Long after most of the fans departed and were driving home on the New Jersey turnpike, Falcons linebacker Jonathan Celestin got his big opportunity against the Jets in the fourth quarter on Friday.
Defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel called a blitz through the gap between the center and guard.
Celestin, who was signed after a workout on July 30, shot through and sacked Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold and then looked up to the sky.
He knew that is father Frederick, who was killed in an auto accident in Albany in April of 2017, was looking down on him.
“Oh yeah, that’s one of the main people that I continue to play for,” Celestin told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution after the game. “Because without him I would not have played football from the get go.”
His dad was his biggest fan. He was often seen in Albany wearing a Minnesota Golden Gophers hat or wearing his son’s maroon and gold number 13 jersey. He was wearing the jersey when the accident occurred while walking to work.
“He was able to push my mother (Eunice) to let me play,” Celestin said. “I know that he was looking down on me and he was excited.”
Growing up in Jonesboro, Celestin’s mother wanted no part of youth tackle football. She eventually relented and Celestin, at age 10, joined the Jonesboro Panthers.
“Right before going to middle school, she finally let me play,” Celestin said.
He would go on to star at Mundy’s Mill High. He recently had his high school jersey retired. He was named Clayton County defensive player of the year after making 139 tackles during his senior season.
He went on to play at Minnesota, where he had a solid career. Last season, he played in all 12 games and was second on the team with 78 tackles and 5.5 tackles for a loss.
He received the team’s Carl Eller Award for the most outstanding defensive player and was named Minnesota’s Big Ten sportsmanship award honoree.
Despite a solid collegiate career, the draft came and went without his name being called. All Celestin wanted was an opportunity. He spent his time in Minnesota working out with the Golden Gophers’ strength and conditioning coach.
“It was tough at first,” Celestin said. “I just kept my head high and kept working out. I was waiting for a call and for somebody to give me a chance. I was just thankful that my home team, where I’m from, was able to give me a chance.”
The Falcons, with training camp already under way, called Celestin in for a workout.
“I can’t lie, I cried.” Celestin said. “I got the call and I cried because it was just like a long time coming. I’m just very thankful for that.”
Celestin doesn’t plan to waste the opportunity.
“He’s really going for it,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “He’s in excellent shape. His first few practices he really showed that he can pick it up. He’s got football smarts for sure.”
Celestin made the most of his 14 snaps against the Jets.
“He’ll be somebody that you’ll see have an increased role on defense in the next game and on special teams,” Quinn said. “He was in one of the spots that we looked to and (said), let’s find out some more. Is he going to be somebody who’s going to be a developmental player with us?”
The Falcons like their starting three linebackers, in DeVondre Campbell, Deion Jones and Duke Riley. They are looking for depth behind the starting group and players to develop on the practice squad.
“We are going to take a bigger look at him in this week’s game,” Quinn said.
Celestin is realistic about his NFL outlook.
“It gives me a great chance,” Celestin said. “Nothing is promised. I just have to take advantage of all of the opportunities that the Falcons give me. I have to show them what I can contribute to the team. It’s great just to be around this organization and be in this Brotherhood. It’s amazing.”
Celestin seemed rather sincere about the team.
“I came to camp late and everyone took me in and introduced themselves,” Celestin said. “I’m very thankful.”
With the increased time against the Chiefs on Friday, Celestin hopes to continue making plays like his sack against the Jets.
“I was paying attention, the whole game, to the snap count,” Celestin said. “When my number was called for the blitz, I lined up in the A-Gap and as soon as it was snapped, I tried not to false-step and just took off.”
While waiting for this opportunity, Celestin tried not to get too nervous.
“(My dad) would always tell me to stay confident and humble,” Celestin said.
