Drake London and Jessie Bates III Embrace Alter Egos for Falcons’ Push Towards Playoffs

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London transforms when he steps onto an NFL field. His casual demeanor and radiant smile give way to a fiercely competitive and physical alter ego, a shift that has proved beneficial during his standout season with the team.

Last year, London set career highs in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,271), and touchdowns (9). The fourth-year player is thriving under this dual identity.

“London is a force on the field,” Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot stated during the NFL Draft. “He’s an excellent individual off the field, but when it’s time to play and compete, he becomes relentless and will do whatever it takes to secure a victory.”

Recently, at training camp, Head Coach Raheem Morris experienced London’s intensity firsthand during one-on-one drills. As a makeshift defensive back, Morris attempted to press London. However, a swift two-handed shove from No. 5 sent Morris tumbling to the ground, demonstrating London’s physical prowess.

When asked about his on-field persona, London simply stated, “I’m as friendly off the field as anyone can be. But when the game begins, I become more focused and determined.”

London has progressed significantly each season, improving from a catch rate of 61.5% for 866 yards in 2022 to 62.7% for 905 yards in 2023. The team exercised the fifth-year option on London’s contract to secure his services through 2026 after a strong performance in 2024.

During a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans, Fontenot chuckled when asked about London’s “villainous persona.” He admired London’s dedication to the sport, even avoiding minor distractions such as high-fives during practice.

Atlanta safety Jessie Bates III, who acknowledges London as a quiet competitor, compared him to his own alter ego on the field, dubbed “Drizzy Drake.”

“London is the embodiment of his name and then some off the field,” said Bates. “But when he steps onto that field, it’s a whole other story. That’s what you need in football.”

Bates shared how he too has a distinct side reserved for the sport, adopting the moniker “JB3” on the field.

“Off the field, I’m a family man,” Bates said. “But when I step onto that field, it’s me against everyone, my teammates included.”

The eight-year veteran echoes London’s ability to tap into a different mindset.

“There’s an inner aggression and physicality you need to bring to the game if you want to excel,” Bates stated. “That JB3 persona is making its mark on our defense.”

Bates finished the 2024 season ranked fourth in forced fumbles and tenth in interceptions in the NFL, recording four of each. The veteran is assuming a leadership role and aims to set an example for younger players through his actions on the field.

Falcons Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich expects leaders like Bates and others to find that edge needed to become disruptors.

“When you cross that white line, you need to transform into a different person in many ways,” Ulbrich said. “There’s a level of aggression and violence required on the field that isn’t typical for everyday life.”

Ulbrich emphasized that every great defense shares this abnormal DNA, a trait prevalent across the entire team.

The Falcons eagerly anticipate an unconventional season led by two players with distinct personalities, aiming to break their annual struggle to secure a winning season and potentially make a playoff appearance. Atlanta has not clinched a postseason spot since the 2017 season and will host the Titans on Friday night in a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.