Falcons’ Weatherspoon showing he’s not empty noise
Sean Weatherspoon talks a lot, but the Falcons are embracing the noise. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
FLOWERY BRANCH — For most people, talking interrupts the silence. For Sean Weatherspoon, it’s the other way around. It’s widely believed he spent about seven minutes as a baby in the goo-goo, gah-gah period of communication, and then advanced directly to a full-blown monologue.
“If I played offense, I’d be writing down his license plate,” said linebacker Mike Peterson. “And then when I got a chance, I’d look him up — and shut him up.”
And he actually likes Weatherspoon.
How much does Weatherspoon talk? So much that in the weeks leading to the NFL draft, some teams decided to ignore the game tape from Missouri because they believed he wasn’t worth the trouble. Or the punctured ear drums.
An unnamed executive from one team was quoted in Pro Football Weekly as saying: “He never shuts up. He gives me a headache. I don’t want him in my locker room.”
To all of the detractors, the Falcons say: Thank you.
Weatherspoon already has gotten into two scrapes, but his enthusiastic attitude has been infectious. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
They believe they will be better on defense because of Weatherspoon. He gives them what they need: An outside linebacker with speed, ability and exuberance. If daily loud annoyances are unfortunate byproducts of that, so be it.
“I notice when people get angry at me,” Weatherspoon said, smiling, like this was a badge of honor. “Sometimes they want to come after me.”
Was he always this way?
“Oh yes, even when I was young,” he said. “If you would listen, I would talk.
“I always got into in trouble in school. My progress report would say, ‘Talks excessively.’”
General manager Thomas Dimitroff comes from New England, where players are disciplined, bordering on robotic.
“We were hypersensitive to bulletin-board material,” he said.
He drafted Weatherspoon anyway. When he witnessed him up close at Senior Bowl practices, others were scared off, but he was intrigued.
“Some people in the league were taken back by the loquaciousness,” he said. “It spurred a lot of discussion, whether he was going to be disruptive, because he was so over the top. In my mind it was worth [researching], whether it was contrived or it was truly his personality. We came to the conclusion it was never a negative-driven enthusiasm.”
If Weatherspoon was perceived as merely a megaphone with ears, Dimitroff wouldn’t have taken him the 19th pick. But he impressed the team in several interviews, and in “white board” sessions with coaches.
“When he’s in the room, he has a presence,” Dimitroff said.
No kidding. On the first day of full-pad practices, Weatherspoon nearly took off running back Antone Smith’s head — problem being, he didn’t realize it wasn’t intended as a full-speed drill. (”I just got caught up in the moment,” he said.)
The next day, Weatherspoon (6-2, 245) scuffled with tackle Sam Baker (6-5, 307).
It’s what you would expect from somebody who has studied highlights from the likes of Ray Lewis, Lawrence Taylor, Dick Butkus, Jack Ham and Ray Nitschke.
“You definitely want people to know that you’re here,” he said. “My goal is to come in and make plays. I want to show that I belong.”
He also understands he’s a rookie. After practices, he carries Peterson’s shoulder pads and helmet. He brings drinks and snacks to veterans. He sings on demand.
“The linebackers made me do it,” he said. “Ruben Studdard, ‘[Flying] Without Wings.’”
Dimitroff told his scouts not to think, “We can change him.” He wanted to know if the real Weatherspoon would fit in. Fortunately, the player didn’t try to low-key it at the Senior Bowl.
“Everybody was so quiet during the stretch,” he said. “It’s like, ‘This is not me. This is not normal.’ So I just started yakking it up. Next thing you know, everybody was into it. Just because we were in front of all GMs and scouts doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun.”
Final story: Falcons officials were meeting with one last player before the draft at UCLA. Dimitroff sat in the back of the room, listening to coaches talk to the prospect.
“My mind was wandering,” he recalled.
At that moment, he took personnel director Les Snead’s small whiteboard and wrote down one of his mantras: “Positive. Passionate. Perserverance.” He added a “12” (Weatherspoon’s uniform number at Missouri) after each word.
“I started thinking, ‘Why are we wasting our time to see if he’s going to fit in?’” he said.
The new mantra in Flowery Branch: Embrace the noise.
♦
Last 4 posts (add fries and a drink for a complete meal)
♦ An early look at NFC’s Super Bowl picks: Falcons are No. 2
♦ Hawks dropped the ball on not signing Shaq
♦ Braves trying to keep it going with team of moving parts
♦ Favre’s retirement (really? finally?) is opening for Falcons
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90 comments Add your comment
D-MAN
August 5th, 2010
5:40 pm
Sounds like a good man to me,he studies film of all the past HOF linebackers!God this gets me fired up for the season to start!
