FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Dante Fowler is back in action, feeling as healthy and explosive as ever. And, did we mention motivated?
The Falcons edge rusher made that clear a few times during a Monday press conference, his first since the end of last season.
That's an appropriate reaction to a lackluster 2020 campaign where he had a career-low three sacks and just had four tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits. That wasn't good enough, especially after signing a massive contract the previous offseason in unrestricted free agency.
He was asked to take a pay cut this spring to help remedy a messy salary-cap situation inherited by Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith. Fowler called it a difficult decision to accept less, but he made it nonetheless.
"The decision was me understanding what happened last year and showing them that I want to be here for a good amount of time," Fowler said. "I felt like, under the circumstances we were in, I had to do my part to help the team in any type of way they were asking for."
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Now Fowler has to do his part to help his team win and get back to the 2019 form that produced 11.5 sacks for the L.A. Rams.
Finding his effectiveness is this year's primary motivator, Fowler says, even over the pay cut or the fact he can became an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
"I have something to prove regardless," Fowler said. "I was hurt last year. It is what it is, and I'm ready to come in here and make a statement."
Fowler went into greater detail about his injury situation, saying he gutted it out in part for previous head coach Dan Quinn.
"It was just one of those things where I was hurt," Fowler said. "[Quinn], that was my guy, so it was only right that I play for him. There are times where I probably should've gone to [injured reserve], but it is what is. You live and you learn and you grow from it."
Fowler worked extensively this offseason trying to amplify his trademark burst and explosiveness off the edge, elements of his game essential to success. They should work well in Dean Pees' system, a scheme he likened to working under Wade Phillips' in 2019, when he had a career year.
"Coach Pees does a really good job of drawing stuff up," Fowler said. "If players do their job, it's possible to make a great play every play. He does a good job of getting pressure on the quarterback and setting people up for big play. We just have to do our job."
Part of Fowler's job is leading the effort off the edge, whether he's a three-down player or a pass-rush specialist. Head coach Arthur Smith has said several times he'd have to earn a role in the Falcons defense.
He has been eased back into action after starting Falcons training camp on the COVID-19 list, with only a week's worth of work done at this point. His activity will intensify this week during joint practices with Miami and possibly the subsequent preseason game.
"He's coming along," Smith said. "Everything since Dante's been back out here, he's like the rest of these guys, they're continuing to work and he's doing a nice job, getting here and learning, trying to earn a role, learning what to do. Pleased with Dante so far what he's showing on the field."
A look at linebacker Mykal Walker at work and more from Day 14 of 2021 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 hands off to running back Qadree Ollison #30 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tuzar Skipper #36 works with Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Shareef Miller #42 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Duron Harmon #21 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
The defense lines up to run during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Rowland #12 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tuzar Skipper #36 works with Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Shareef Miller #42 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
The defense lines up to run during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall #34 looks on during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 in action during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 scores during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 celebrates with wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #4 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 looks on during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 defends against wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 in action during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive back T.J. Green #39 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 gestures during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 defends during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 defends against wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 looks on during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons President and CEO Rich McKay during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 looks on during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Secondary coach Jon Hoke during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons quarterback AJ McCarron #5 talks to quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 taks with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Erroll Thompson #53 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Trevor Davis #83 makes a catch during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Trevor Davis #83 makes a catch during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jonathan Bullard #99 looks on during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Trevor Davis #83 makes a catch during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 works with wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons quarterback AJ McCarron #5 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 looks on during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 works with wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tuzar Skipper #36 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 looks on during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
A generic image of a player holding a helmet during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Avery Williams #35 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kobe Jones #49 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Senior assistant Steve Hoffman during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 runs during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 works with defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Erroll Thompson #53 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 works with cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Duron Harmon #21 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 works with cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Linebackers coach Frank Bush talks with linebacker Erroll Thompson #53 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee #52 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 works during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Linebackers coach Frank Bush talks with inside linebacker Dorian Etheridge #48 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 talks with wide receiver Juwan Green #19 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 talks with linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Duron Harmon #21 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Delrick Abrams #25 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons free safety Erik Harris #23 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Shareef Miller #42 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Dorian Etheridge #48 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee #52 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Duron Harmon #21 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Duron Harmon #21 works with cornerback Darren Hall #34 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Duron Harmon #21 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
The defensive backs listen to coach Jon Hoke during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons free safety Erik Harris #23 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive back JR Pace #41 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Delrick Abrams #25 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons free safety Erik Harris #23 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Willie Beavers #72 and offensive guard Josh Andrews #68 in action during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 during the AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday August 16, 2021. (Photo by )
