Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski responds to Martin Luther King Jr. comparison

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski responds to Martin Luther King Jr. comparison

By Steven Kubitza | Last updated Sep 25, 2026 1:38 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski is in his first season with the organization and was arguably on the hot seat after only two games.

The Falcons opened with an 0-2 record as Stefanski was forced to go with Cooper Rush at quarterback. This meant he had to keep the team motivated until Michael Penix Jr. was ready to return.

Bijan Robinson revealed Stefanski's motivation was so powerful, it reminded the running back of Martin Luther King Jr.

This was a shocking comparison, given King's status in American history and the Civil Rights Movement. The 24-year-old Robinson was obviously not alive during MLK's life, but this comparison seems to indicate Stefanski has a great hold over his locker room.

King was born in Atlanta and is a staple in the city's history. Robinson's comparison may mean Stefanski's postgame speeches will now be appointment listening.

The head coach was able to respond to it when speaking with the media Friday following a much-needed win.

Kevin Stefanski responds to MLK comparison

Stefanski was asked about the lofty comparison and had a comical response, per Falcons reporter Marc Raimondi.

Stefanski on his speech after the Panthers loss: "I don't think Dr. King used as many f-bombs as I did." #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) September 25, 2026

"I don't think Dr. King used as many f-bombs as I did," he said. He was referring to the speech he gave after last week's blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers by a final score of 34-3.

The motivation seemed to work as Falcons looked like a whole new team Thursday night in Green Bay. The key, of course, was competent quarterback play from the returning Penix.

His presence allowed the offense to take off, as Robinson finished with 194 rushing yards and receiver Drake London matched him with 194 receiving yards. Tight end Austin Hooper even hauled in a touchdown as the Falcons took it to the Packers' defense.

Stefanski has garnered criticism in the past for coming across as too bland, but he may have finally found his voice in his new role. Getting compared to one of the greatest public speakers in American history means his message landed among his team.

Steven Kubitza

Steven Kubitza is a Cleveland, Ohio, native with over a decade in the news industry. His work has been featured on Yahoo Sports, FOX Sports, and FanSided, among other outlets. He is a lifelong Browns fan who is convinced the team will turn things around at some point in the next 50 years

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