ATLANTA (WLBT) – With an NFL roster spot looming, one former Alcorn State and Hinds Community College wide receiver is taking his chance in his second go-around in the league, impressing with a revitalized Atlanta Falcons organization looking to ink their name into Super Bowl contender conversations this upcoming season.
Chris Blair starred as a Brave during the 2018 and 2019 seasons in Lorman, catching 43 passes for 529 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his Alcorn career.
He earned a spot on the Green Bay Packer’s roster as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2021 season.
After his first NFL stint with the Packers didn’t go to plan and spending a brief period in the XFL, Blair was signed to the Atlanta Falcons practice squad on June 18, 2023, waiting eagerly for his big break.
He got it this preseason and has quickly become a go-to target for the Falcons thus far, leading the Dirty Birds in receiving yards at 136 along with 6 receptions across two games. Ninty-one of those yards were recorded against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, crediting the play of NFL veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s play as well.
“It went pretty good,” Blair said. “I was able to come out there and get some things established in the air. I felt like Taylor [Heinicke] did a good job spreading the ball around. We didn’t get the win, but there were some things we wanted to come in and clean up from last week, and it turned out pretty well for us.”
“We got a good feel for each other,” Blair continued. “I kind of know where he wants me to be and he knows how I run. He knows my speed and the things I do well. He did a great job distributing the ball.”
Making the most of this opportunity with the Falcons, Blair looks to former Alcorn State Brave and one-time NFL star with the Packers Donald Driver for inspiration, who is in regular contact with the Lousiville, Mississippi, native.
“My rookie year, when I was in Green Bay, with Donald Driver coming from Alcorn… he was one of the first people to hit me up,” Blair said during a press conference. “We are still in contact to this day. That’s my guy.”
Blair and the Falcons will be back in action on Friday at 6 p.m. as they host their third preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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