Devonta Freeman
{{Short description|American football player (born 1992)}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Devonta Freeman
| image = Devonta Freeman 2018.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Freeman with the Atlanta Falcons in 2018
| current_team =
| number = 24, 31, 33
| position = Running back
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|3|15}}
| birth_place = Miami, Florida, U.S.
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 8
| weight_lbs = 206
| high_school = Miami Central {{nowrap|(West Little River, Florida)}}
| college = Florida State (2011–2013)
| draftyear = 2014
| draftround = 4
| draftpick = 103
| pastteams =
- Atlanta Falcons ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2019}})
- New York Giants ({{NFL Year|2020}})
- Buffalo Bills ({{NFL Year|2020}})*
- New Orleans Saints ({{NFL Year|2021}})*
- Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2021}})
| status =
| highlights =
- Second-team All-Pro (2015)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2015, 2016)
- NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (2015)
- BCS national champion (2013)
- First-team All-ACC (2013)
| statlabel1 = Rushing yards
| statvalue1 = 4,720
| statlabel2 = Rushing average
| statvalue2 = 4.1
| statlabel3 = Rushing touchdowns
| statvalue3 = 38
| statlabel4 = Receptions
| statvalue4 = 298
| statlabel5 = Receiving yards
| statvalue5 = 2,263
| statlabel6 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue6 = 12
| pfr = FreeDe00
}}
Devonta Cornellius Freeman ({{IPAc-en|d|ə|ˈ|v|ɒ|n|t|eɪ}} {{respell|de|VON|tay}}; born March 15, 1992) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft.
Early life
Freeman attended Miami Central High School in West Little River, Florida.{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2013 |title=Cane crusher: Devonta Freeman pounded Miami, helped FSU make another statement |url=https://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/cane-crusher-devonta-freeman-pounded-miami-helped-fsu-make-another-statement-110313 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080350/https://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/cane-crusher-devonta-freeman-pounded-miami-helped-fsu-make-another-statement-110313 |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}} He helped lead the Rockets football team to the 2010 Class 6A state championship and was named the MVP after gaining 308 yards on 38 carries, falling just 20 yards shy of a state championship game record.{{Cite web |last=Nawrocki |first=Nolan |title=Devonta Freeman Combine Profile |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/devonta-freeman?id=2543583 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080724/http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/devonta-freeman?id=2543583 |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=June 25, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} As a senior, he ran for a Miami-Dade County leading 2,208 yards and 26 touchdowns, and also recorded 663 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the final two games of the state playoffs.{{Cite magazine |last=Kaplan |first=Emily |author-link=Emily Kaplan |date=October 15, 2015 |title=Devonta Freeman Has the Grit to Take on the World |url=https://www.si.com/mmqb/2015/10/15/nfl-devonta-freeman-atlanta-falcons |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213195211/https://www.si.com/mmqb/2015/10/15/nfl-devonta-freeman-atlanta-falcons |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}
Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated the best running back in the nation. He committed to Florida State on June 24, 2010.{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Bud |date=June 24, 2010 |title=Running Back Devonta Freeman Commits To Florida State |url=http://www.tomahawknation.com/2010/6/24/1534290/running-back-devonta-freeman |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203091128/http://www.tomahawknation.com/2010/6/24/1534290/running-back-devonta-freeman |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2013 |website=Tomahawk Nation}}
College career
Freeman attended and played college football for Florida State from 2011 to 2013.{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/devonta-freeman-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080649/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/devonta-freeman-1.html |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
=2011 season=
As a freshman at Florida State, Freeman immediately became a major contributor to the Seminoles' running game in their 9–4 season.{{Cite web |title=2011 Florida State Seminoles Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida-state/2011-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111202857/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida-state/2011-schedule.html |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He had two games with over 100 rushing yards and had a stretch of four games of scoring at least one rushing touchdown through the end of October and the start of November. He recorded 120 carries for 579 rushing yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman.{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/devonta-freeman-1/gamelog/2011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226073957/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/devonta-freeman-1/gamelog/2011/ |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |access-date=December 26, 2017 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He finished the season as the Seminoles' leading rusher in major categories.{{Cite web |title=2011 Florida State Seminoles Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida-state/2011.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111203958/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida-state/2011.html |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
=2012 season=
