THE HEINICKE FILE
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Height: 6-1
Weight: 210
Birthday: March 15, 1993
Age: 30
40-Yard Dash: 4.61 seconds
College: Old Dominion
Draft: Undrafted.
Contract: Signed a two-year, $20 million deal, 2023
WAG: No girlfriend reported.
Children: Non reported
Record/Accomplishments
· Walter Payton Award, 2012
· CAA Offensive Player of the Year, 2012
· FCS All-American, 2012
· National Freshman Performer of the Year, 2011
The Atlanta Falcons don’t know if they have their franchise quarterback. But they have the player who could certainly turn out to be the franchise favorite.
Taylor Heinicke, who became the people’s quarterback in Washington, signed a two-year $20 million with the Atlanta Falcons. As has been the case almost everywhere he’s been, Heinicke is penciled in as the backup to second-year QB Desmond Ridder. But if you think Heinicke is just going to accept this role, you haven’t seen the former Old Dominion quarterback.
No on player in the NFL wears his competitiveness on his sleeve like Heinicke, who still plays with the unbridled passion of a high school player. Even fans of opposing teams have embraced Heinicke’s style.
Heinicke completed 161-of-259 passes for 1,869 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. The first time he gives up on a play will probably be the day ne retires.
The Falcons hope Ridder, a third-round pick (74th overall) out of Cincinnati, can take that giant step forward in his second season and emerge as the franchise quarterback. He showed flashes in limited opportunity last season but remains an unproven talent. If he falters, Heinicke will won’t step in; he’ll jump in