FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Falcons quarterback Chris Redman has not had a storybook professional career.
The 75th pick in the 2000 NFL Draft sat on the bench for much of his first two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens -- his record-setting career at the University of Louisville a distant memory. He started the first six games of 2002, but a back injury sent him to injured reserve and put his future in doubt. Redman played in two games in 2003 before being released.
Suddenly the man who was predicted by many as a long-term professional starter found his story clouded with doubt. The troublesome disc in his back was repaired, but he spent two of the next three seasons completely out of football.
He started thumbing through the rest of his football chronicles and got all the way to the final page, ready to make a turn.
"I was right there at the end of the book," Redman said earlier this week. "I was on that last paragraph."
A few chapters were added this offseason when the Falcons and Head Coach Bobby Petrino, who coached Redman at Louisville, signed the quarterback to compete for a backup spot. He had been working with the Austin Wranglers of the Arena Football League and was considering a shot with the Oakland Raiders but, the Falcons presented the best of limited opportunities.
"After a couple of years you have your doubts. I didn't know if I was going to play this game again," Redman said. "But I think that was a good thing for me. Now I don't take anything for granted. Everything that happens I look at as a blessing."
Redman earned a spot as the Falcons No. 2 quarterback out of training camp. Thursday Petrino promoted him to the top of the depth chart citing his performance during a fourth-quarter charge at St. Louis last week. The Falcons lost the game, but Redman, who replaced Joey Harrington, gave a push toward victory.
A year ago Redman was completely out of football and selling insurance in Louisville, Ky., where he grew up and owns a home. Those comparatively mundane memories weren't lost on the quarterback as he jogged on the field for the most live action he'd seen since the 2003 season.
"Last year at this time, I think this very day, I was cold-calling a plumbing company -- walking into a place I had no clue about trying to sell somebody insurance," he said. "Now I get a chance to play. It definitely was a big change."
Redman finished the game 16-of-24 for 172 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons had a shot at victory inside the final three minutes, but a fourth-down incompletion in the red zone and an interception with 1:31 ended the threat. The touchdown tosses tied a career high for Redman, however, and gave Petrino even more confidence in a player he helped develop.
"We liked the way he finished the game the other day," Petrino said Thursday. "He gave us a lift. He’s got a lot of confidence. So we’re going to start with him.
“Chris has a real quick release and he’s very accurate. He’s always been a very accurate passer. He’s able to get the ball out of his hand very fast which helped the other day on our timing and he’s always been very tough. He’s able to stand in there and take a hit. It’s good to see him back. He’s fought through a lot to get to this point where he feels comfortable back on the field."
"I knew I could play but unfortunately, in this business, it's a lot about opportunity and being hot at the right time," added Redman. "I didn't know if I would get that next opportunity. I just worked hard. It will be cool one day when I can look down and tell my son, 'Hey, if you want something bad enough, you can get it.' That's something I'll hang my hat on."
Despite 84 career touchdown passes at Louisville and his status as the first quarterback in Division I football to complete more than 1,000 passes in a career, Redman had trouble getting shots after his injury. Teams saw him as "damaged goods." He said his relationship probably helped his chances in getting a tryout with the Falcons, but didn't seal the deal.
"I definitely thank Coach Petrino," Redman said. "Without him here I don't know if I get that shot. I'm just glad he gave me a look and I don't think it was partial. I think I earned it. I'm glad it happened. I'm glad that he's here."
Redman now hopes his comfort with the coach leads to more success on the field.
“For me, it’s been great because I feel really relaxed with him calling plays," Redman said Thursday. "I don’t feel like he’s the head coach looking at you... We have a good relationship. He relaxes me on the field and he knows exactly what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong. I go to him for any advice if I need some.”
Coach and pupil have enjoyed working with each other again this season. With Redman's new status as starter, that relationship becomes even more important.
"It's a great opportunity," said Redman. "You don't have many opportunities. I turned (30) this year and you don't know how many opportunities you're going to have the older you get. You just have to make the best of whatever happens. I believe in all the quarterbacks here and I believe in myself. Whoever's out there I believe we have a chance to win."
No matter what happens, though, Redman now has a chance to write his own storybook ending.
“I get a chance to be on a pedestal that I never thought I would be on again," he said. "It’s definitely a gift from God and I’ll definitely go out and take advantage of this opportunity.”
