FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — After seven years in the NFL, wide receiver DJ Chark debated hanging up his cleats this offseason.
The 28-year-old considered his injuries – three stints on injured reserve in the past four seasons. He thought about his family – a wife with two children under the age of 4.
Chark wanted stability.
The Atlanta Falcons wanted him.
"I prayed on it," Chark said. "I think God wanted me here."
Last Saturday, Chark signed a one-year deal with the Falcons.
Chark wasn't exactly on Atlanta's radar until Falcons quarterback Easton Stick advocated for him. Chark and Stick were teammates with the Los Angeles Chargers last season. The Falcons signed Stick back in late April. He and Chark trained together sometime between now and then, more recently than not.
"Running routes is just therapy for me," Chark said. "He needed work, so I would just go with him and run the routes that he was working on here."
Stick then returned to Atlanta singing Chark's praise to the front office.
The Falcons scheduled a workout that took place last week.
"We remember him from college, and you track him through his career and his skillset," Falcons assistant general manager Kyle Smith said. "He's always had straight-line speed and he's a bigger guy and he can stretch the field a little bit. So, he's an experienced guy, veteran guy that'll come in the mix and compete for a spot."
Chark took to the field the same day he put pen to paper. Since then, there have been two open practices, and he has participated in position drills but stayed out of 11-on-11 work. The Falcons are allowing him to acclimate first.
To speed up that process, Chark has been picking the brains of his new teammates. Fellow wide receiver Darnell Mooney has been notably helpful, as he is out with a shoulder injury at the moment. The two were seen chatting along the sideline multiples times during team periods.
"He always had a script, so just getting the plays from him," Chark said. "I go home; I write them down. A lot of them are sticking. Sometimes, I can just look at the play and, as long as I know who's the X and Z, I can kind of figure out the formation and what play is being ran."
Chark was a second-round draft pick in 2018 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He made the Pro Bowl in just his second season after totaling 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns. When his rookie contract expired in 2022, the Jaguars let him go to free agency.
From there, Chark spent a season apiece with the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers and Chargers. Last year in Los Angeles, he totaled just four receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. A hip injury shortened his season, just like an ankle injury did so in 2021 and 2022.
"We know the type of player he is," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said. "He's had some unfortunate injuries in his career, but he showed up in really good shape. He's a really smart guy. He's already picking things up really well."
Chark expects limitations to be lifted this week, as the Falcons hold their fourth open practice Tuesday. If he has a solid training camp, there is a good chance Chark can make the 53-man roster. The Falcons have their starters in Mooney, Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud III. However, Atlanta needs to cultivate depth in case an injury comes up again.
Since Mooney went down, KhaDarel Hodge has stepped in as a third starting wide receiver. He's the only reserve with as much experience as the others, including Chark. Everyone else holds three or fewer years of professional play.
"It's always good for younger guys to be around guys that have a few stripes," Falcons wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard said. "There are always interesting conversations (to be had) about situational football – playing in different places, playing with different quarterbacks, playing against different DBs. We expect DJ to bring that perspective here and help our boys grow and help them with the journey."
Chark's journey isn't over yet, either. The cleats are staying on. The body is free of injuries. The family is moving to Atlanta.
Bring on Year 8.
"Once I got here, everybody from the staff to all the coaches made me feel welcomed and wanted," Chark said. "So, I felt like it was the right decision."
Join us in Flowery Branch with our favorite photos as we close out Back together weekend, the first weekend of 2025 AT&T Training Camp.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
General view of fans during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford Jr. #28 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. #16 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Leonard Floyd #56 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons legend Matt Ryan during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus #54 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks #35 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63 and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Kentavius Street #93 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bralen Trice #48 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. #16 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons legend Matt Ryan during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 andAtlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Storm Norton #77 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Leonard Floyd #56 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Kaleb McGary #76 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #4 and Atlanta Falcons defensive back Dontae Manning #41 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. #26 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Lamar Jackson #38 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 and Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron #65 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #4 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair #19 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair #19 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Brandon Parker #75 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair #19 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. #33 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts #31 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. #26 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #4 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. #26 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
