on Sunday. “It’s good to finally get in front of the crowd that you know brought me up, raised me up a little bit. It’s just to get back on my turf and my side of the world.”

Wilcox, 28, signed a one-year, $895,000 contract with the Falcons on April 22.

He was selected in the third round (80th overall) of the 2013 draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He played with the Colts and Jets last season.

Wilcox has played in 77 NFL games and made 39 starts.

He played for Dallas from 2013 to 2016. He was with Pittsburgh in 2017

Over the offseason program, Wilcox impressed the Falcons’ coaching staff.

“It’s a new journey for me,” Wilcox said. “I’m with a bunch of great guys, great coaching staff. This team is just growing and blooming. It’s exciting. They welcomed me in with (open) arms and I’ve been enjoying it.”

Position-by-position series: July 8Special teamsJuly 9SafetiesJuly 10CornerbacksJuly 11LinebackersJuly 12Defensive lineJuly 13: Quarterbacks |July 14Offensive lineJuly 15Wide receiversJuly 16Tight endsJuly 17Running backs

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