The Falcoholic’s Falcons Fan Spotlight: Justin Miller

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 Justin Miller.

Hi everyone, I’m Justin. I’m a simple guy really, my hobbies are video games, football, and drawing. I’m former military, and despite being stationed in Georgia five different times, me twice and my father three times, I’ve sadly never had the opportunity to go see a game in person, but I’m hoping to change that this year.

I asked Justin 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?

It’s a little funny actually. I was about five or six at the time, and my favorite uncle was a die-hard Falcons fan. My dad had been trying to make me a 49ers fan for years, but I wanted to be like my uncle, so I decided to be a Falcons fan, despite not knowing exactly what that meant at the time.

Who is your favorite Atlanta Falcons player of all-time?

I could get a little grief from some Falcons fans for this one, but I have to go with Michael Vick. Now this choice is based solely on sentimental value. Vick was the first, and only, Falcons jersey I’ve owned up to this point and despite being a fan since 97-98, he was what got me to start watching and take my fandom seriously.

What’s your favorite Atlanta Falcons memory?

This one is tough. I don’t know if I have one that I can call on specifically, I’ve enjoyed so many moments. I’ll go with the 2012 Divisional Round win. I honestly loved watching Matt Ryan get his first playoff win, because I always thought he was fantastic, and I hated how some of our fan base treated him. Some of them still don’t get how good we have it.

Thoughts on the 2019 preseason so far?

I didn’t get to watch the Dolphins game live, but fortunately I have Game Pass and re-watched it. I have loved how much Russell Gage has stood out, even if he’s not lighting it up on the box score, he’s making his presence felt and I’m excited to see what he can do this season. I’m also really impressed with the work Brian Hill has put in before, and it might be a little bold, but I think if he keeps this up he could sneak in and steal the RB2 spot from Ito. Another guy I liked after watching the latest game was Austin Larkin. I’ll admit I hadn’t really heard his name before, but after his performance against Miami, I’m paying attention now. Excited to see what he does next.

What’s your outlook on the 2019 season?

I think if the team can stay healthy, we have an honest shot at a 12-4 season, maybe lock up a bye in the playoffs. This team is crazy talented, and I think the Koetter/Quinn combo at coordinator is going to really pay off. I’m really excited for this team Evan!

Is there anything you want to say to fellow Atlanta Falcons’ fans?

My Twitter handle is @JSMiller7492. My Twitter is where everything football is for me so anyone looking to talk shop can find me there. One message I want to send out is appreciate Matt Ryan. Franchise quarterbacks, especially MVPs, don’t grow on trees. We’re lucky to have him.

I greatly appreciate Justin for sharing his thoughts on the Falcons and for being the focus of this week’s ‘Fan Spotlight’ article. With the season just around the corner, it’s always interesting to see what outlook fans have on what’s to come.

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