Jessie Bates III said on Apr. 8 that he is focused on proving himself to the new leadership of the Atlanta Falcons as the team begins voluntary offseason workouts.
Bates, entering his ninth year in the league and final season under a four-year contract signed in 2023, said he approaches every year as if it is a one-year deal. This approach comes as head coach Kevin Stefanski, general manager Ian Cunningham, and president Matt Ryan take over key roles with the franchise.
“I say every year you have something to prove,” Bates said. “Every single year you have to prove to whoever it is that you’re still this player, or this leader. Whatever it is, you want to go and prove to somebody that you’re still that guy.”
Bates emphasized consistency regardless of circumstances: “You have to be able to have a system that you operate on no matter if you’re feeling good, if you’re not feeling well, whether you got the biggest contract, whether you don’t,” he said. “You have to operate in these types of systems. I think the best players do.” While defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich remains with several assistants for continuity on defense, Bates wants new leaders like Stefanski to see his value both as a player and leader: “I want to go show Coach Stefanski that I’m that guy, not just as a player but as a leader,” he said.
Asked about his future with Atlanta beyond this season, Bates confirmed there had been no discussions about an extension but stated his desire for stability: “Yeah, absolutely,” Bates said when asked if he would like to continue his career in Atlanta. “I want to retire as a Falcon. I have a beautiful house here, a beautiful family. My family loves it here. Why would I not want to be a Falcon?”
The Atlanta Falcons are based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official website. The team competes in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to their official website and began play as an expansion team in 1965 according to their official website. The franchise has advanced twice to the Super Bowl—in 1998 and again in 2016 according to their official website. Freddie the Falcon serves as mascot for the club according to their official website.
As offseason preparations continue under new management while maintaining some coaching continuity on defense, observers will watch how veterans like Bates adapt—and whether further steps are taken regarding his future with the organization.
