Falcons rookie Robert Alford will provide a weekly diary for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this season.
The Hammond, La., native, who played at Southeastern Louisiana, made his second start at left cornerback last week against the Washington Redskins and helped the team pull out a 27-26 victory as he tied for the team lead with nine tackles. This week, he’s getting ready to make his first trip to historic Candlestick Park to face the San Francisco 49ers.
Here’s his latest installment, as told to D. Orlando Ledbetter.
“I would like to congratulate Southeastern Louisiana coach Ron Roberts and the Lions. They had a great season (before losing in the playoffs last week to New Hampshire). They won the Southland Conference championship and made it into the third round of the playoffs. Coach Roberts has turned the program around. It was only his second year and for him to be able to do that was a really big accomplishment.
“Getting drafted and the Lions making the playoffs, it’s been a good year for Southeastern. I talked to Coach Roberts a couple of days ago. I think he just signed a couple more JUCO guys that are going to come in and help them out next year.
“As for the Falcons, I’m looking forward to playing the 49ers. I have faith in me and Desmond (Trufant). San Francisco wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree are very talented. They will go up and get the ball. Their names have been ringing around the league for years. For me and Des, we just have to go out there and do our responsibility and just do what we are supposed to.
“All we are trying to do is come away with a win. I know they are getting a new stadium and this is going to be their last game. I was way too young to see the Joe Montana and Steve Young days out there. I just had to read about them. All I remember is Jerry Rice and T.O. and I was very young.
“Playing on Monday Night Football is going to be real exciting. I’m just a rookie, so last year I was watching Monday Night Football games on TV. To be able to play in them is a blessing for me.”
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