Competing in the NFL is a grueling challenge – and fans see only a fraction of the physical work that goes into it, which requires a 365-days-a-year kind of commitment.
As if playing a dangerous game at its highest level wasn’t enough, the mental challenges that come with it are formidable, as well. Staying on an even keel and not allowing outside voices on social media or traditional media to influence your thinking is a non-negotiable pre-requisite to keeping your head.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts seems to have figured this part out, despite having to deal with a lot of unfair criticism since he was drafted. Pitts says something new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said has stuck with him in this regard, as well as the rest of Atlanta’s offense.
“If you don’t define your identity, somebody else will.”
Kyle Pitts says one quote from Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski that has stuck with him in their short time working together is, “If you don’t define your identity, somebody else will.”
He says that’s something the offense has taken to heart.
— Will McFadden (@willmcfadden) June 29, 2026
Stefanski is not talking about football, but if he was, it wouldn’t be difficult to figure out which direction he wants this unit to take.
The Falcons have a star wide receiver in Drake London and a late-blooming star at tight end in Pitts, but for the foreseeable future this offense is going to run through superstar running back Bijan Robinson, who is the undisputed best player on the team.
Pitts will have to do his part to keep the chains moving, but the Falcons are likely only going to go so far as Robinson can carry them.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Kyle Pitts says one Kevin Stefanski quote has stuck with him
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