Shockley had been off Falcons’ radar for a while
It was over for D.J. Shockley when he lost the No. 3 job to John Parker Wilson.
FLOWERY BRANCH — It was two months ago when former Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley said, “I have all the confidence in the world that I can start in this league and play for many years.” He’ll need that confidence if he hopes to continue playing football. But you only get so long to prove it in the NFL.
It was clear after his fourth preseason in Atlanta that Shockley did not have a future with the Falcons. Whether he has a future in pros at all remains to be seen.
The quarterback who waited his turn behind David Greene at Georgia and then led the Bulldogs to the Sugar Bowl was released by the Falcons for the second time in a month Wednesday. This time carries a sense of more permanence.
Young backup quarterbacks don’t get a long lifeline in the NFL, unless their contract mandates it. Shockley’s didn’t, and he got a longer lifeline than most. When he was beat out by Alabama’s John Parker Wilson for the No. 3 job in the preseason, it sent a strong message about how the organization viewed him. Shockley was cut Sept. 5 and brought back a day later for the practice squad. Every general manager has had a shot at him for six weeks. Nobody has bit.
With injuries at running back now piling up, the Falcons needed a safety net at that position more than they needed Shockley. So they the signed Antone Smith for the practice squad. Shockley was gone.
Anybody who has met Shockley knows he’s a good kid. Anybody who saw him wait his turn in Athens knows about his mental toughness and his leadership abilities. But the NFL can be a harsh reality. Bottom line: He just hasn’t been good enough.
When I talked to him in training camp, Shockley said, “What I went through in Athens helped me in terms of how to handle things, mentally and physically. The biggest thing is patience. You can’t worry about things you can’t control. That’s just something I’ve learned over the years.”
Now it might be time to reassess career goals.
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161 comments Add your comment
layinlow
October 21st, 2009
4:01 pm
Wow. Who was that paranoid black psycho with that post at 3:24? Funny how when the Falcons cut a black guy they are a racist organization but when they cut somebody like brooking that psycho above cheers. Talk about racism. BTW psycho, ben rothleisberger was being sued in a civil case and Vick was being prosecuted by the feds. I’m not even going to waste my time trying to explain the difference because you probably would still be incapable of understanding anyway. In a civil case a team is in a position to help a player out by using the P.R. department. But how in the hell can a team help an individual who is being prosecuted by the federal government? Did the Giants help Plaxico when the state of New York prosecuted him? Uh no.
MAD-DONNA
October 21st, 2009
4:04 pm
Hey Chucktown 38, before you attempt to belittle DJ or the UGA fan base, you should learn to use the proper words! Here is a little help this time, but you’re on your own after this! It’s “outweighed”, not “out wade”!
bamafan
October 21st, 2009
4:11 pm
I looked at the photos at the new york post. From the first couple of pics, I wasn’t sure the person was a female.
GrowlerWilson
October 21st, 2009
4:12 pm
People like Plexico Burriss, Mike Vick and Adam “Pacman” Jones are referred to as “thugs”. They can’t help themselves because their lives are a train wreck headed for disaster. All you can do is pray for them because they are going to ruin their lives all by themselves. Plex goes into a nightclub and literally “shoots himself in the foot”. Vick drowns, kills and electrocutes dogs the way that prisoners on death row are put to death. Pacman is a bully who beats up innocent people for no reason. All three guys will never make the hall fame. They will however make the “HALL OF SHAME”.
layinlow
October 21st, 2009
4:16 pm
Vick would have taken the Raiders to the pinnacle of greatness had he signed with them instead of the eagles? Really? Dude are you serious? The raiders are awful and Vick is nowhere near leading any team in the NFL to greatness, especially one out of the abyss. Man there are some delusional folks on these sports blogs.
Alan
October 21st, 2009
4:24 pm
TAX MAN JONES, you are a hate monger and quite frankly have no idea about which you speak, here’s a tip, go hide in a dark place and don’t come back out for the world will be a better place without you. GO FALCONS-GO SOUTHERN RUSH.
David Run-Run
October 21st, 2009
4:28 pm
[ This G-rated comment has been blocked by AJC editors. ]
Just An Observation
October 21st, 2009
4:42 pm
First – Shockley should not have been behind David Greene but we all know why that happened. I agree with an earlier blogger who stated that staying at UGA was a huge mistake for Shockley.
However, with that said…., I do wish him the best and hopefully he’ll get another opportunity in the NFL to prove himself.
