Falcons TE Jonnu Smith: Coach Arthur Smith 'Puts Belief In Guys'
Newly-acquired Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith shares a longstanding relationship with head coach Arthur Smith that dates back several years.
Their connection began when Arthur Smith served as Jonnu's tight end coach from 2017 to 2018 during their time with the Tennessee Titans. Arthur then took on the offensive coordinator role from 2019 to 2020.
Jonnu had a breakout season in 2020, achieving career-high numbers with 41 catches, 448 receiving yards, and eight receiving touchdowns.
Upon joining the New England Patriots in 2020, Jonnu encountered challenges in reproducing the same level of success he had achieved under the guidance of Arthur Smith.
Now that they are reunited, Jonnu expressed his thoughts on what makes their relationship so unique.
"Just time, belief and trust in one another," Jonnu Smith said. "Art is a coach that puts belief in guys, and coaches kind of miss the concept of that. You often times may not make every play, but them knowing the type of player you are and trusting in you and continuing to let you unleash and be who are you ... I think that is a great testament to who he was in my career and just letting me push the needle and keep climbing."
Working alongside Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith will look now set to provide support to first-year starting quarterback Desmond Ridder.
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