Jalon Walker, the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round pick in April, has quickly established himself as a key contributor on defense and a leader within the team. Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich praised Walker’s presence, stating, “He feels like a – I’m not exaggerating at all – he feels like a 10-year vet. The way that he commands the group, the way he speaks, the confidence that he has, the aura that he carries. It will not take him very long to be a captain here, in my opinion.”
Walker was recognized as the NFL’s rookie of the week after his performance against the New England Patriots in Week 9, where he recorded five tackles (two for loss), two sacks, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. He received another nomination for similar contributions against the Indianapolis Colts.
This Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints will provide Walker with an opportunity to participate in something beyond football through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative. According to its website, it is “a player-led initiative where players, coaches and staff wear custom-designed cleats to spotlight the causes and nonprofits they care about most.”
Walker plans to wear blue cleats to raise awareness for Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), which is described by Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support, Inc., as “a term used to describe a group of congenital conditions characterized by joint contractures in two or more body areas.” AMC includes at least 400 different conditions and syndromes; Amyoplasia is among its more common types.
“I have twin cousins,” Walker told AtlantaFalcons.com. “One twin did not receive as much nutrients as the other twin, so that causes stiffness in joints. He doesn’t have an elbow.”
Walker’s cousins are nine-year-old twins Edwin and Howard who moved from Fiji to the United States with their mother. Edwin was born with AMC affecting his elbow and wrist but continues to lead an active life despite these challenges.
“I’ve watched his growth and his progress from where he wasn’t able to walk… But that does not stop him at all,” said Walker.
Edwin has undergone treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina which has improved his mobility significantly.
During these times, Walker keeps close contact with Edwin via FaceTime while managing his own demanding schedule as an NFL rookie. He also acknowledged Howard’s support for Edwin: “They’re two peas in a pod… His twin brother is his wingman…”
Treatment for AMC focuses on helping individuals achieve independence and dignity. For Edwin this means pursuing interests such as sports, singing and drawing—activities which remain important parts of his daily life.
“They’re full of joy… Edwin… he’s actually a great artist. He can draw… He’s a great singer,” said Walker.
Walker’s relationship with his cousins provides perspective during his rookie season: “I love them to death… I try to be that role model for them…”
As part of Sunday’s rivalry game versus New Orleans Saints at Caesar’s Superdome—and through wearing blue cleats—Walker aims both to raise awareness about AMC and honor Edwin personally: “He called me the other day and was like ‘Hey J I saw my name on your cleats!’ I know that little thing means the world to him… I can’t wait to play for him.”
More information about Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita can be found at www.amcsupport.org