As a sophomore, Freeman shared the backfield primarily with James Wilder Jr. and Chris Thompson.{{Cite web |title=2012 Florida State Seminoles Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida-state/2012.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111202536/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida-state/2012.html |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He recorded two 100+-yard rushing games and three games with two rushing touchdowns. Florida State finished with a 10–2 regular season record and qualified for the ACC Championship.{{Cite web |title=2012 Florida State Seminoles Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida-state/2012-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080230/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida-state/2012-schedule.html |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the ACC Championship against Georgia Tech, he had 59 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in the 21–15 victory.{{Cite web |title=Georgia Tech vs Florida State Box Score, December 1, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-12-01-florida-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080356/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-12-01-florida-state.html |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} As a sophomore in 2012, he had 111 carries for 660 yards and eight touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/devonta-freeman-1/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226074012/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/devonta-freeman-1/gamelog/2012/ |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |access-date=December 26, 2017 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
=2013 season=
As a junior, Freeman provided strong and consistent production for the Seminoles. In the second game of the season against Nevada and the third game against Bethune-Cookman, Freeman went over 100 rushing yards and scored a rushing touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Nevada at Florida State Box Score, September 14, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-09-14-florida-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080531/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-09-14-florida-state.html |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Bethune-Cookman at Florida State Box Score, September 21, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-09-21-florida-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080526/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-09-21-florida-state.html |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On October 5, against Maryland, he started a streak of ten straight games with a rushing touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Maryland at Florida State Box Score, October 5, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-10-05-florida-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080625/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-10-05-florida-state.html |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In that stretch was a game against Miami, where he had 78 rushing yards and two more rushing touchdowns to go along with 98 receiving yards and receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Miami (FL) at Florida State Box Score, November 2, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-11-02-florida-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213135226/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-11-02-florida-state.html |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} As a junior, Freeman was a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) selection and helped the Florida State Seminoles win the 2014 BCS National Championship Game over Auburn by a score of 34–31.{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Greg |date=January 7, 2014 |title=Florida State Wins With Auburn-Like Comeback |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/07/sports/ncaafootball/florida-state-wins-with-auburn-like-comeback.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072300/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/07/sports/ncaafootball/florida-state-wins-with-auburn-like-comeback.html |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} He rushed for over 1,000 yards, the first Seminole to do so since Warrick Dunn in 1996.{{Cite news |last=Pierre |first=Natalie |date=May 7, 2014 |title=Football helps FSU's Devonta Freeman escape tough background |url=http://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/college/fsu/football/2014/05/07/football-helps-fsus-devonta-freeman-escape-tough-background/8814575/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071811/http://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/college/fsu/football/2014/05/07/football-helps-fsus-devonta-freeman-escape-tough-background/8814575/ |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |work=Tallahassee Democrat |language=en}} Freeman finished the season with career highs in rushing yards (1,016), receiving yards (278), and touchdowns (15) despite splitting carries with James Wilder, Jr. and Karlos Williams in Florida State's backfield.{{Cite web |title=2013 Florida State Seminoles Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida-state/2013.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072429/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida-state/2013.html |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He led the Seminoles in rushing in each of his three seasons in Tallahassee.{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2013 |title=2013 All-ACC Teams Announced |url=http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/2013-All-ACC-Teams-Announced_12-02-13_q4l3dn |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616025510/http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/2013-All-ACC-Teams-Announced_12-02-13_q4l3dn |archive-date=June 16, 2006 |access-date=December 6, 2013 |website=TheACC.com}}
On January 11, 2014, Freeman announced he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2014 NFL draft.{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2014 |title=Florida State RB Devonta Freeman will enter 2014 NFL Draft |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/florida-state-rb-devonta-freeman-will-enter-2014-nfl-draft-0ap2000000308735 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406081032/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000308735/article/florida-state-rb-devonta-freeman-will-enter-2014-nfl-draft |archive-date=April 6, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | |||||||
