FLOWERY BRANCH -- He may only have had one practice under new Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith, but former West Hall High and University of Georgia standout Martrez Milner already likes what he sees.
"The atmosphere is much nicer; we're out here having fun," said Milner, a tight end. "We're not out here sitting on our butts and being nervous about what to do in practice and then what to do in the games."
That sentiment was echoed by numerous players around the grounds of the Falcons complex in Flowery Branch on Monday after the first session of a three-day mini-camp -- the first real chance for Smith and his new players to get to know each other.
"The atmosphere is very laid-back, very fun, but it's very business-like as well," quarterback D.J. Shockley said.
Falcons players made it clear they don't miss former coach Bobby Petrino -- who quit the team after 13 games last season to take the head coaching job at the University of Arkansas.
Yet as enjoyable as the new regime may be, neither Shockley nor Milner is taking the mini-camp lightly -- especially as they fight their way back to 100 percent health after suffering season-ending injuries in 2007.
"I'm very excited to be out here," Milner said. "Since my injury in November, it's my first time to put the cleats back on and hit."
Milner, a fourth-round draft pick for the Falcons in 2007, injured his left ankle in a 20-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 11 and was placed on injured reserve.
Before the injury, Milner showed flashes of what he could do, playing in eight games and catching nine passes for 50 yards. Now he must fight his way back into the starting lineup, as he competes against a group of tight ends that includes Ben Hartsock, signed from the Tennessee Titans, and fellow former Bulldog Jason Rader.
"Any time, any game, any practice, any play
Sunday
May 4th, 2025
6:34AM
