The Atlanta Falcons celebrated a significant victory on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this week, scoring a last-minute touchdown to secure the win. Any road victory is special, but it’s even more meaningful on Monday Night Football.
This win marked the Falcons’ first of the season. However, wide receiver Drake London faced scrutiny for his touchdown celebration. After catching the game-winning pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins, London mimicked shooting a gun into the air, a gesture that sparked controversy given the current climate surrounding gun violence. Reflecting on his actions, London expressed regret, saying he got carried away in the moment and wished he hadn’t done it.
“It’s a trend in football right now,” London told ESPN. “It was my first ‘Monday Night Football’ game, and I lost myself. I regret putting my team in that position.” London received a 15-yard penalty for the celebration, but kicker Younghoe Koo successfully converted the extra point, sealing the victory.
The timing of the celebration was particularly sensitive, as Atlanta is still reeling from a recent shooting at nearby Apalachee High School, especially since the Falcons had recently hosted the school’s football team for practice. Acknowledging his mistake, London vowed not to repeat it, stating, “With everything happening in the world regarding gun violence, I shouldn’t have displayed that.”
Head coach Raheem Morris also addressed the situation post-game, emphasizing that London had no malicious intent. “It’s a mistake on all our parts to not be mindful of the current issues in our country,” Morris said. “We care deeply about these situations, especially after hosting the school affected by the violence.”
With a record of 1-1, the Falcons now look forward to facing the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend in another opportunity to make a statement on national television.