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="3"| Receiving | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | TD |
| 2011 || Florida State
| 120 || 579 || 4.8 || 41 || 8 || 15 || 111 || 0 | |||||||
| 2012 || Florida State
| 111 || 660 || 5.9 || 47 || 8 || 10 || 86 || 0 | |||||||
| 2013 || Florida State
| 173 || 1,016 || 5.9 || 60 || 14 || 22 || 278 || 1 | |||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/devonta-freeman-1.html Career] || 404 || 2,255 || 5.6 || 60 || 30 || 47 || 475 || 1 |
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 8 1/4
| weight = 206
| dash = 4.58
| ten split = 1.66
| twenty split = 2.69
| shuttle = 4.26
| cone drill = 7.11
| vertical = 32.0
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 10
| bench = 14
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 29 3/8
| hand span = 9 5/8
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/devonta-freeman/32004652-4517-4508-d090-1405fbc174e5 |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Draft Scout Devonta Freeman College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=119500&DraftYear=2014 |access-date=November 5, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}}
}}
=Atlanta Falcons=
==2014 season==
Freeman was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round with the 103rd overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Bud |date=May 10, 2014 |title=Atlanta picks Devonta Freeman |url=http://www.tomahawknation.com/2014/5/10/5701868/atlanta-falcons-pick-devonta-freeman-florida-state-nfl-draft-2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017170147/https://www.tomahawknation.com/2014/5/10/5701868/atlanta-falcons-pick-devonta-freeman-florida-state-nfl-draft-2014 |archive-date=October 17, 2021 |access-date=June 1, 2020 |website=Tomahawk Nation|publisher=SB Nation}} He was the eighth running back selected in the draft.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921123401/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/draft.htm |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
In his rookie season in 2014, Freeman shared touches with fellow running backs Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Antone Smith. In his NFL debut, against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 at the Georgia Dome, Freeman had two rushes for 15 yards and two receptions for 18 yards in the 37–34 overtime victory.{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – September 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814021727/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070atl.htm |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=July 2, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Against the Detroit Lions in Week 8, he scored his first career touchdown, a seven-yard reception from Matt Ryan in the first quarter.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons – October 26th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410260atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703130355/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410260atl.htm |archive-date=July 3, 2017 |access-date=July 2, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Against the New Orleans Saints in Week 16, he scored his first career rushing touchdown, a 31-yard rush in the third quarter.{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – December 21st, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703055846/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210nor.htm |archive-date=July 3, 2017 |access-date=July 2, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He appeared in all 16 games during his rookie season but started none. In his rookie season, he accumulated 248 rushing yards on 65 carries, 225 receiving yards on 30 receptions, one rushing touchdown, and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123655/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/2014/ |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2015 season==
Freeman received his first career start on September 27 against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. Against the Cowboys, Freeman had a breakout performance by rushing for a then career-high 141 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries.{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2015 |title=Falcons beat Cowboys behind Ryan-Jones combo, Freeman |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791491 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420020851/http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791491 |archive-date=April 20, 2016 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} The next week, he rushed for three touchdowns again to go along with 68 rushing yards against the Houston Texans.{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons – October 4th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510040atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072013/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510040atl.htm |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the following game against the Washington Redskins, he rushed for a career-high 153 yards to start a three-game streak of 100 yard performances from Weeks 4–7.{{Cite web |last=McClure |first=Vaughn |date=October 25, 2015 |title=Devonta Freeman keeps showing up for Falcons |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/16921/devonta-freeman-keeps-showing-up-for-falcons |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111201630/https://www.espn.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/16921/devonta-freeman-keeps-showing-up-for-falcons |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} In Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts, Freeman recorded 43 yards off three carries before leaving in the first half with a concussion.