The Atlanta Falcons knew what they were doing when they welcomed back veteran linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. Notwithstanding his shaky injury history, the front office believes he can contribute and a make the LB corps better. I concur with their assessment. But let's be honest, this isn't the Spoon we once knew. (That isn't necessarily a bad thing.)
Spoon had to navigate free agency and found himself with a different franchise in unfamiliar circumstances. I don't imagine that was easy. In fact, I imagine he felt pretty slighted by the team that drafted him. But that's all been set aside now. What we have now is a mature, seasoned veteran, ready and willing to lead by example and help make this team better. So how'd this progression take shape? Well, to be frank, Spoon's decision to start a family didn't hurt. (Credit to Kelsey Conway over at The Mothership.)
"When I wake up, I don't hit the snooze button, let's just say that," Weatherspoon said of how fatherhood has changed his mindset. "I think about those little ones and I get up and do some work. It's pretty awesome. It gives you that extra motivation when you have others depending on you. I love it."
Spoon actually became a father for the second time earlier today. As for his football ability, I really hope he regains some of his prior form and makes his presence known in 2016. That said, this is a cutthroat business, and no amount of excellent leadership will cover up on-the-field deficits. This is certainly something to keep an eye one, but one thing is indisputable: Spoon's head is in the right place.
Your thoughts, Falcoholics?