Drake London on struggles of trying to come back from injury

The Atlanta Falcons chose to become the first team in the 2022 NFL Draft to take a wide receiver off the board, hoping USC standout Drake London can return from injury and help take pressure off last year’s top-10 pick Kyle Pitts. The two provide Marcus Mariota, and possibly fellow rookie Desmond Ridder, with options in the passing game.

During his introductory press conference, Drake London discussed how he dealt with his first major injury of his career last season and how family helped guide him through the process.

“You know it was tough,” said London. “That was the first time I dealt with something like that, especially breaking a bone and having to go through a rigorous rehab. A quick one at that to try to get back.

“But again, back to the family. I have people in my corner who supported me and loved me and wanted to see me succeed at the end of the day. I couldn’t let them down.”

London also shared a special moment with his family on draft night, making one of Thursday’s best moments with his emotional conversation.

Drake London on building culture

Just days after becoming the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round pick from the draft, Drake London is ready to help set the tone for the Falcons heading into the future. During his press conference he also revealed what he can add to the Atlanta Falcons culture.

“I would say intensity,” said London. “Would I consider myself a leader? Yes. But at the same time, I am a rookie. I have to go through all the ropes. Probably going to be carrying shoulder pads and helmets all the time, and you know rookie dinner and things like that. But I would definitely say in the future, I would like to be a leader.”

The Moorpark, Calif. native was a high school star in both football and basketball. On the gridiron, London was ranked as the nation’s No. 42 wide receiver and the No. 241 best overall prospect in the country in the 2019 recruiting class according to the On3 Consensus.

Atlanta has been looking to add weapons for Marcus Mariota and will be adding an elite pass catcher in London for the next four to five years. Between an injury and the 2020 season, London’s game total is low for a three-year starter. However, he still finished with an impressive 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns on 160 receptions in just 27 career games.