{{Cite web |last=McClure |first=Vaughn |date=November 22, 2015 |title=Devonta Freeman suffers concussion vs. Colts |url=http://abc7chicago.com/sports/devonta-freeman-suffers-concussion-vs-colts/1095188/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071856/http://abc7chicago.com/sports/devonta-freeman-suffers-concussion-vs-colts/1095188/ |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en-US}} By the end of the season, Freeman totaled 1,634 yards-from-scrimmage (5th in the NFL), 14 all-purpose touchdowns (1st) with 1,056 rushing yards (7th), and 11 rushing touchdowns (1st).{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/leaders.htm |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/devontafreeman/2543583/profile |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126111431/http://www.nfl.com/player/devontafreeman/2543583/profile |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |access-date=January 24, 2016 |website=NFL.com}} He finished the 2015 season ranked third among NFL running backs in both receptions (73) and receiving yards (578) along with three receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/receiving.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824233012/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/receiving.htm |archive-date=August 24, 2017 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman Advanced Stats and Metrics Profile |url=http://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/devonta-freeman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930032422/https://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/devonta-freeman/ |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |website=PlayerProfiler.com}} Following the season, Freeman was selected to the Pro Bowl, the first of his career, and was named a Second-team All-Pro.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308103829/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2018 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134542/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/allpro.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Freeman was named one of the captains, along with Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals, for Team Irvin in the 2016 Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |date=January 22, 2016 |title=RB Freeman Named 2016 Pro Bowl Captain |url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/blog/article-1/RB-Freeman-Named-2016-Pro-Bowl-Captain/ecc31758-a0f9-4565-86c1-1aa40e2ab8f3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825230201/http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/blog/article-1/RB-Freeman-Named-2016-Pro-Bowl-Captain/ecc31758-a0f9-4565-86c1-1aa40e2ab8f3 |archive-date=August 25, 2017 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}} He was ranked as the 50th best player in the NFL and the fifth best running back by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032657/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2016 season==
File:Devonta Freeman training camp 2016.jpg
Freeman and Tevin Coleman provided the Falcons with a solid running back combination to help pace a historic offense in 2016.{{Cite web |title=2016 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2016.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807022126/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2016.htm |archive-date=August 7, 2017 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 3, against the Saints, he had 14 carries for 155 yards and five receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – September 26th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609260nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210073234/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609260nor.htm |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The next week, against the Carolina Panthers, he scored his first rushing touchdown of the season in the 48–33 win.{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – October 2nd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610020atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814021254/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610020atl.htm |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 12, against the Arizona Cardinals, he churned out 60 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries in the 38–19 victory.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons – November 27th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611270atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072010/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611270atl.htm |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the next game, a 29–28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he had another two-touchdown performance on 15 carries for 56 yards.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons – December 4th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612040atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071930/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612040atl.htm |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 15, Freeman ran for 139 yards on 20 carries for three touchdowns in a 41–13 win over the San Francisco 49ers, and was named National Football Conference (NFC) Offensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Edward |date=December 21, 2016 |title=Devonta Freeman, Moore among NFL Players of Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000760632/article/devonta-freeman-moore-among-nfl-players-of-week?campaign=Twitter_atn |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421204607/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000760632/article/devonta-freeman-moore-among-nfl-players-of-week?campaign=Twitter_atn |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} Freeman was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl as an original selection behind Ezekiel Elliott and David Johnson, and played a significant role in the Falcons finishing with an 11–5 record and earning the #2 seed in the NFC.{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115170531/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/index.