West Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- During Matthew Judon's introductory press conference on Monday, his silence spoke volumes. Halfway through the session, Judon paused, head bowed and eyes closed, as he tried to articulate his experiences over the past year.

Judon entered the 2023 season as one of the most productive edge rushers in the league, having accumulated double-digit sacks in consecutive years. However, a torn bicep early in the season halted his progress. The subsequent year of recovery was transformative for him.

"I knew God, but I encountered Him over that time. It was a period for me," Judon said. "I went through some hard stuff over the year, and it wasn't because of the injury. Football, this game, it masks so much stuff... I learned a lot about myself."

Judon's emotional reflections were interspersed with periods of silence. His journey led him to join the Falcons after they traded a 2025 third-round pick to New England for him. Despite no tears falling during his address to local Atlanta media, his voice carried unmistakable emotion.

"I can't quite say it enough," he said, "I am just happy to be here."

Judon expressed positive early impressions of both the team and its defensive unit. He humorously mentioned players seeking advice from him at practice while he adjusted to moving and learning a new playbook.

The Falcons are gradually integrating Judon into their defensive scheme. Head coach Raheem Morris stated that Judon would participate in about 50% of team reps initially but assured that both Judon and newly acquired safety Justin Simmons would be ready for Week 1.

Judon noted the strong culture within the Falcons' organization upon arriving at their facility in Flowery Branch.

"I didn't know it until I got in the building, but you see the culture," Judon said. "You see how Rah(eem) interacts with the players and how the players interact with each other... You see that the locker room is stable."

When asked about not receiving a contract extension upon joining Atlanta, Judon expressed understanding.

"The Atlanta Falcons know nothing about me as a football player or as a man. They know my previous résumé," he said. "I can't really demand or ask for anything that I haven't worked for... But I'm going to work for it."

Regarding his goals for this season after recovering from an injury and being traded to a new team, Judon's mission is clear.

"I don't set a goal, but I'm going to go out there and I am just going to play with reckless abandonment," he explained. "That's the mission. The mission is to go and destroy everything out there."

Judon aims to contribute significantly to his new team by disrupting plays off the edge or setting up teammates like Grady Jarrett for success.

Whatever is needed from him on defense, Judon is prepared to provide it.

After a year filled with uncertainties, "here" is now known—"here" is Atlanta.