HOUSTON — Every player wants to be coined a “team guy,” but few fit the description as well as Falcons lineman Ben Garland.
The Air Force graduate and Grand Junction native joined the Broncos as undrafted free agent in 2010 spending five seasons with the team before landing in Atlanta. Garland isn’t a starter and may not even get his name called by announcers on Sunday, but all the Falcons players and coaches know him very well.
Garland, a captain in the 140th Public Affairs Wing of the Colorado Air National Guard, has become one of the Falcons’ glue players key to the chemistry of the team and willing to fill in at any spot that’s needed. He’s played on both the offensive and defensive lines this season, an impressive accomplishment for any NFL player.
A few of the Falcons biggest names lathered Garland with praise leading up to Super Bowl 51. Here’s what they said:
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn: “This could take a while. He has a special spot on our team. He’s a man of great character and the work ethic is what sets him apart. The fact that he has a defensive background & played defensive line at the academy then converted to offensive line. Thatap something we tried in training camp, could this be another thing you could do? Having you play center and guard and kickoff return, could you add this to it? And in typical fashion, he said absolutely. Thatap when the first process began with him. We’ve been really pleased with his development. He’s earned the respect of the other teammates because of that work ethic. He’s been a real factor for us. One of the terms we use is guys that don’t show up on the stat sheet but own their role and been exemplifies that as much as anybody.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan: “Ben is the best, just a versatile guy, plays offensive line, defensive line for us, does a great job on special teams. He’s a guy that if you asked him to do anything, he would do it, and certainly, everybody in our locker room has so much respect for Ben, serving for us and our country, and attending Air Force. He’s one of a kind, and we’re lucky to have him on our team.”
Offensive tackle Ryan Schraeder: “Ben is an awesome guy, off the field, everything. He is a great football player. He plays offense for us. He come in and plays center, but he also plays on the defensive side. He’s made plays on defense this year. Obviously on the offensive line, we all root for him. When he’s on the defensive side and he’s out there making plays, itap really cool. He also plays special teams as well. Ben’s an awesome dude. I have a lot of respect for what he does. He’s been in the military, he’s a great person and itap awesome to be able to enjoy this with him.”
Linebacker Deion Jones: “It is crazy to see that guy at work. Offense, defense, he just gets it done. I don’t see him ever having a mental error or anything, itap crazy. He’s real smart and he’s also a good guy to have around in the locker room. He’s a high-spirited guy. He’s good to have around.”
