Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has expressed optimism about the team’s prospects for the 2025 season, pointing to a roster built around young but proven players. Blank, who is entering his 24th year as owner after purchasing the franchise in February 2002, highlighted how much time has passed since he first took over and how young many of the current core players were at that time.
Noting key contributors like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Michael Penix Jr., Blank said these players represent a new generation for the Falcons. “I like where we are,” Blank stated Saturday. “But you’re probably going to get 31 other owners who will probably say that.”
He emphasized that his optimism is rooted not just in youth, but in what he called “proven youth.” According to Blank: “Especially on the offensive side. But now we have young, proven, outstanding vets on the defensive side (coupled) with the quality of the draft we had this year. I think you’ll be able to see the whole roster elevate itself to a different level.”
Robinson enters his third season regarded as one of the league’s top young talents. Saquon Barkley has described him as potentially “the next great one.” The receiving duo of London and Darnell Mooney was among the most productive last season. The team also returns an experienced offensive line and reliable running back Tyler Allgeier.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., though still early in his NFL career, started three games last season and showed potential to compete for a starting role this year. Blank compared Penix’s opportunity to that of former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan: “If we get a duplicate run out of him that we did Matt Ryan,” Blank said of Penix, “we’ll be incredibly happy.”
On defense, Atlanta focused its offseason efforts on improvement after previously prioritizing offense in drafts. Additions such as Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., and Xavier Watts aim to strengthen their pass rush.
Blank acknowledged it is still early in training camp and said results will ultimately be measured by regular-season wins: “Every year has its excitement to it, but this year, a little more so than I think we’ve had of late,” he said. “We’re looking — obviously — for a very competitive team, a very competitive season. We’d love to play our 17 games, plus. I say ‘plus’ because that’s the aspirations of the franchise.”
