Sports

Yates has a strong following in Houston

Falcons quarterback T.J. Yates (13) throws a pass during an NFL football training camp practice Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, in Houston.
Falcons quarterback T.J. Yates (13) throws a pass during an NFL football training camp practice Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, in Houston.
Aug 13, 2014

Falcons backup quarterback T.J. Yates was well-received by the Texans fans on hand.

Yates will go down in history as the quarterback who led the Texans to the first playoff victory.

However, the new coaching regime traded him to the Falcons in June for linebacker Akeem Dent.

“That whole deal was weird to me,” Yates said. “I was kind of down in the dumps. Then I got into a situation by being traded back home got me on another high. I was definitely up and down. But it’s worked out for the best.”

He enjoyed the fans calling his name from the stands.

“I spent three years here,” Yates said. “I started my career here. I lived here. This was my home for a while. …that I had a lot of support from these fans, even though I’m on the opposite side was pretty cool.”

The Falcons have been pleased with Yates’ work.

“T.J. has a good understanding of the game,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “He’s got a very strong arm. I think he’s a gamer. When he gets the opportunity to play in the game, he makes plays.”

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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