FLOWER BRANCH, Georgia | fans of Pools Players are excited to see Falcons newcomer Bijan Robinson and his immense potential in action. His success on the field, as well as in the wonderful world of fantasy football, will be thanks to the great boys before him, including the one who quickly became a friend and member of his close guard: Matthew Bergeron.
• Also read: Watch: Chiefs fans are indirectly targeting this receiver
• Also read: NFL: Matthew Bergeron is supported by star players
• Also read: NFL: a historic moment for Matthew Bergeron
At first glance, the two players have nothing in common. Robinson grew up in Arizona before becoming a porter at the University of Texas. During his time in the NCAA, he was a recognized star across the United States. In his final collegiate campaign last year, he exploded with 1,580 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns, in addition to 19 caught passes for 314 yards and two more touchdowns.
Often described as a rare talent at his position, he was selected eighth overall by the Falcons in the last draft, and many expect him to be a hit with his physical style in his debut. How electrifying.
Some will say that a fabulous fate was destined for him when his mother named him Bijan, which means hero in Persian.
Different realities
On the other end of the spectrum, Bergeron grew up quietly in Victoriaville and made the jump to Syracuse University in relative anonymity before becoming famous and making a name for himself. He was drafted 38th, also by the Falcons.
Two paths and two realities at odds with one another, but upon their arrival in Atlanta, the connection between the two recruits was immediate.
“Matthew is the coolest guy to be with. We came here together and he helped me a lot as well as I tried to help him as much as possible. We have shared our respective experiences and it is really something pleasant. I would do anything for him today,” he told the Journal bluntly after training this week.
Getty Images via AFP
hook atoms
In a football locker room, almost 70 players experience different realities and sometimes have different backgrounds. Sports build connections in this micro-society, and Bergeron and Robinson quickly recognized that.
“We’ve talked for a long time about how we can’t wait for him to run alongside me,” Bergeron said.
“We arrived here at the same time as the recruits. We spent time together in the camp dorms. He is an exceptional athlete, but above all a good person. Just from talking to him we notice that he is a very authentic person. As a first-round pick, he carries all the pressure in the world on his shoulders, but always walks around with a smile and a relaxed attitude. It’s fun to watch,” he continued.
Bijan Robinson, who could be the Falcons’ next big star, meanwhile, discovered two sides of Matthew Bergeron.
“As impressive and dominant as he is on the pitch, he is like me outside of it. We’re just always two lucky guys. “It’s a great opportunity that we’re both experiencing and through daily conversations we’ve become like brothers in arms,” he said as they approached their first loss together against the Carolina Panthers.
A tour in Montreal?
A big traveler at heart, Robinson is already thinking about a little tour of Montreal with a few teammates, while Bergeron could turn into a tour guide.
“Bijan is planning a trip to Quebec. He loves to travel and goes everywhere. I told him I really needed to take him to a Habs game and Formula 1. I have a few guys from the offensive line who want to come along too. We sense that there is enthusiasm for Quebec here!” sneered the Victoriavillois.
David Onyemata, another Canadian with the Falcons
David Onyemata began his NFL career with the Saints before moving to the Falcons. AFP
Matthew Bergeron isn’t Canada’s only representative on the Falcons. Tackle David Onyemata, who played his football in Manitoba, is also one of about 30 Canadian players in the NFL this season.
Onyemata was born in Nigeria but discovered soccer in the Winnipeg area. He celebrated success at the University of Manitoba, including winning the JP Metras Trophy in 2015 as the country’s best defensive lineman.
A few weeks after the Falcons signed him last March, he noticed another Maple Leaf representative joining the troops.
“We have seen Matthew improve day by day. He’s been working hard in every training session and we’re seeing it pay off. We both talked about our experiences playing soccer in Canada. If I had to give him one piece of advice, it would be to live the moment to the fullest in his first game on Sunday,” said the stocky 6-foot-3, 300-pound man.
Help appreciated
Of all the players who have helped Bergeron improve, his fellow Canadian is at the top of the list. When Bergeron was asked which defensive player caused him the most problems in camp, he spontaneously answered: David Onyemata.
“His physical strength is truly extraordinary. Everyone told me that facing him in training would be one of the biggest tests of my season. I’m against him every day and sometimes I get annoyed about losing reps, but I have to remember that you will win and lose them,” he noted.
“The worst thing is that David played against my mentor Rémi Giguère at the Canadian university. It’s crazy how small the world is!” he continued.
A unique course
The two Canadians can also see similarities in the fact that they experienced atypical paths to the NFL.
Onyemata was 18 when he arrived in Canada in 2011 and had never seen a soccer ball in his life. His rise was remarkable until the Saints selected him in the fourth round in 2016.
“It’s so much work from early in the morning until late at night. We have to take the time to recognize what is happening to us,” he said when asked if he still pinches himself sometimes.
Today he’s here with the Falcons, sworn enemies of the team that gave him his chance in the NFL.
“I have always done my own thing by playing football without worrying too much about rivalry stories. No matter what game I try to play at the highest level possible. “It doesn’t matter if you wear the Saints jersey or the Falcons jersey, in the end it’s the same job,” he commented, without fanning the flames.