What's Important
October 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
Jeff, unfortunately we can’t even say a decent goodbye to a good kid without the two or three idiots on both side coming forth and taking the blog hostage. Might as well close it down now, the downhill spiral has begun.
idiot
October 21st, 2009
4:45 pm
“The Taxman” Jones,
You are an idiot. Shockley was beat out fare and square by John P. Wilson. Are you saying that the Rev. Jackson become part owner? or maybe bring affirmative action to the NFL???
FALCONS FAN
October 21st, 2009
4:52 pm
Tax man, what are you talking about-Falcons are not racist, our starting running back is black, our starting WR is black, our TE is black our whole DL is black, What the hell are you talking about, MV7 did this to himself, yes he was fun to watch, but what did he ever do to the Falcons, oh wait he fipped us off. He served his time and deserves to play but we have moved foward and moved on, He is a great athlete but no a great OB, just wait and Matt Ryan will one day be a Hall of Fame QB, when was MV7 ever compaired to Peyton Manning, Please understand football and understand what you are talking about before you make stupid comments. If you dont like the falcons, become an eagles fan and stay off of our blog sites.
John in Rome
October 21st, 2009
4:55 pm
TAX MAN, the only back stabbing done was Vick to Blank after he signed him to 80 mil contract!
Biker Garrie
October 21st, 2009
4:59 pm
Good luck DJ. You are an exciting quarterback. If you had bnot gotten hurt the other year in preseason you could have won the starting position when Stupid Vick got in trouble. It is all a matter of bad timing. Good luck, I hope you find a team.
Fiddycent
October 21st, 2009
5:05 pm
Not to change the subject, but Lord what the he!! was Steve Phillips thinking. That chick is one ugly beeeeattchh! I don’t think I’d do her with Steve Phillips unit. Damn man, that is one ugly crack house lookin ho!
Radio Listener
October 21st, 2009
5:07 pm
Thank Goodness. I’m so glad the Falcons have let DJ go for good. Now he can focus on landing with a team where they aren’t hanging onto him for the PR…don’t say it isn’t true when the lead is “fan favorite”. Shock had an untimely injury during the Mike Vick saga that really was his greatest set back. Shock will get another shot, he will it may just take a little more patience. That is something Shock can do but he should really be filled with relief. Sometimes being able to get a away from home is what’s best.
MV#7
October 21st, 2009
5:09 pm
MR.MICHAEL VICK WILL ALWAYS OWN!!!!!!THE ATLANTA FALCONS BECAUSE SUNDAY DURING HALFTIME (FALCONS GAME) THE HALFTIME SHOW WAS ABOUT MV7…LOL..
HE’S BEEN GONE NOW FOR 3YEARS. WE UNDERSTAND YOU MISS HIM!!!LOL.. AND BY THE WAY MATT(NOODLE ARM)RYAN PU**Y BOY WILL ALWAYS BE SH*T!!!!!!!!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
October 21st, 2009
5:19 pm
I don’t mean this in a mean-spirited way — he should try the UFL. I think he has enough talent to belong on an NFL team, but bottom line is he’s been in the league for a few years and hasn’t proven anything. NFL teams will always be more willing to take a chance on an unproven rookie than an unproven veteran. The UFL will give him a chance to prove he can play, so that he can stay on the radar of NFL teams.
Keep it Real!
October 21st, 2009
5:20 pm
See Georgia fans, that is why you will never win a BCS championship your talent is overrated! Their are not too many stars from Georgia in the NFL!
Let’s give Matt Ryan sometime to grow here throwing 2 interceptions almost costs the Falcons the game!
Fans in the South sure love to suck up to their overrate players!
And I am OUT!
DamYankee
October 21st, 2009
5:23 pm
Maybe Phillip’s girlfriend can suck-start a Harley.
VolsRule
October 21st, 2009
5:25 pm
There comes a time in all Professional athletes careers that it it over. The Falcons owed it to DJ to allow him to get on with his life.
DJ seems to be a class act and a bright kid. How would you like to be his age and start off in life with his base savings her received from the Falcons – not a bad way to start!!!
Best of luck to you!
All I'm Saying Is...
October 21st, 2009
5:26 pm
Shock will be fine if he keeps the faith, works out the remainder of this season, and has his agent work the phones to get an invite to camp next summer. There are too many lousy QBs starting in the NFL (the two in Tennessee, Russell in Oakland, Tampa Bay, etc.) for him to go without another opportunity…
BuzzGT
October 21st, 2009
5:32 pm
He needs to be playing somewhere to gain the experience that he missed out on at UGA. He should try the CFL.
Chucktown38
October 21st, 2009
5:38 pm
Wow all of the racist comments on here.I have never felt so bad for being white. According to some I guess the color of my skin makes me a racist to huh.