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Divisional Round 36–20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, Freeman had 14 carries for 45 yards and scored his first career postseason touchdown and also recorded four catches for 80 yards. In the NFC Championship 44–21 victory over the Green Bay Packers, Freeman recorded 14 carries for 42 yards and four receptions for 42 yards and scored his first career postseason receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |date=December 20, 2016 |title=NFL announces 2017 Pro Bowl rosters |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-2017-pro-bowl-rosters-0ap3000000760503 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117075658/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000760503/article/nfl-announces-2017-pro-bowl-rosters |archive-date=November 17, 2018 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} In Super Bowl LI, where the Falcons lost 34–28 in overtime to the New England Patriots, Freeman would have 11 carries for 75 yards, two receptions for 46 yards, and scored the first points for either team on a rushing touchdown in the second quarter.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – February 5th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331010158/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}{{Cite web |last=Chadiha |first=Jeffri |date=February 6, 2017 |title=Falcons' historic collapse leads to Patriots' fifth Super Bowl win |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/falcons-historic-collapse-leads-to-patriots-fifth-super-bowl-wi-0ap3000000783872 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807021058/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000783872/article/falcons-historic-collapse-leads-to-patriots-fifth-super-bowl-win |archive-date=August 7, 2017 |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} Freeman was ranked as the 41st best player in the NFL and the sixth best running back by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511024213/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2017 season==
On August 9, 2017, Freeman signed a five-year, $41.25 million contract extension with the Falcons to become the highest paid running back in the NFL.{{Cite web |last=Silver, Michael |date=August 9, 2017 |title=Devonta Freeman, Falcons agree on five-year contract extension |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/devonta-freeman-falcons-agree-on-five-year-contract-extension-0ap3000000827390 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810014935/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000827390/article/devonta-freeman-agrees-to-extension-with-falcons |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |access-date=August 9, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 1, against the Chicago Bears, he was limited to 37 rushing yards on 12 carries but had a touchdown in the 23–17 victory.{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100chi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920021504/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100chi.htm |archive-date=September 20, 2017 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} In Week 2, in the 34–23 victory over the Green Bay Packers, he had 84 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the first game in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.{{Cite web |title=Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons – September 17th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709170atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008080102/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709170atl.htm |archive-date=October 8, 2017 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} Freeman's first touchdown was the first ever touchdown in the history of the new stadium. In Week 3, against the Lions, he recorded 106 rushing yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions – September 24th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709240det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013225305/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709240det.htm |archive-date=October 13, 2017 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} Though splitting carries with Tevin Coleman, he scored five rushing touchdowns in the first four games to lead the NFL.{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman Career Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002071249/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/ |archive-date=October 2, 2017 |access-date=December 28, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 15, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he had 22 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown in the 24–21 victory.{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – December 18th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712180tam.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228173141/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712180tam.htm |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |access-date=December 28, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} In the regular season finale against the Panthers, he had 23 rushing yards, 85 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown in the 22–10 victory.{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – December 31st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712310atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214073229/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712310atl.htm |archive-date=February 14, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Atlanta Falcons finished with a 10–6 record and made the playoffs.{{Cite web |title=2017 Atlanta Falcons Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2017.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126170223/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2017.htm |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, Freeman finished with 865 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 36 receptions, 317 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown in the 2017 season.{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/2017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080341/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/2017/ |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Wild Card Round, against the Los Angeles Rams, he had 66 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in the 26–13 victory.