Homecomings always provide a reason for NFL players to circle games on the calendar, so that’s why Jerick McKinnon plans on having a little extra juice for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.
McKinnon grew up in Atlanta, went to Sprayberry High School in Cobb County and attended college at Georgia Southern in Statesboro, about three hours from the site of Sunday’s game, the all-new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, next year’s Super Bowl site. He’ll have 15-20 friends and family members at the game.
When the Vikings played at the Georgia Dome two years ago, McKinnon carried the ball just five times in relief of Adrian Peterson for 33 yards. He’ll have a much bigger role on Sunday, considering he’s averaged 14 carries per game since rookie running back Dalvin Cook tore his ACL.
“Back home, home city, hopefully I can score a touchdown,” said McKinnon, who has four on the year. “I want to do a celebration. I got something in mind.”
The fourth-year Vikings running back has family with deep roots in Georgia athletic history. His brother, Lester Norwood, played football at Wheeler High School before continuing his career at the University of Florida, and his mother, Frances, played point guard in basketball at Pelham City High School. McKinnon changed his number to 21 because his mom wore those same digits.
McKinnon, who played quarterback in Georgia Southern’s triple-option offense, accounted for 55 touchdowns in his college playing career.
In his first year removed from college, McKinnon might have made the Falcons regret not drafting the hometown product. In the fourth game of his rookie season, McKinnon exploded for 135 rushing yards against Atlanta at TCF Bank Stadium, which still stands as his career high.
Now in a contract season, he is on track for his most career yards from scrimmage, and looking to make a splash in front of his fan section.
“I can’t lose because if I lose I have to hear it for a whole year,” said McKinnon, “so I’m trying to do everything I can to make a play when I get a chance to.”
Many of McKinnon’s friends are still invested in the Falcons, who broke their hearts in last year’s Super Bowl. Atlanta led the New England Patriots 28-3 in the third quarter before — well, you know.
“For a minute, it looked like they were gonna take it,” McKinnon said, “then [New England] came back, and the whole city just went down.”
It’s safe to say their loyalties will be tested as McKinnon suits up for the 9-2 Vikings, who look to strengthen their chances for a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win. Atlanta, meanwhile, is fighting for its life in the Wild Card standings.
“No pressure,” said McKinnon. “Just go out there and do what we do.”
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