By WRBL Staff
The Associated Press
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - There were signs today that Atlanta Falcons Number Seven jerseys may become yesterday's fashion.The Associated Press
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Stumble It!Some fans attending the Falcons opening day of minicamp wore Number Two jerseys in early tribute to the team's new hope at quarterback, rookie Matt Ryan.
The Falcons used a committee approach in the 2007 season to replace Michael Vick, but Ryan is to be the long-term replacement as the team's new franchise player.
Vick's Number Seven has not been given to another Atlanta player since he began serving a 23-month prison sentence after pleading guilty last year to bankrolling a dogfighting ring. Vick, suspended indefinitely by NFL commissioner Roger Goodall, also faces state charges in Virginia.
Vick still has fans in Atlanta, but Ryan's Number Two is the new attraction at the merchandise tent near the practice fields.
Ryan said, "It's pretty cool to see people wearing your jersey, I'm not going to lie to you. It's nice. I appreciate their support. Hopefully, I can play well and get more Two jerseys in the stands."
Ryan's top-billing role on the team was obvious at the end of the first practice. Other rookies collected veterans' helmets and gear to take off the practice fields, the job expected to be filled by first-year players all season.
Ryan, however, was asked to join some of the team's top veteran players for an autograph session with the fans. Make no mistake. From day one, Ryan is one of the team's stars, if not the biggest star. Such is the expectation which goes with being the Number three overall pick in the NFL draft.