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams – January 6th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801060ram.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174418/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801060ram.htm |archive-date=January 10, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Divisional Round, he had a receiving touchdown in the 15–10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles – January 13th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801130phi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118030609/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801130phi.htm |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The touchdown marked Freeman's fifth consecutive postseason game with a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman Playoffs Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/post/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080552/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/post/ |archive-date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was ranked 70th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408124716/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2018 season==
In Week 1, Freeman suffered a knee injury and missed the next three games.{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Adam |date=September 15, 2018 |title=Devonta Freeman Reportedly Could Miss 2–3 Weeks Because of Knee Injury |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2795932-devonta-freeman-reportedly-could-miss-2-3-weeks-because-of-knee-injury |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111201631/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2795932-devonta-freeman-reportedly-could-miss-2-3-weeks-because-of-knee-injury |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} He returned in Week 5 before injuring his foot and experienced soreness in his groin. He missed the following week and was later revealed that Freeman required groin surgery. He was placed on injured reserve on October 16, 2018.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 16, 2018 |title=Falcons' Devonta Freeman to undergo groin surgery |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/falcons-devonta-freeman-to-undergo-groin-surgery-0ap3000000975040 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102193909/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000975040/article/falcons-devonta-freeman-to-undergo-groin-surgery |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=McFadden |first=Will |date=October 16, 2018 |title=Falcons place Devonta Freeman on IR, 'hopeful' he can return later this season |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-place-devonta-freeman-on-ir-hopeful-he-can-return-later-this-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301004255/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-place-devonta-freeman-on-ir-hopeful-he-can-return-later-this-season |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}
==2019 season==
In Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals, Freeman had 118 scrimmage yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 33–34 loss.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2019 |title=Cardinals beat Falcons 34–33 after Bryant's extra point miss |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128126 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015131442/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128126 |archive-date=October 15, 2019 |access-date=October 13, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} During Week 7 against the Rams, Freeman threw a punch at Aaron Donald, and was ejected. Without Freeman, the Falcons lost 37–10.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 20, 2019 |title=Devonta Freeman ejected for punching Aaron Donald |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/devonta-freeman-ejected-for-punching-aaron-donald-0ap3000001067420 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020193534/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001067420/article/devonta-freeman-ejected-for-punching-aaron-donald |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 16, Freeman had 127 scrimmage yards, one rushing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown in the 24–12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Atlanta Falcons – December 22nd, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201912220atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224031112/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201912220atl.htm |archive-date=December 24, 2019 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2019 season, Freeman finished with 656 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go along with 59 receptions for 410 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513114729/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/2019/ |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Falcons released Freeman on March 16, 2020.{{Cite web |last=McClure |first=Vaughn |date=March 16, 2020 |title=Falcons releasing Devonta Freeman with three years left on contract |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28910550/falcons-releasing-devonta-freeman-three-years-left-contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317123057/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28910550/falcons-releasing-devonta-freeman-three-years-left-contract |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |access-date=March 17, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |title=NFL League Transactions March 2020 |url=http://www.nfl.com/transactions?transactionMonth=3&transactionYear=2020&transactionTeamAbbr= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314075307/http://www.nfl.com/transactions?transactionMonth=3&transactionYear=2020&transactionTeamAbbr= |archive-date=March 14, 2020 |access-date=March 17, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}
=New York Giants=
