In an effort to retool the running back room, the Falcons added Tyler Allgeier out of BYU in the 5th round of the NFL Draft, and the original ‘Dirty Bird’ Jamal Anderson didn’t have to look too far to find a comparison for the newest Falcons ball carrier.
Speaking with 92.9 The Game, the man who spent all eight years of his NFL career in Atlanta and created the iconic dance shared that Allgeier’s game and physical attributes remind him of his own entering the league.
“It’s funny you mention him because he’s so similar to me physically,” Anderson told Chris Goforth as both are listed at 5-11 with Allgeier coming in around ten pounds trimmer as a rookie.
With his physical running style, the BYU product—who also spent time at linebacker in college—led college football with 1,683 yards after contact since 2020 and ranked 4th in missed tackles forced with 111. In 2021, he was tied for the most touchdowns in the nation with 23 while racking up over 1,600 yards on the ground.
Allgeier will have to fight for carries in a crowded backfield that includes Cordarrelle Patterson, Qadree Ollison and free-agent acquisition Damien Williams, but Anderson said the rookie can’t get caught up in what happens around him.
“Come in with a great attitude, be prepared to work hard, be prepared to learn. Come in shape and come ready to go. He’s got a nice skillset…Don’t get caught up in anything, don’t worry about any of that other stuff. Just come in with your head on straight and be ready to go," Anderson said.
Following rookie minicamp, head coach Arthur Smith praised Allgeier’s ability and said that the opportunity will be there to earn carries in 2022.
“We love his yards after contact. We love the mental makeup. We think he’s a guy that should come in here, and if he’s not contributing on 1st or 2nd down right away, he’s a guy that hopefully helps us on 4th down. But, the opportunity is there. With the running back room, it’s wide open,” Smith said.
Joining 92.9 The Game, Anderson also discussed his involvement in the new Fan Controlled Football League and the last time he broke out the dirty bird celebration. Take a listen below:
