The Falcons agreed to terms with LB O'Brien Schofield Thursday afternoon.
The Falcons agreed to terms with LB O'Brien Schofield Thursday afternoon.
Schofield was originally selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round (130th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin.
Schofield spent time with the Cardinals and Seahawks, posting 111 total tackles (93 solo), 13.5 sacks three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one pass defense.
Schofield played in all 16 regular season games and two playoff games as a member of the Seahawks in 2014.
Schofield posted 20 tackles (15 solo), two sacks and one fumble recovery last season.
In his first year working under Dan Quinn in 2013, Schofield saw action in 15 games with two starts while totaling eight tackles and one sack.
Schofield started nine games in 2012 and logged 34 tackles (33 solo) with four sacks.
Schofield played in all 16 games in 2011, setting career highs in tackles (37), sacks (4.5), forced fumbles (2), and special teams tackles (17).
As a rookie in 2010, he played in 10 games and contributed with five tackles, two sacks, and six special teams tackles.
Schofield started 27 of 44 career games at Wisconsin and posted 110 total tackles (77 solo), 17 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two passes defensed.
His 12 sacks during the 2009 season were tied for the third most in a single season in school history, while his 24.5 tackles for loss rank as the second best in Badger annals.
The Falcons agreed to terms with LB O'Brien Schofield Thursday afternoon.
The Falcons agreed to terms with LB O'Brien Schofield Thursday afternoon.
The Falcons agreed to terms with LB O'Brien Schofield Thursday afternoon.
The Falcons agreed to terms with LB O'Brien Schofield Thursday afternoon.
The Falcons agreed to terms with LB O'Brien Schofield Thursday afternoon.
1. Quinn-Type LB: Falcons head coach Dan Quinn knows the best fits for his type of defense, adding another player fit for the cause, former Seattle Seahawks linebacker O'Brien Schofield. As the Seahawks defensive coordinator in 2013-2014, Quinn saw Schofield play in 31 regular season games, totaling 28 tackles and three sacks, giving him the best perspective of what the 6-foot-3, 242-pound linebacker brings to his defense in Atlanta.
2. Super Bowl Experience: Entering the league with the Arizona in 2010, Schofield played three seasons for the Cardinals before spending the last two years in Seattle. The timing was perfect for Schofield, who recorded a tackle in Seattle's dominating win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII, 43-8. Bringing Schofield to Atlanta adds not only on-field skills to Quinn's team but championship presence in the locker room.
3. Mr. Versatility: During his time in Seattle, Schofield played a wide variety roles for Quinn, including strong-side linebacker, the Leo end in base coverage and also the Leo end in nickel defense. When Quinn was questioned in Seattle about how to ask about Schofield's many positions, his response echoed what he wants each of his players to showcase.
"Ask about versatility," Quinn said. "We started him off at linebacker, knowing there was more involved in that position in terms of the learning and the coverage – more so than Leo. We thought it would be the better transition, to start at Sam (strong-side linebacker). He's doing well."
4. Every-Game Goal: Schofield treats each game like it's his last. Having overcome injuries and much more in his NFL tenure, the 27-year-old linebacker appreciates every opportunity he's given, describing his goal in every game.
"To be disruptive," Schofield said. "To be a violent force and to show up on film for coaches, teammates and however that may go. It's always an ongoing battle, and out here, you're competing and competing against yourself to be as great as you can."
5. Favorites List:Every NFL player has off-the-field hobbies, including travel, cooking and entertainment. Schofield listed a few of his non-football-related endeavors, including his dream vacation spot (Ibiza), the menu he'd cook for teammates (catfish and spaghetti), if not playing football, the other pro sport he would play (basketball) and a new talent that he wishes he had (music).