Chucktown38
October 21st, 2009
5:40 pm
Keep It Real Thats not the south just Dawg fans
All I'm Saying Is...
October 21st, 2009
5:42 pm
As for the Steve Phillips situation: Wow! And I don’t mean wow as in I’m impressed. What an explosive situation from humping around with a very unattractive 22 years old woman.
And, apparently, this is far from the first time that Steve has not had his meal at home, if you know what I mean. What goes around, truly comes around. Now his actions have not only led to more pain and embarrassment but also to his 16 years old kid being cyber stalked.
Lets be realistic people
October 21st, 2009
5:46 pm
Good luck DJ…This is garbage, nothing more than Dimitroff & Smith’s attempt to remake the Falcons into some distorted image that they have so put “their stamp” on it. This guy was never really given a fair shot & that’s just the truth…Remember you guys calling Dimitroff a genius as GM are most likely the same fans that called Rich Mckay a genius as well in his early tenure. Nothing against the kid, but Matt Ryan is overrated. Shockley with the same opportunity would have very likely outperformed “the franchise facelift” & Redman/Wilson give me a break….but this is a business & the Falcons are preparing to make that move to the N. Suburbs.
Hef
October 21st, 2009
5:49 pm
DJ beaten out by Parker,really. Neither one is going to be a starter in this league,but at least DJ offered a different dimension to the position. We now have 3 not very mobile QB’s with Ryan being the most mobile. Not a positive move in my book,I guess thats why GM’s get the big bucks.
Paddy
October 21st, 2009
5:56 pm
Just saw the photo of Phillips ex girlfriend. I think I know her. She bags my groceries at the Piggly Wiggly. Sad to say, there are many pretty girls at Pigly Wiggly, she is just not one of them.
Mike Vick Curse....................
October 21st, 2009
5:56 pm
Douglas………….Done
Jerry…………Done
Williams………..Done
Moore……………Done
Norwood………….Done
Mughelli………….Done
Who’s next?????
I told you fools you will never win another playoff game……….
VOOOOOOO DOOOOOO…………. VOOOOOOO DOOOOO………..
2004 & COUNTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hef
October 21st, 2009
5:57 pm
LBRP-I agree,one winning season is not a career. Lets see if the Falcons can sustain & build off of last year. I do disagree with Ryan though,I have’nt heard nothing but praises. I do wish they kept DJ,I thought he would be a good backup.
Mike Vick Curse....................
October 21st, 2009
5:59 pm
Turner……………Near Done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2004 & COUNTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BG
October 21st, 2009
6:05 pm
I hope a team picks up DJ. DJ is a class act and He would be an asset to any team that signs him. Good Luck DJ!
jerry
October 21st, 2009
6:26 pm
Mike Vick Curse: I don’t believe your curse is going to work here. Try Mozambique.
Billy Bob
October 21st, 2009
6:31 pm
I think your curse worked on Vick. Prison time, Financially, Non-factor for Philadelphia. I would watch highlights of Vick if there were any, but I am sooo glad he’s not a Falcon any more!
Marie
October 21st, 2009
7:01 pm
Good luck, DJ. You’re a great guy!
Rick Denson
October 21st, 2009
7:05 pm
Tough break for DJ. He is a really classy guy with allot of heart and talent. It just wasnt in the cards for him with the Falcons. His best shot at getting his turn would have came had not he torn up his ACL during Preseason because during that same season the Vick Scandal broke and we were left with “Horrible Harrington” to carry the load. DJ was having a very good preseason and surely would have got a short before the Falcons made the move to get Chris Redmond. Coming back from the ACL injury the Falcons team had moved in a completely diferent direction with very few players left from the Vick era and it is now the “Matty Ice- Turner the Burner Show”. I’ve met DJ and think he’s a good kid with a bright future in whatever direction he takes. The NFL is a tough business and even if he doesnt make it with another team the kid is a class act and he’ll be fine. He’ll always have the NFL experience and the great accomplishments made at UGA…. and nobody can take that away from him!
Mike Vick Curse....................
October 21st, 2009
7:15 pm
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/News/Articles/2009/01/Wild_Card/Falcons_Cardinals_Game_Story.aspx
Oh the memories………………….
Falcons Woes
October 21st, 2009
7:17 pm
INJURIES…………INJURIES………..DAMN INJURIES……………
Ed
October 21st, 2009
7:19 pm
That’s too bad, I’ve been pulling for Shockley. He was one of my favorite Georgia quarterbacks. He seems like a guy who will do well in the future – who knows, maybe he can get into coaching or an analyst job.
