birdz4i Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 One of the many great sights on NFL game days is watching countless Falcons fans fill the Georgia Dome and/or away stadiums, wearing the replica jersey of their favorite player, which got us to wondering if the players have a specific reason why they're wearing the number that is on the front and back of their jersey; Falcons rookie RB Devonta Freeman has one, indeed.When the Atlanta Falcons selected Freeman in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a gem, both on and off the field. Upon signing with the team in May, Freeman wore No. 33 in rookie minicamp, OTAs, training camp and the team's preseason games, before making the switch to No. 24, right before the regular season, fueled by one motive."The main reason I chose 24 is to honor my auntie, who suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of 24 on May 14, 2007," Freeman said. "She was my youngest auntie of my grandma’s kids. Her and I related more than my other aunties, because she was like one of my best friends. I just always want to represent her. Even though she’s not here, I know she’s walking with me, because of my faith; the last name Freeman speaks for itself, but the number 24 is for her."At the time of his aunt's death, the then 15-year-old Freeman wasn't completely certain about his future plans, but motivated by the hard work, dedication and legacy of his aunt, he pursued education and sports, later thriving at Florida State University.Among his many accolades at FSU, Freeman rushed 11 times for 73 yards, including a late second-quarter touchdown in Florida State’s 34-31 victory over Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game on January 6, 2014."She passed away in college," Freeman said of his aunt. "That was one of the main things that inspired me to go to college and to graduate. I’m playing football for God and my auntie. My family and me come last, but God and my auntie, they’re my main focus. I always ask the Lord to guide me and walk with me."The path Freeman continues to pave, both on the football field and off, is truly one that would make any aunt proud, especially the one he represents, every day of his life.http://www.atlantafa...2c-e1cadc7c3bde Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
high impact Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Well I am glad he is now a Falcon. Love this statement "I always ask the Lord to guide me and walk with me." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis York Morgan Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Dude really has looked special, gotta improve that pass blocking though. Feel like giving him the rock so much at the end of the Bucs game was odd considering Quizz is usually the backup - I feel like the coaching staff might see more in him too. Here's hoping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papachaz Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Dude really has looked special, gotta improve that pass blocking though. Feel like giving him the rock so much at the end of the Bucs game was odd considering Quizz is usually the backup - I feel like the coaching staff might see more in him too. Here's hoping.I really think they just wanted to give him some reps........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis York Morgan Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I really think they just wanted to give him some reps........That's kinda what I was getting at when I followed it up saying the coaching staff might see more in Freeman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WOR Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I dont like 24 on him, but after reading this, 24 is pretty coolMoreno had a similar reason for wearing 27 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTann Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 How could anyone not like Freeman?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tandy Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 That's heart wrenching - and awesome! Go Freeman! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirtybgirl Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 What an awesome and noble thing to do! This young man is so humble and so honest with himself it is crazy!How can anyone not like him more.I do hope his future is full of possibilities and great things. May he never forget how big a small closet once seemed, and how his Auntie inspired him to succeed beyond all odds. And may he forever remind all of us how far we have all traveled in our own lives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XXVIII-III Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 That's pretty young, wonder how she died... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rajhae Battle Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I wore #19 in high school because of Eric Dickerson, I always love to hear the reasons why we choose numbers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaMeatTroughsEgo Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Can somebody ban judiphli? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokey the Bear Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Do any other Falcons have cool back stories of why they wear the numbers they do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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