The Falcoholic’s Falcons Fan Spotlight: Lee Wong

Greetings, Falcoholics, I’m back with another edition of The Falcoholic’s “Fan Spotlight.” This segment highlights Atlanta Falcons fans from around the globe and shares how they became a fan of the team and their thoughts on the franchise.

This week’s Fan Spotlight is on Lee Wong. Lee is a current resident of Atlanta, after moving to the city in 1994 from Miami, Florida. His birthday is in October, and October in Atlanta is always special. The NFL, CFA (ITSGR82BAMIAMIHURRICANE!) and ALTA tennis fill his weekends in the perfect fall weather. Lee also enjoy the pubs and sports bars on the top end, so you may bump elbows with him at Gillys or the King George Tavern. He’s a “kitty daddy” (Ms. Miria Wong is spoiled rotten) and an aspiring slow cooker. I asked Lee some questions on the state of the franchise and some of his more personal stories as an Atlanta Falcons fan. Let’s get started.

How did you become an Atlanta Falcons fan?

My Falcons’ fandom really started in 2002 after Arthur Blank bought the team. Until then, I was still cheering for the Miami Dolphins (hopelessly). That all changed after I attended an Atlanta Falcons NFL Draft event in the Georgia Dome. As the Falcons were about to select RB TJ Duckett, one of the Falcons sales representatives sold me on season tickets in the mezzanine. These were the first season tickets I had ever purchased for any team and I was instantly all in. 2002 was the season that Michael Vick was elevated as the starter for the Falcons and we all know the history that happened that season. Sweeping the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers and beating the Green Bay Packers on the Frozen Tundra. We could not find a way to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Philadelphia Eagles at the end, but 2002 will always be special as my first season in black.

Favorite Atlanta Falcons player of all-time?

My favorite Falcon ever is WR Roddy White. I loved his swagger, confidence and big plays against the Saints, Panthers and 49’ers. His partnership with Julio Jones and Matt Ryan made those seasons so explosive. Maybe one day I can meet the legend and let him know how special it was for me see to watch him play.

Favorite Atlanta Falcons memory?

My favorite Falcons’ memory goes back to 2008. Chicago Bears vs. Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome. 17 seconds left. Orton to Davis over Houston. Bears touchdown, 20-19. Bears fans running up and down the aisles with their flags over their heads. Bears kick off short, 6 seconds left. Ryan drops back, Jenkins runs a bench, pass completed. ONE SECOND LEFT. Jason Elam 48 yarder, BALL GAME! I almost fell over rail celebrating. Serenading the Bears fans out of my Dome. Priceless.

Thoughts on the Offseason?

Pass rush. Pass rush. PASS RUSH. Oh, did I not mention the PASS RUSH? Whether its pass rush up the middle, off the edge or blitz the nickel, DQ and TD need to add the best the players available to boost the Falcons pass rush. Opposing QB’s are getting too comfortable in the Benz and 37 sacks for 16 games is nowhere near enough.

2019 Record Prediction/Outlook?

9-7. The five-straight division games after the bye are crucial and we cannot afford more than two division losses this season. If the Falcons can find a way to RUSH THE PASSER and close out the home games versus the Eagles, Rams and Seahawks then we may be talking about 11-5.

I appreciate Lee for sharing his thoughts on the Falcons and for being the focus of this week’s ‘Fan Spotlight’ article. You can find Lee on Twitter @kusonagi.

If you’d like to be considered for a future ‘Fan Spotlight’ or know of someone who deserves to be, let me know on Twitter where you can find me at @EvanBirchfield. Thanks for reading!