'OK, now this feel like home': Cornerback Kevin King reflects on return to NFL field after 2 years away

After two years away from an NFL field, cornerback Kevin King is attempting his comeback with the Falcons.

Aug 16, 2024 at 08:00 AM

Terrin Waack

Falcons Digital Team Reporter

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It was never a matter of if, only ever a matter of when.

After two years away from the sport, cornerback Kevin King is attempting his professional comeback with the Atlanta Falcons. He reached a big milestone in that return last Friday when he made his official return to game action in the Falcons' preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.

"I'm not really one to get too emotional and stuff like that," King said. "But when I ran out in the tunnel and was just looking up right before the national anthem, I was getting a little emotional. It was something that I almost couldn't even shake a little bit. I'm like man, get right. But it was a special moment."

King started and ultimately played 37 snaps — 54% of the Falcons' defensive total. He made the most of his opportunity.

During the Dolphins' first offensive series, King forced a fumble after a completed pass. The ball went out of bounds, so Miami maintained possession, but the execution stood out nonetheless.

That was Kings' first play. His second was even more notable.

During the Dolphins' fourth offensive series, King intercepted a deep pass down the middle. He returned the pick 29 yards, settling the Falcons up 16 yards away from their desired end zone. Atlanta scored a touchdown shortly after.

King's night concluded after another pass breakup and three more tackles.

"Kevin, he has great ball skills," Falcons assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray said. "He knows what he can do. And then, I like him because I knew – I know – what he can do. Now you just got to prove to everybody else."

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King #32 intercepts the ball during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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King doesn't have to prove himself to Gray because the two have a prior relationship from their shared time with the Green Bay Packers during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. King, a former second-round pick, was drafted by the Packers in 2017. Gray joined in 2020 and stayed through 2022 before coming to Atlanta. The pair were part of four playoff games with the Packers, all of which King started at cornerback.

It was before that 2022 season King stepped away from football for personal reasons.

"My first five years, I had a lot of injuries, going under the needle," King said. "It was time where I was healthy and needed that extra year to kind of get my body right so I could play another 10 years in this league, which I know I can do."

In those five years, King never managed to play a full season. He was placed on injured reserve in Week 14 of his rookie season and again in 2018; he appeared in 15 games between the two seasons. King appeared in 36 games with 31 starts for the Packers in the three years that followed, but he had never played a full season and his six starts in 2021 matched his total from 2018, the second fewest of his career.

So, King took 2022 off to confidently reach what he felt was 100% before trying again. That was supposed to be in 2023. Unfortunately, as he tried to get into shape for training camp, he tore his Achilles, unexpectedly sidelining him for another year.

"I got a real big support system, a lot of people that's praying for me, that's rooting for me," King said. "That keeps me going. Even in times where I don't know how I keep going, I think it's from those prayers and from those good lucks that keep me going. It's a blessing."

Gray is included in that support system. He's the one who not only reached out to King in 2023 but again in 2024, hoping King was ready to give it another go.

Secondary coach Justin Hood and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake are among that group, too. Hood was with King during his last season with the Packers. Lake dates back further to King's final three years at the University of of Washington.

King shared that the relationships have been huge for his second chance.

"I trust him," Gray said. "I trust him wholeheartedly. … And trust me, I don't have any problem with him going out on the football field. That's the least of my worries."

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King #32 arrives for Atlanta Falcons Report Day at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

The Falcons signed King back on April 8.

"You got to give our strength staff and our performance team a lot of credit, having patience with him," head coach Raheem Morris said. "We had to get him through, train him the right way, acclimate him to our system from the offseason. Then, you get him through here, you get him into training camp, you watch him go out and participate. I was excited for him and what the possibilities he has in being able to contribute to us this year."

King has proven he can contribute so far, but it's the preseason. The question come Aug. 27 is whether King has shown enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

If King has learned anything in the past two years, though, it's to control what he can control. He relies on his strong faith to guide him, trusting that what is supposed to happen will. That mindset has helped King turn his focus towards being true to himself and achieving what he's capable of.

In the meantime, King is embracing what he has missed most since 2021: competing at the highest level.

"When I got on that field, it's like OK, now this feels like home," King said. "It wasn't: Can I get back? It was: No, I'm back."

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Atlanta Falcons safety Dane Cruikshank #31 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone #51 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive back DeMarcco Hellams #23 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. #33 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bralen Trice #48 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Kentavius Street #93 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. #28 scores a touchdown during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King #32 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons punter Ryan Sanborn #37 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair #19 catches a pass from Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Zion Logue #59 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Tre Tarpley III #38 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Kyle Hinton #68 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jayden Price #36 looks to tackle a Miami quarterback during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 lines up for a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn #56 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Storm Norton #77 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Andrew Stueber #74 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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The Atlanta Falcons defense makes a stop during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end John FitzPatrick #87 lines up for a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Micah Abernathy #29 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke #4 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker JD Bertrand #40 stares down the offense during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 makes a one-handed catch during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons lineman during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Andrew Stueber #74 lines up before a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Harrison Hand #37 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Dylan Drummond #15 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Tommy Togiai #62 celebrates after making a tackle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 makes a tackle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bradlee Anae #47 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Demone Harris #91 runs down an offensive lineman during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end John FitzPatrick #87 lines up before a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Nathan Rourke #16 before a snap during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Donavan Mutin #45 reacts after a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #49 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. #28 runs with the ball during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Stogner #88 runs during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 is interviewed during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Donavan Mutin #45 celebrates after a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Trey Vaval #42 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks #35 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Donavan Mutin #45 reacts after during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. #28 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive Prince Emili #71 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus #54 extends to make a tackle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Donavan Mutin #45 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons players huddle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Milo Eifler #52 makes a tackle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Barry Wesley #69 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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XXXX on the sideline during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Eddie Goldman #99 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Nathan Rourke #16 runs with the ball during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver OJ Hiliare #11 dives for a catch in the end zone during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Nathan Rourke #16 breaks through the defense on a run during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Milo Eifler #52 celebrates making a tackle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and Mike McDaniels after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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XXXXX after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Kehinde Oginni #72 after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 and Calais Campbell after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus #54 after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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'OK, now this feel like home': Cornerback Kevin King reflects on return to NFL field after 2 years away

After two years away from an NFL field, cornerback Kevin King is attempting his comeback with the Falcons.

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