Redman enjoys his "blessing'

Ex-Louisville star grateful to be with Falcons

By Paul Newberry - Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Chris Redman already pulled off the improbable, going from insurance salesman to starting NFL quarterback.

The former Louisville Cardinal is not going to just step aside quietly and let some hotshot rookie take his job.

While Matt Ryan is unquestionably the Atlanta Falcons' future, Redman is living very much in the present. He has every intention of being out on the field for the first snap of the season Sept. 7.

”You're always competing, no matter where you're at,“ he said. ”I'll try to win some games and see what happens.“

At some point, the Falcons will have to turn to Ryan, who was drafted No. 3 overall with the idea of helping the franchise get over the Michael Vick debacle. Redman knows that as well as anyone, but his task is to put off the inevitable as long as possible.

”I'm so excited,“ he said. ”I get a chance to go against the best college quarterback in the nation. I get a chance to see where I'm at.“

Working in Redman's favor is Atlanta's major rebuilding project, which will rely heavily on youth after Vick was sent to prison for dogfighting and several prominent veterans — Alge Crumpler and Warrick Dunn among them — were let go for financial reasons.

Whoever lines up at quarterback will have a rookie left tackle (Sam Baker) protecting his back side, not to mention a second-year player (Justin Blaylock) at left guard and, quite possibly, two other starters (right tackle Tyson Clabo and right guard Harvey Dahl) who weren't even drafted out of college.

Do the Falcons really want to put an untested rookie — especially Ryan, who received a six-year, $72 million contract — behind that sort of line? Do they remember what happened to David Carr in Houston?

Redman wouldn't mind holding down the spot while Ryan develops from the safety of the sideline.

”I think I've earned my respect around here,“ Redman said. ”As long as I do my part, I'll be OK.“

Redman was one of the few bright spots in a dismal 2007 season. After three years out of the NFL, he only got a chance because his former college coach, Bobby Petrino, took over in Atlanta. Redman not only made the team, he outlasted the coach — Petrino bolted for Arkansas after only 13 games.

At first, Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich played hot potato with the starting job. Finally, with nothing to lose, the Falcons gave their third-stringer a shot.

Redman threw a career-high four touchdowns in the season finale against Seattle, earning the NFC offensive player of the week award. For the season he completed 59.7 percent for 1,079 yards, with 10 touchdowns, five interceptions and a respectable passer rating of 90.7.

Redman worked with the first team during training camp's opening week, with Ryan also getting plenty of snaps.

”I'll never take football for granted anymore,“ Redman said. ”I was out there selling insurance not too long ago. ... This is a blessing.“