Find a new team losers
October 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Ryan is 15-6 in the regular season as a starter. He is actually ahead of manning, brees, and brady at the same point in their careers. These Mike Vick loving ******’* can’t stand the fact that Ryan is going to be a star and their hero is finished as a franchise QB. They wanted soooo bad for Ryan to fail but it just isn’t going to happen. When Ryan has finished his career in Atlanta he will be the greatest QB in franchise history. They show their racism by pulling against Ryan only because he is white. Atlanta is the only sports town in this country where part of the fanbase would turn on their home town franchise because their hero QB turned out to be a criminal and they just can’t accept that fact. No these lowest common denominator of human beings blame the owner of the team, the true fans, and anybody who want praise their fallen hero. What petulance these losers demonstrate.
BigDawg
October 21st, 2009
7:42 pm
So Steve Phillips likes fat ugly girls. That’s not a crime because if it was most Tech graduates would be in jail, Why do you think they post on the Georgia blogs so often? Because they like dogs. BOW WOW!!! Fat ugly girls need loving too. To bad about Shockley but I think he is done. Great point was made about him not being able to beat out Greene at UGA and he couldn’t make it in the NFL either. Maybe he can go to the CFL.
Steve
October 21st, 2009
7:59 pm
I’m still trying to figure out how in the hell he got beat out by John Parker Wilson. He was the reason Bama lost in the SEC championship game last year. A three year starter with one decent year vs. an all-sec qb and sec champion. Something’s not right in the ATL. DJ will find a home somewhere. Sometimes its about finding the right fit. Just ask Brady Quinn.
clos21
October 21st, 2009
8:05 pm
Come On man! DJ never had a chance to succeed with the way they handle him. sticking him out there with third and fourth string talent! Even last year when it suppose to had been an “open quarterback compentention” yeah right! I am a falcon for life but I don’t care for this team! So if they failed I won’t loose no sleep. if they win I just enjoy the moment!
Rocket Rod
October 21st, 2009
8:49 pm
Any consolation to you DJ, this club traded Bret Farve back when they were needing a Quarterback. Look what became of him.
Falcons Woes
October 21st, 2009
8:57 pm
Find a new team losers
October 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Ryan is 15-6 in the regular season as a starter. He is actually ahead of manning, brees, and brady at the same point in their careers. These Mike
“Ryan is 24-years old, at his age Vick had been selected to 2-pro bowls, finished 2nd in MVP voting, won 2 playoff games, taken team to the championship games and what does Ryan have – CHOKE in the playoffs”
SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO
October 21st, 2009
9:00 pm
Hey Matt – when are you going to win a game that matters, like a freakin playoff game?
Starring Ted Knight as Judge Smales
October 21st, 2009
9:04 pm
I know that Shockley was supposed to be the greatest thing coming out of UGA, but what did he do before the 2005 season that warranted such talk? Remember the Florida game where Guss Scott took him to the house & the next thing you know, he’s on the bench the rest of the game. BTW, name me any UGA player that made an impact with the Falcons.
Falcons Future
October 21st, 2009
9:11 pm
Ok, Falcons were going to see how good y’all are going to be. It’s evident it was in the plan to release Shockley early on. Like, the guy said earlier, you never put him with the 1st string to give him the opportunity to show his talent. They said, it was going to be an open competition. 99% of the fan base saw what was happening, it was just a matter of time. Here is a talented, very intelligent, athletic, pocket as well as mobile quarterback who has learned 3 different offensive systems in 4 yrs. You can’t tell me this guy isn’t going to be something special to the next team that chooses him. He a great leader, a team player, so much so that Matty Ice will miss him. He goes to practice early, stays late, go in on his off days to break down film. Just remember D.J. when one door closes another one will open. This is the reason why the Falcons haven’t been a super bowl contender in how many years??? Go Figure? I agree with the other blogger, when he said that Blank used the Ga players to build the fan base and now the fans are there he let all of them go. Well, he has lost 7 ticket holders here, we will watch it on t.v.. Good Luck D.J. keep the faith your time is coming.
JJB
October 21st, 2009
9:21 pm
Falcons Future, the rest of the NFL have had 7 weeks to sign DJ but did not. They could have signed him, but needed to put him on the 53 man roster to get him on the team. No team saw enough potential in him to sign him during this time. It sucks for him, but reality is reality. I will never be a millionaire (most likely), Mike Vick’s best playing days are behind him (most likely), and the Falcons are building a great long term team. I would rather build a good team than worry about my favorite players being on it.
JJB
October 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
And let’s be honest some more, Are you really buying tickets to a game because of the third string quarterback? If so, you have never gotten to see him take a real snap in a real game. How sad.