On September 23, 2020, Freeman signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the New York Giants.{{Cite web |last=Raanan |first=Jordan |date=September 23, 2020 |title=Giants sign RB Freeman after losing Barkley |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29948033/new-york-giants-adding-devonta-freeman-1-year-3-million-deal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923080209/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29948033/new-york-giants-adding-devonta-freeman-1-year-3-million-deal |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |access-date=September 23, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=September 23, 2020 |title=Giants sign veteran RB Devonta Freeman; Sterling Shepard to IR |url=https://www.giants.com/news/devonta-freeman-running-back-signs-with-giants |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924230815/https://www.giants.com/news/devonta-freeman-running-back-signs-with-giants |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |access-date=September 23, 2020 |website=www.giants.com}} In Week 5, against the Cowboys, he recorded his first rushing touchdown as a Giant in the 34–37 loss.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – October 11th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010110dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012072256/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010110dal.htm |archive-date=October 12, 2020 |access-date=October 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On November 13, 2020, he was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury.{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=November 13, 2020 |title=Giants place Devonta Freeman on IR; Alfred Morris, Montre Hartage signed off practice squad |url=https://www.giants.com/news/giants-place-devonta-freeman-on-ir-alfred-morris-montre-hartage-signed-off-pract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126125837/https://www.giants.com/news/giants-place-devonta-freeman-on-ir-alfred-morris-montre-hartage-signed-off-pract |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=January 10, 2021 |website=Giants.com}} He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on December 5, 2020,{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=December 5, 2020 |title=Giants elevate DE Niko Lalos, QB Clayton Thorson; sign QB Alex Tanney to practice squad |url=https://www.giants.com/news/niko-lalos-alex-tanney-quarterback-clayton-thorson-seahawks-daniel-jones |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114052826/https://www.giants.com/news/niko-lalos-alex-tanney-quarterback-clayton-thorson-seahawks-daniel-jones |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |access-date=January 10, 2021 |website=Giants.com}} and moved back to injured reserve on December 17.{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2020 |title=Giants' Devonta Freeman: Comes off COVID-19 list |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/giants-devonta-freeman-comes-off-covid-19-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227102141/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/giants-devonta-freeman-comes-off-covid-19-list/ |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |access-date=January 10, 2021 |website=CBSSports.com}} He was designated to return from injured reserve the next day, and began practicing with the team again.{{Cite web |date=December 18, 2020 |title=Giants' Devonta Freeman: Returning to practice |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/giants-devonta-freeman-returning-to-practice/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227110705/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/giants-devonta-freeman-returning-to-practice/ |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |access-date=February 16, 2021 |website=CBSSports.com}} He did not return before the end of the regular season, and the Giants waived Freeman on January 7, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=January 7, 2021 |title=Giants waive Devonta Freeman from injured reserve |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/01/07/giants-waive-devonta-freeman-from-injured-reserve/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118021927/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/01/07/giants-waive-devonta-freeman-from-injured-reserve/ |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |access-date=February 16, 2021 |website=NBCSports.com}} He appeared in five games and totaled 54 carries for 172 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with seven receptions for 58 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113112736/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/2020/ |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |access-date=January 11, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Buffalo Bills=
On January 12, 2021, Freeman was signed to the practice squad of the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |last=Wojton |first=Nick |date=January 12, 2021 |title=Bills sign RB Devonta Freeman to practice squad |url=https://billswire.usatoday.com/2021/01/12/buffalo-bills-sign-devonta-freeman/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112143611/https://billswire.usatoday.com/2021/01/12/buffalo-bills-sign-devonta-freeman/ |archive-date=January 12, 2021 |access-date=January 12, 2021 |website=BuffaloBills.com}} His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on February 1, 2021.{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2021 |title=Buffalo parts with four players |url=https://www.fantasyguru.com/bills-buffalo-parts-with-four-players/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306165502/https://www.fantasyguru.com/bills-buffalo-parts-with-four-players/ |archive-date=March 6, 2021 |access-date=February 19, 2021 |website=FantasyGuru.com}}
=New Orleans Saints=
