Bruce Irvin Officially Announces Desire to be an Atlanta Falcon
It appears that outside linebacker Bruce Irvin’s days as a Seattle Seahawk are numbered.
Irvin was spotted sitting courtside at Wednesday’s NBA playoff game between the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards, and spoke with Black Sports Online about his future. Upon being asked about where he would be in 2016, Irvin revealed what had been a long-rumored conclusion that he would end up an Atlanta Falcon. “I’m going to be in Atlanta next season. I’m ready,” Irvin said.
The Seahawks seem to have struck a nerve with their former first-round pick. The outspoken Irvin utilizes social media a great deal. After the team decided not to pick up Irvin’s fifth-year option, the strong-side linebacker took to Twitter to voice his displeasure.
“Faced way tougher adversity getting outta them streets coming up! That’s s*** is nothing! F*** THAT OPTION!” he tweeted.
The fifth-year option would have paid Irvin $7.8 million in 2016. The Falcons have reportedly not officially engaged with Irvin because he will not be a free agent until the end of this upcoming season.
A move to Atlanta would allow Irvin to play for his hometown team, and reunite him with former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is now the new head coach of the Falcons.
Seattle drafted Irvin 15th overall in the 2012 NFL draft. He led all rookies with 8.0 sacks that year. This past season, he racked up 37 tackles, 6.5 sacks and took two interceptions back to the end zone for touchdowns.
Irvin has experienced his share of controversy
as well. He sat out four games in 2013, after breaking the NFL’s performance-enhancing
substance policy. He was also ejected from Super Bowl XLIX, after getting into
a scuffle with New England Patriots’ tight end Rob Gronkowski at the end of the
game.