FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — As the practice field buzzed with energy, Leonard Floyd sensed an intensity swelling behind him. A commotion was brewing, and the unmistakable sound of pads colliding filled the air. Intrigued, Floyd turned around to witness a cluster of offensive jerseys pressing in on one isolated defensive player. Without a moment’s hesitation, he charged into the fray, ready to support his teammate.
“I learned that from Aaron Donald when I was in L.A. — you got to ride for your guys on defense,” Floyd said, embodying the camaraderie that defines a successful defensive unit. “Even if he’s in the wrong, you still got to ride for him.”
The player he was defending? Rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr., who was in the midst of some on-field tussles with offensive linemen Matthew Bergeron and Kaleb McGary. Once the dust settled on the skirmishes, Floyd took Pearce aside, guiding him away from the heat of the moment to help him gain perspective.
“I try to bring him to the side and help him cool himself down before he gets real crazy with it,” Floyd explained. “But he’s a good guy, man. He works hard. The linemen just don’t like it. But that’s a good thing.”
For the Atlanta Falcons, Pearce epitomizes the kind of player they coveted when they traded up to select him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The decision was strategic; they didn’t just seek an edge defender, but rather a player who possesses a fierce competitive spirit. Pearce checks that box decisively, and the energy he brought to Sunday’s practice only underscored his potential impact on the team.
“It was a part of our draft. We wanted to add a little edge to our football team,” head coach Arthur Smith acknowledged. “We wanted to add a little edge to our rush.”
Floyd’s protective instincts signal not only his leadership but also the culture the Falcons are fostering—one that thrives on grit and resilience. Pearce’s fiery nature, coupled with the guidance of seasoned veterans like Floyd, sets the stage for a defensive unit that’s looking to make a mark this season. With every practice session, you can bet the Falcons are preparing to unleash a defense that embodies both skill and a tough-nosed attitude.