Freeman signed with the New Orleans Saints on August 1, 2021.{{Cite web |date=August 1, 2021 |title=New Orleans Saints sign running back Devonta Freeman |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-sign-running-back-devonta-freeman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801222310/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-sign-running-back-devonta-freeman |archive-date=August 1, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |website=NewOrleansSaints.com}} He was released by the Saints on August 31.{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2021 |title=New Orleans Saints make roster reductions to 53 |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-make-roster-reductions-to-53-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906035852/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-make-roster-reductions-to-53-2021 |archive-date=September 6, 2021 |access-date=July 3, 2022 |website=NewOrleansSaints.com}}
=Baltimore Ravens=
On September 9, 2021, the Baltimore Ravens signed Freeman on their practice squad following injuries to J. K. Dobbins, Justice Hill, and Gus Edwards.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Sam |date=September 9, 2021 |title=Ravens To Sign RB Devonta Freeman |url=https://www.profootballrumors.com/2021/09/ravens-to-sign-rb-devonta-freeman/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909210917/https://www.profootballrumors.com/2021/09/ravens-to-sign-rb-devonta-freeman/ |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |website=profootballrumors.com}}{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=September 9, 2021 |title=Ravens CB Marcus Peters, RB Gus Edwards suffer potentially serious knee injuries at practice |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-cb-marcus-peters-rb-gus-edwards-suffer-potentially-serious-knee-injuries- |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909214352/https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-cb-marcus-peters-rb-gus-edwards-suffer-potentially-serious-knee-injuries- |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |website=NFL.com}} On September 16, 2021, the Ravens signed Freeman to their active roster following the release of Trenton Cannon.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Clifton |date=September 16, 2021 |title=Devonta Freeman Promoted to 53-Man Roster |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/devonta-freeman-promoted-to-53-man-roster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916231429/https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/devonta-freeman-promoted-to-53-man-roster |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |access-date=July 3, 2022 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com}} In the 2021 season, Freeman appeared in 16 of the 17 games and recorded 133 carries for 576 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to go along with 34 receptions for 190 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Devonta Freeman 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/2021/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704020703/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/2021/ |archive-date=July 4, 2022 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="2"| Legend |
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
| Led the league |
| Bold
| Career high |
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
|+Regular season statistics ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ATL
| 16 || 0 || 65 || 248 || 3.8 || 31T || 1 || 30 || 225 || 7.5 || 36 || 1 || 1 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2015 | ATL
| 15 || 13 || 265 || 1,056 || 4.0 || 39 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 11 || 73 || 578 || 7.9 || 44 || 3 || 3 ||2 | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | ATL
| 16 || 16 || 227 || 1,079 || 4.8 || 75T || 11 || 54 || 462 || 8.6 || 35 || 2 || 1 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2017 | ATL
| 14 || 14 || 196 || 865 || 4.4 || 44 || 7 || 36 || 317 || 8.8 || 29 || 1 || 4 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2018 | ATL
| 2 || 2 || 14 || 68 || 4.9 || 20 || 0 || 5 || 23 || 4.6 || 14 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | ATL
| 14 || 14 || 184 || 656 || 3.6 || 28 || 2 || 59 || 410 || 6.9 || 28 || 4 || 3 || 2 | ||||||||||||
| 2020 | NYG
| 5 || 4 || 54 || 172 || 3.2 || 14 || 1 || 7 || 58 || 8.3 || 18 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2021 || BAL
| 16 || 8 || 133 || 576 || 4.3 || 32 || 5 || 34 || 190 || 5.6 || 15 || 1 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00.htm Career] || 98 || 71 || 1,138 || 4,720 || 4.1 || 75T || 38 || 298 || 2,263 || 7.6 || 44 || 12 || 12 || 7 |
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
|+Postseason statistics ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | ATL
| 3 || 3 || 39 || 162 || 4.2 || 37 || 2 || 10 || 168 || 16.8 || 53 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2017 | ATL
| 2 || 2 || 28 || 73 || 2.6 || 22 || 1 || 6 || 29 || 4.8 || 13 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeDe00/gamelog/post/ Career] || 5 || 5 || 67 || 235 || 3.5 || 37 || 3 || 16 || 197 || 12.3 || 53 || 2 || 0 || 0 |
Personal life
Freeman's jersey number with the Falcons was 24 in honor of an aunt who died at the age of 24 from a heart attack while Freeman was a teenager.{{Cite web |last=McClure |first=Vaughn |date=September 5, 2014 |title=New number meaningful to Freeman |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/7899/devonta-freeman-honored-to-wear-no-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003174433/http://espn.go.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/7899/devonta-freeman-honored-to-wear-no-24 |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category|Devonta Freeman}}
- {{Footballstats |nfl=devonta-freeman|espn=16944|yahoo=27631|pfr=F/FreeDe00}}
- {{Twitter|DevontaFreeman}}
- [http://www.seminoles.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209587780 Florida State Seminoles bio]
{{2013 Florida State Seminoles football navbox}}
{{Atlanta Falcons 2014 draft navbox}}
{{NFL rushing touchdowns leaders}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Freeman, Devonta}}
Category:American football running backs
Category:Atlanta Falcons players
Category:Baltimore Ravens players
Category:Buffalo Bills players
Category:Florida State Seminoles football players
Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players
Category:New Orleans Saints players
Category:New York Giants players
Category:Miami Central Senior High School alumni