Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Jalon Walker is selected as the No. 15 pick by the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Atlanta Falcons Coach Sends ‘Mike Tyson’ Warning Amid Change

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated May 8, 2025 7:52 AM ET

The Atlanta Falcons’ defense seems like it is ready to go to war in 2025 — or inside the boxing ring, metaphorically speaking, of course.

Atlanta’s new defensive line coach, Nate Ollie, is already trying to instill a ferocious mentality in his unit, even using Mike Tyson as an inspiration for his men.

Sure, Tyson is already 58 years old and had just lost to Jake Paul last November, but what most people still remember about him is that he’s the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, the “baddest man on the planet.”

That’s the version of “Iron Mike” that Ollie wants Atlanta’s defense to personify on the field.

“Everything that we’re trying to do now, it’s like we’re trying to be like Mike Tyson and throw haymakers,” Ollie said, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (h/t NFL.com). “We’re getting off the ball, attacking, throwing haymakers. No jabs. It’s all haymakers — that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Atlanta Falcons’ defense gets a boost via 2025 NFL draft

Hopefully for the Falcons, they will be able to turn it around defensively in 2025. In 2024, they were just 23rd in the league with an average of 24.9 points allowed per game. They were 24th with 224.5 rushing yards surrendered per contest and only 31st with a 5.09 percent defensive sack rate.

Atlanta tried to address its defense in the 2025 NFL draft, using both of the team’s first-round picks on edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., who were taken 15th an 26th overall, respectively.

Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) reacts on the field after the Falcons were defeated by the Carolina Panthers in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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