Atlanta Falcons TE Jonnu Smith Reveals Feelings on Return vs. Tennessee Titans

Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith shared the emotions he felt on his return to face the Tennessee Titans, his former team.

This past weekend presented Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith with the opportunity to face his former team, the Tennessee Titans, but his emotions...or lack of them, might surprise you.

“To me, it was just another game,” Smith said. “We got to be professional at the end of the day. We came in here ultimately, trying to win a football game. That’s the approach I had. Definitely great seeing some of the guys that I played with, some of my former teammates. But at the end of the day, it’s a business trip.”

On Sunday, Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith faced his former team, the Tennessee Titans / USA Today Sports

It may just be viewed as a business, but Smith spent the first four seasons of his career with the Titans and saw career highs with the team in targets (65), receptions (41), yards (448), and touchdowns (8) before leaving the team in free agency to join the New England Patriots.

After a quiet two-year stint in New England, Smith has seen a career resurgence since being traded to Atlanta and reunited with his former Tennessee offensive coordinator turned Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.

So far, this season, Smith is having a career year. Through eight games and only two starts due to backing up Kyle Pitts, Smith has recorded 29 receptions on 36 targets for 322 yards and a touchdown. 

As the No. 3 receiving option in Atlanta, Smith has helped the Falcons handle business and compete for the top seed in the NFC South. Following the team’s most recent loss, Atlanta is tied for first place with the New Orleans Saints, which means Smith’s contributions will be vital for the team to make a playoff run.