It’s not easy as a rookie to make an impact on a team, let alone impress a new coach, compete with veterans and step into various positions. But Gressel says his motivated mentality from the beginning has guided him to some early, unanticipated success.

“Stay hungry and stay humble. Keep your head down, keep working hard and good things will happen. Those are kind of my sayings. 2017 has only been great. It’s really been an unbelievable ride and I never expected it to be this way. I wished it to be this way but never expected it.”

But his benchmark season couldn’t have been possible without the man leading the Atlanta charge, Tata Martino, a man which Gressel has cultivated a close relationship with since day one.

“I mean from the first training session on, from the first time I stepped on the pitch he’s had high expectations of me which is a good thing. He knew that I was a smart player, and he likes those types of players, that are smart on the field and recognize situations quickly…so those have certainly helped me get on the field.”

Brad Guzan

Skip Fossett

Clint Mathis