ATLANTA — June 23, 2025
In a league where boldness often separates contenders from pretenders, Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot is rewriting the blueprint for building a championship team—fearlessly, aggressively, and unapologetically. After years of middling performances, Fontenot’s vision is finally pushing the Falcons to the doorstep of serious Super Bowl contention.
Since being hired in January 2021, Fontenot has been on a steady mission of reshaping the Falcons from a franchise stuck in mediocrity to one that now boasts one of the NFL’s most exciting young cores. But it’s the past 18 months that have defined his legacy—and earned him the reputation as the NFL’s most fearless GM.
Big Moves, Bigger Ambitions
Fontenot made national headlines in 2023 when he orchestrated the blockbuster signing of safety Jessie Bates III to a $64 million deal, fortifying Atlanta’s secondary and sending a clear signal that the Falcons were no longer content to simply rebuild—they were coming to compete.
But the boldness didn’t stop there.
In 2024, Fontenot stunned the league again by drafting dynamic quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, despite having signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a massive free-agent deal earlier that offseason. Critics called the move reckless; Fontenot called it “forward-thinking.” Now, Penix has emerged as a future face of the franchise, with Cousins providing veteran leadership.
And then came the blockbuster of 2025: acquiring superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill in free agency on a 2-year, $15 million deal. Hill’s decision to leave Miami and join Atlanta was largely credited to Fontenot’s persuasive leadership and the championship culture he’s cultivating in the locker room.
A GM with No Fear
What separates Terry Fontenot isn’t just the moves he makes—it’s the moves he’s willing to make. He’s swung for the fences in both free agency and the draft. He’s unloaded veterans, embraced youth, and demanded excellence at every level of the organization. Behind the scenes, players and coaches describe him as “relentless and direct,” yet also visionary—constantly pressing the franchise toward sustained success, not just fleeting relevance.
While some executives play it safe to protect their jobs, Fontenot has embraced risk—and it’s paying off. With a potent offensive core of Tyreek Hill, Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts, combined with a rising defense led by Bates III, Atlanta looks more like a team preparing for January football than another rebuilding year.
The Falcons’ Super Bowl Window
Now, with the NFC South wide open and no clear powerhouse in the conference, Fontenot’s calculated gambles have positioned Atlanta as a legitimate Super Bowl dark horse in 2025. Head coach Raheem Morris, hired this offseason, brings championship experience from his time with the Rams, giving further credence to Fontenot’s master plan.
“We’re not just here to compete,” Fontenot said recently. “We’re here to win it all. Every decision we’ve made is about building a championship program, not just a playoff team.”