D-Man
August 5th, 2010
5:53 pm
BRING DA NOISE SPOON!!!!
BT
August 5th, 2010
6:04 pm
Passion, exuberance, talented, hard working dedication to his job and he talks a good game.
Whats`s not to like?
Alan Ross
August 5th, 2010
6:27 pm
If you saw the Rookie days the NFL put on, you saw Spoon. This is who he is, a young man, gifted as a player and very comfortable in his own skin. I love it. Spoon is my new hero. Actually buying tix for the first time in a long time and partly because of SPOOOOOOOOOOON! Can’t wait.
now that's funny
August 5th, 2010
6:39 pm
I want him to talk on the field and be a man of character off.
LIVE from Braves (while Kawakami blows Gwinnett budget) | Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2010
7:07 pm
[...] ♦ Falcons’ Weatherspoon showing he’s not empty noise [...]
Birdman
August 5th, 2010
7:36 pm
This guy could turn out to be one of the all-time greats. You just never know when a player is drafted if they are going to be a legend or are they going to be a bust. I don’t see this kid being a bust at all. I see him growing and maturing as a player and doing his best every Sunday. When Ray Lewis’ name was called on draft day did people say “He’s going to be one of the greats”, or “look at that future Hall of Famer”? I doubt it. People probably booed and they probably wish they would’ve taken another player but little did they know that Ray Lews or Dick Butkus or Lawrence Taylor would change their entire team…I think we have that with Weatherspoon.
GO FALCONS! SPOOOOOOOOOOOON!
suwaneefalcon
August 5th, 2010
7:40 pm
Ray Lewis has made a career of talking the talk and walking the walk. As long as Spoon is respectful of his coaches and veteran team mates and, like Lewis, backs up his talk…I say talk away young man. We need this sort of player on defense.
Tweets that mention Falcons’ Weatherspoon showing he’s not empty noise | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
August 5th, 2010
7:52 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sean Womble and Jeff Schultz, Devette Weatherspoon. Devette Weatherspoon said: Falcons’ Weatherspoon showing he’s not empty noise http://shar.es/0awK6 [...]
Tale of Woe
August 5th, 2010
8:13 pm
I talked to Spoon after practice today – he was funny and very engaging – he was loud at practice and got some good “hits” – I can’t wait to see him play for the Falcons
oh well
August 5th, 2010
9:54 pm
Good for him! Why would we not want that kind of enthusiasm?!
Eric Hinske goes bald -- and then goes long -- in Braves' win | Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2010
11:16 pm
[...] ♦ Falcons’ Weatherspoon showing he’s not empty noise [...]
David Chism
August 6th, 2010
12:03 am
Guys, I have been a rabid Mizzou fan for nearly a decade (I’m only 26). I want to let everyone know that while Spoon was a vocal presence at Mizzou, he was also an exemplary student and all-around great guy off the field. Like every collegiate football team, there are players who cause trouble in the clubhouse and/or in the community. Sean Weatherspoon was NEVER one of those guys. I truly wish every one of our players could be the person, student and player that Spoon was.
Voice of Reason
August 6th, 2010
8:25 am
This reminds me of a time about 17-18 years ago and my daughter was only 10 at the time and wanted to see and meet John Elway. We decided to go to a pre-season practice in Greeley, Colorado and see if it was possible. What we saw that day was a future Hall of Famer who played ball at Savannah State who never shut up the whole practice. Shannon Sharpe was on everyone and talking the whole time – it was one of the most enjoyable times we ever had, and my daughter still talks about that day – she saw John Elway and heard Shannon Sharpe. I don’t think talking slowed down his career a bit, and it won’t slow down ‘Spoon either.
joey563
August 6th, 2010
9:10 am
Spoon will be fine. He may talk like 85 or to but he also has a slight humbleness to his tone in his interviews.
An early look at NFC's Super Bowl picks: Falcons are No. 2 | Jeff Schultz
August 6th, 2010
10:23 am
[...] UPDATE: Here’s the link to the Weatherspoon column. [...]
Dr. Warren
August 6th, 2010
11:31 am
Excessive talking since childhood is a major indication of ADHD. Let’s hope all of that positive frenetic energy will be directed at the man carrying the ball.
Falcon FAN
August 6th, 2010
1:34 pm
That hair cut certainly is “Loquacious”. That hair cut reminds me of 21 years ago? I think he should lose that flat top. I have not seen one of those since the early 90’s!
All I'm Saying...
August 6th, 2010
4:24 pm
As long as he is prepared, hustles, and makes plays, the Rook can jabber all day.
