Falcons: Takk McKinley dropped over 20 pounds this offseason

Add Takk McKinley to the list of Falcons that dropped some weight over the offseason in an attempt to get faster. Keanu Neal informed us earlier this week that he’s down to almost 210 pounds after playing at 225 pounds last season. And today, McKinley one upped him, telling the media that he currently weighs 248 pounds after playing at 270 pounds in 2019, a substantial drop off for anybody, but especially an edge rusher.

Takk McKinley says he weighs about 248 pounds now after weighing about 265-270 pounds last year.

— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 22, 2020

McKinley said he went back to doing the things that got him to the NFL, running a lot with his old track coach and keeping to a strict diet. On top of that, he focused on workouts that he believes will help prevent shoulder injuries, something that has been a significant issue for him early in his career.

Takk McKinley says he went back to his track roots during this offseason, working with his old track coach and running a lot. He made big changes to his diet and did a variety of workouts that he believes should also help him avoid more shoulder injuries, which have plagued him.

— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 22, 2020

The 2017 first-round pick also had a lot to say about the Falcons opting to decline his fifth-year option and Atlanta’s most recent addition to the pass rush, Dante Fowler Jr.

Takk McKinley says that once the Falcons declined his fifth-year option he had the realization that "if I want to stay in this league, I've got to do better." He's begun to realize how fast time can fly in this league. Calls the Falcons' decision a "wake-up call."

— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 22, 2020

Takk McKinley on Dante Fowler: "Man, that dude is amazing, I'm not even going to lie to you."

— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 22, 2020

Hopefully, this newfound focus from McKinley is legit. Judging by the way he’s transformed his body, I am optimistic that he could finally turn the corner this season and live up to his potential. However, it’s only training camp. All the news is positive, and everyone looks like the next Hall-of-Fame inductee this time of the year. We will see if the narrative remains the same once things start to count.