FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Falcons announced a new contract agreement with quarterback Chris Redman Friday, continuing a career resurrection for the signal caller who spent the better part of three seasons out of football before signing with the Birds before last season.
“I’d like to thank Mr. (Arthur) Blank, Head Coach Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff for giving me the opportunity to return,” Redman said. “I’m extremely excited to begin a new season working under the leadership of Coach Smith, Mike Mularkey and Bill Musgrave.”
Redman started the last four games of 2007, leading the team to a 1-3 record in the month of December. He was named Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in a Week 17 victory over Seattle.
In that game, Redman became the first Falcons quarterback to throw for four touchdowns in a game since the feat was accomplished twice in 2006 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys. Redman’s four touchdowns also contributed to Atlanta’s 44 points against Seattle, which is the highest point total in a game for the Falcons since 1998.
Redman, 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 quickly fading into history. 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.
He spent some offseason time with the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots before filing his retirement paperwork and taking up insurance sales in Louisville, Ky.
He spent time as a backup with the Falcons before being named the team's starter prior to a Dec. 10 game against New Orleans.
Redman set career highs in completion percentage (59.7), passing yards (1,079), touchdowns (10) and passer rating (90.4) while establishing a career-long completion with a 74-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Laurent Robinson against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16.
"I knew I could play but unfortunately, in this business, it's a lot about opportunity and being hot at the right time," Redman said just before being named the team's starter. "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.
"Now I don't take anything for granted. Everything that happens I look at as a blessing."
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