LET’S GO FALCONS!
Blake
August 6th, 2010
4:45 pm
I don’t care If he wears a blond wig that looks like a mullet as long as he runs over the other teams running backs!
wisconsin falcon fan
August 6th, 2010
9:48 pm
it is very sad that we as people can not go and post our comment without saying some negative things about a person with out putting some kind of racial comments, and it can be about any player in any sport be it black, white are Latin it is sicking enough already nothing wrong with a player being fire up at long as it is positive and does not disrupt team chemistry and lose the respect of his teammate, coaches, fans, family, and most of all themselves it is the year 2010 if you don’t like it go join the KKK or some other bs group,anyway hat off to all of the Falcons players no matter what skin color God gave them, Falcons in the Super Bowl that’s right ….enouff said
Big Ray
August 7th, 2010
8:53 am
You need a good talker in the LB corps. Weatherspoon backs up his talk, and his attitude is infectious. Watch him make plays and keep his teammates rolling. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Pre Season
August 7th, 2010
11:51 am
Can’t wait till Friday…….I will be in the building……Spoon is a just like JOEY PORTER from witnessing practices and friday night lights the guy plays like LT and talks like Joey mane we got a GREAT LB….ONE OF THE BEST SINCE THE HAMMER…..
DawgDad
August 7th, 2010
2:51 pm
A native Missourian, I paid as much attention as I could to their bowl teams the past few years. Having the two young Mizzou boys Moore and Weatherspoon in the lineup is really intriguing. These guys have real talent, vast plus-potential. Both could be pro-bowlers soon. I think the questions are staying healthy and how fast they can learn the system and minimize mistakes.
The Falcons have great core of young defensive players, anchor players at each level. I expect they will be a bit green this season, and a little soft on the corners and ends. As good as this team is the best years may still lie ahead.
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » Saturday Six Pack 8/7/10: Crapshoot Panthers Edition
August 8th, 2010
1:02 am
[...] 1. Jeff Schultz: Before the draft, most NFL general managers acted like 1,000-year-olds at the spectre of Sean Weatherspoon’s boisterous zeal and general Atlantaciousness. ”He never shuts up. He gives me a headache. I don’t want him in my locker room,” groaned one team’s pasty-assed shineblocker who can’t bicycle 100 miles in a single morning. Comrade, on the other hand, fears no swag, no matter how swagstronominal: [...]
jusafan
August 8th, 2010
4:20 am
HE WILL BE THE BEST LB TO PUT ON PADS!!!!!!!!!……. Just kidding who knows and who cares it takes more than one player to win, so good luck and have fun Sean w.
MizzouFalcon
August 8th, 2010
11:35 am
As a Mizzou and Falcon fan, I can tell you the Spoon backs up his talk. In his years at Mizzou he was always around the ball making plays. He is also a good kid off the field. One thing that Gary Pinkel has done well at Mizzou, is find talented kids with a lot of character. Spoon has put in lots of hours helping at camps, reading to kids at locals, etc. I, for one, can’t wait to see Spoon flying around the field again this fall.
SPPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONN
Tigerfan
August 9th, 2010
3:55 pm
Had to post because after reading alot of the negative posts, as a MIZZOU fan who has followed Sean for 4 years I thought I could clarify something. Weatherspoon talks alot but it isn’t because he is a all about me kinda guy or meanspirited. He just talks all the time. The top picture with him smiling and talking is the best representation of his talking. He just talks. On the field he probably annoys the opponents with it, but off the field he is just a friendly talker.
Steve A
August 9th, 2010
8:38 pm
The scuffle with Sam Baker doesn’t surprise me. Spoon isn’t scared of anyone. His sophomore year Texas Tech came to Mizzou. A pass gets batted in the air, intercepted by Stryker Sulak who is running it back for a pick 6. Spoon absolutely decleats Tech’s starting right guard, Marlon Winn, who came in at 6′6″, 329lbs.
It won’t be the same in Columbia without him. He’s an absolutely quality guy and you all are extremely blessed to have him on your team. Spoon is a freaking warrior.
Kane337
August 10th, 2010
10:22 am
Looking forward to seeing this kid play on Friday.
Hi, did I miss anything? (And a few names for the Braves) | Jeff Schultz
August 13th, 2010
11:08 am
[...] FALCON TO WATCH: WEATHERSPOON: When I spoke to Falcons rookie linebacker Sean Weathersoon a week ago, he mentioned the game that he was most looking forward to was the exhibition against Kansas City. [...]
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 13th, 2010
2:14 pm
So let me get this straight.
