New general manager Terry Fontenot continues his overhaul of the Atlanta Falcons staff by firing three personnel. This group of cuts was wide ranging as it touched several different areas within the organization.
The Falcons confirmed on Sunday that Kevin Winston, vice president of player affairs, trainer Marty Lauzon and videographer Mike Crews has been let go.
Winton’s departure may have been the most surprising, or the most predictable depending on your point of view. He had served with the Falcons for 15 years and won the NFL player development award twice.
Winston was a key figure behind the scenes in helping players with post football plans and running the Falcons University Rookie Success Program. The program is designed to help rookies transition to the NFL and be successful on and off the field.
This is a program that should be taken more seriously at the NCAA level, but let’s face it, the NFL has more invested into player success than the NCAA.
If there was any doubt that Arthur Blank and the Falcons are serious about moving in a new direction in 2021, the removal of a popular employee like Winton sends a clear message; no one is safe.
More on Winston from the AJC’s Orlando Ledbetter
