Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper described his experience at the Pro Bowl and how enjoyed hanging with the guys and catching the only touchdown for the NFC team.
Hooper dismissed his nickname of "California Cool" and said he is just himself. He talked about his workouts with Matt Ryan in the offseason to help them get more comfortable with each other and build up their connection.
On the subject of the media, Hooper told us that the media gave him fuel to get better and that they don't know has as much as they think they do about the team and himself. He said he only had about four bad plays all season, but that's all fans remember.
Hooper gave credit to Steve Sarkisian for being there for two seasons that gave the team continuity of the language being used by the offense and getting more comfortable with it as a whole. He said he talked to Mike Evans at the Pro Bowl about Coach Dirk Koetter and how he runs the offense and uses big-body guys in the red zone.
Hooper once agin told Rick and John that the media and fans don't matter to the team because they aren't in the locker room. He talked about how fans react when the team is doing poorly versus when they are winning.
Hooper calls himself a laid back quiet guy who goes with the flow and tries to be a positive resource for the rookies. He told us he wasn't mad that the New Orleans Saints weren't going to be in their locker room for Super Bowl 53. Hooper praised Gronk for the way he has played the position of tight end and how much abuse his body has taken over the course of his career.
Hooper said he plans to travel Europe and Mexico until Matt Ryan texts him it's time to get back to work.
