‘God’s Gift’: Bijan Reacts to 'Awesome' Falcons Debut
No one who watched Bijan Robinson perform in college as a University of Texas star is especially surprised by what the former Longhorns standout did in his Atlanta Falcons' preseason debut, the rookie first-rounder totaling four carries for 20 yards, with a very first run going for 12 yards in a way that showed off his grace, explosiveness and power.
But is there a way to not be "surprised'' while also being sort of "stunned''? Because the aura was real. And it looks like the hype is, too.
“It felt awesome,” Robinson said after what would be a 13-13 Falcons tie with the Cincinnati Bengals. “It was definitely a blessing to be out there and to show little snippets of the gift God has given me. I know it’s the preseason, but I was ready to go.”
This was a mini-showcase for Robinson, who out of respect for the veteran running backs on the team was recently listed as a third-stringer on the depth chart ... a temporary status to be sure.
Said coach Arthur Smith, obviously impressed with what he saw from the budding star: “Bijan Robinson operated fast. It certainly didn’t look too big for him.''
The Falcons selected Robinson with the eighth overall pick in April, which some critics have questioned during this era of "the devaluation of the running back.'' But among the things that those critics are missing: Bijan signed a pre-slotted four-year, $21.96 million rookie contract ... meaning his average salary is $5.49 million annually.
Today's veteran running backs are trying to fight their way back to making over $10 million APY; Robinson's salary is going to make him a bargain, assuming Atlanta is able to unleash the game-changer in him. And second-year QB Desmond Ridder is down with the plan.
“Bijan, he showed up a couple times, handed it to him," Ridder said. "He's out there doing what he does. Just get the ball in his hands and let him go.”
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