Brian Finneran Has Played His Last Down For The Atlanta Falcons

by Dave Choate on May 28, 2011 12:30 PM EDT in Falcons News

There's no easy way to say goodbye to an iconic Falcon, but we're going to have to learn to do so.

We already knew that Brian Finneran was unlikely to return to the team, but in an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he's all but confirmed he's moving on. The man who has been a Falcon for more than a decade, playing a major role on some of the best teams in franchise history, has seen his epoch come to a close.

How can I be so certain? Finneran said it himself:

Q: What was you conversation with the Falcons like?

A: They said they wanted to give some of the younger guys some opportunities to come up and make some plays. It will be interesting to see what they do, especially with the arsenal that they have now and if they have to make any more moves with the personnel at receiver position because they are pretty stacked right know. There is a lot of money wrapped up in it, I would imagine. But they were very nice.

It only makes sense, from a football perspective. Finneran hasn't been a major factor in the passing game since 2005, and has hung on chiefly because of his special teams and leadership value. With the Falcons adding Julio Jones to a depth chart that already features Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, Harry Douglas, Kerry Meier and Eric Weems--not to mention practice squad guys like Brandyn Harvey and Tim Buckley--there simply wasn't any room for Finn.

The dude still wants to play, though, and I fervently hope he can catch on somewhere else. Finn's done a lot for the Falcons with no complaint, and for that I'd like to see him rewarded. The Falcons will be a better team without him, but that doesn't mean he won't be missed.

Say your fond farewells, friends.

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Comments

This guy is/was a true Falcon.

He was one of my favorites because you could tell he just loved to play the game. He was on special teams, he was the jumper on the onside kicks, and he was as reliable a receiver as we had on 3rd down.

Unfortunately, time waits for no man, and it was just his time to go. I’m glad they were cool about it, though. This city has had some terrible breakups in the past ie. Tom Glavine a few years ago.

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by Caleb Rutherford on May 28, 2011 1:24 PM EDT reply actions

A fond farewell

I always liked Finn, partly because he was Mr. Clutch in 3rd down situations but mostly because he was such a trooper. Whether it was the knee injuries or simply getting bumped down the depth charts, he took it all in stride. This is why we liked him so much. Never selfish, never complained. Thanks BFinn, for having the heart of a Falcon.

JerzeeBird
Since I moved, I might need a new handle!!!

by JerzeeBird on May 28, 2011 1:26 PM EDT reply actions

We appreciate you Finn...

I wish they could keep him around as some sort of assistance or WR coach.

by DirtyBirdTakeover on May 28, 2011 1:49 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs

Farewell Finn

I would like to salute Finn for the MAN he was. He was the consumate team mate. He was not always on the field but he was mentally there for every play with a word for the younger players and encouragement for the rest. You never had to worry about seeing anything negative in the media about Finn. He was a straight up guy and family man. He has a huge heart for the game and for his family and fans. Hats off Finn, damn the stats, you are one of my Falcon heros.

by Grakas on May 28, 2011 1:54 PM EDT reply actions

stats cannot express how much he meant to the organization

Farewell to the greatest receiver Madden ’06 has ever seen

by Mattyice318 on May 28, 2011 2:04 PM EDT reply actions

Best Wishes.

by Caviarhound on May 28, 2011 2:07 PM EDT reply actions

The Falcons are better because of Finn

As someone already said he was/is a true Falcon. It would be nice to bring him back as the WR coach at some point.

by mwalex on May 28, 2011 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Maybe he could be our next offensive coordinator

by FLA_Falcon on May 28, 2011 4:39 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Wouldn't mind seeing Finn stick around the Falcon organization in some capacity

Maybe he could join Warrick Dunn as a minority owner?

by Leon07 on May 28, 2011 4:56 PM EDT reply actions

I doubt he has the sort of money Warrick Dunn does.

He’d have to be a very minority owner.

by Mosugo on May 28, 2011 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions

A shame

Of all the Falcons that deserved a SB ring, Finn was one. Perhaps the team will still give him one if we win it soon.

by Mosugo on May 28, 2011 7:37 PM EDT reply actions

sad news :'(

by tallen629 on May 28, 2011 8:40 PM EDT reply actions

We'll miss you Finnster.

You were a Falcons favorite. A high-class guy. I’m sure going to miss your high reaching ability and you tremendous special teams play!

by falconfan1 on May 28, 2011 9:36 PM EDT reply actions

Farewell Finn

by ndnpride8806 on May 29, 2011 1:41 AM EDT reply actions

Tear Shed. I'm thankful for all the clutchness that was Brian Finneran.

by YokoFalcon on May 29, 2011 8:45 AM EDT reply actions

A Class Guy

Hope the Falcons find a spot for him in the front office!

by stevencooper on May 29, 2011 9:36 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Rec for all those that want him to stay in the organization

Finn, I wish the entire team had half your heart and desire. You are our “Rudy”. All heart every play no matter what the team asked of you! Please stick around and show our falkids how to properly run the route tree and how to act outside the game and how to have a heart and how to put the team first. I wish I could have seen you play in person!

Dont cloud the issue with facts!

by muuzilla on May 30, 2011 6:09 AM EDT reply actions

BFinn, you will be missed man..... a lot!

Hope you catch on with another team, hopefully a rival,NO,GB, so you can tell us all their plays. Just kidding, see, I already knew your not the one to cheat like that. Thats why we loved you so much. I loved watching you play, especially before your 2 major injuries. You made me very proud to be a former white-guy WR, lol. We will miss you more off the field than on it my friend, good luck man.

Lets go Falcons!!

@Chi, @Ind,@Det SIMPLY AWESOME !! . All are within 3.5 hours of me.I'll probably be supporting the birds from the sidelines of all 3 of those this year. I am getting so excited about the first game of the season, everybody I work with are Bears and Colts fans. It's gonna be sooo sweeet this year, taking all their money!! bwaaha haha haha

by ATLsince1972 on May 30, 2011 6:31 AM EDT reply actions

I...

will truly miss you as a Falcon. Nothing but respect and best wishes for your future endeavors…

by Joseph K. Houston on May 31, 2011 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

True professional.

He really was a truly great example of what it meant to be a professional football player. Great attitude, great work ethic, and an overall incredible guy. He’ll be missed.

I’m going to be super pissed yet excited when he gets 25 catches with the Patriots this season.

I'm on the Twitter: twitter.com/edgrohl

by Duff_Man on Jun 2, 2011 9:15 AM EDT reply actions