CHOKE’s arm was so weak that Michael Turner injured his shoulder trying to comeback for the ball
That’s funny as hell.
After looking at that BIG, HUGE, FAST HARD Hitting Ravens defense last night, I’m taking bets in which quarter will they send the CHOKE to IRL
Damn Joe “Should have been drafted by Falcons” Flacco looked pretty good last night and his deep ball didn’t take him to heave his whole body into the throws like NOODLE ARM does
Can’t wait for the Ravens massacre
Barry
August 13th, 2010
4:43 pm
HEY Y’ALL:
I don’t care how much noise “SPOON” makes. As long as when he “HITS” with the team against the OPPOSITION, “HE SHOUTS”, “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY. When he “RUNS DOWN” a player, “HE SHOUTS”, ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!. When he makes an “INTERCEPTION”, “HE SCREAMS”, “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!”. When he “RUNS FOR A TOUCHOWN”, HE “HOLLERS”, “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!”. When he “KNOCKS THE OPPOSITIONS HEAD, CLEAN OFF, LOOKS DOWN AT THE PLAYER” and “STARES HIM IN THE “EYES” and SAYS “ONE HEARTBEAT,BABY!!!”. When he ‘SHOUTS WITH THE TEAM” and “HUGS” his “TEAMMATES” and “SCREAMS” with his team “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!” and SHOUTS TO THE FANS, “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!” I DO NAOT CARE WHAT SPPOON SAYS!!! AS LONG AS IT IS IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” MODE, it does not make a difference to me. LET’S MAKE IT LOUD AND CLEAR: IT’S “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” TIME HERE IN ATLANTA. WE ARE “ONE”!!!!. WE MOVE AS ONE. WE MAKE PLAYS AS “ONE.” WE “SCORE” AS “ONE.” WE “LOSE” AS “ONE.” WE “WIN” AS “ONE.” WE “CHEER AND SCREAM” AS “ONE.” WE GO TO THE “SUPER BOWL” AS “ONE.” WE ARE “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” A “JOINED FIST” to be reckoned with due to the “PROCESS” continues on our way to the SUPER BOWL and I am loving it. LET’s DO THIS IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” GO SPOON!!GO FALCONS. LLET’s DO THIS IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”
GO FALCONS. TAKE NO PRISONERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!
……………………”ONE HEARTBEAT,BABY!!!!!………………
Brother John
August 13th, 2010
6:46 pm
Hey, I’m on the SPOON wagon. Bout time we got some fire and heart on this team.
Brother John
August 13th, 2010
6:47 pm
And I happen to like that flat top. Tired of all these bald heads taking over everything!
Mike is back
August 14th, 2010
4:38 pm
Schultz,
This ain’t right man…two in a row…wants going…anyway nice blog on the right guy. Spoon is exactly what the defense needed…hence the reason TD didn’t pass on him. This guy is for real…he will bring honor to 56 like Brook did. I believe in TD, and I believe in his plan for the Falcons.
Kid reminds me of neon Dieon…that’s saying a lot.
GO BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Delbert D.
August 15th, 2010
9:42 am
I like him already. Sounds like a player.
toby
August 15th, 2010
11:19 pm
hopefully he can fire up an otherwise boring defense
Chris
August 16th, 2010
4:06 pm
This is just Spoon’s personality. I went to Mizzou and had numerous classes with him. He’s a great guy, can and will back up what he says, and takes the time to appreciate the little man. I’ve seen him out at bars on a Saturday night talking football with just a random fan. Great leader.
L.A BULLDAWG
August 16th, 2010
7:26 pm
IM GLAD DIMITROFF HAS HIS OWN MIND WHEN IT COMES TO SCOUTING! WITHERSPOON HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A PRO BOWL PLAYER IN 2 YEARS THE PROBLEM WITH GMS AROUND THE LEAGUE IS, THEY WANT THE STATUS QUO! EVERYONE HAS DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES. WITHERSPOON HAS PROVEN IN HIS SHORT TIME HE CAN BACK UP HIS TALK. ANYONE WATCH THE H.O.F. CEREMONIES? A CERTAIN DE FROM THE VIKINGS WAS ONE OTF THE BIGGEST TALKERS IN NFL HISTORY! THIS IS NOT A CHURCH LEAGUE! LET PLAYERS BE THEMSELVES. TIME WILL TELL IF THE TEAMS THAT PASSED ON WITHERSPOON BECAUSE OF HIS MOUTH WILL REGRET IT. WITHERSPOON REMINDS ME OF BART SCOTT NOW WITH THE JETS. TRUST ME, SPOON WILL BRING IT ON A WEEKLY BASIS!