Well, what a surprise... Atlanta Falcons safety Charles Godfrey has said his final goodbye to the falcons, as he has officially announced his retirement. Godfrey has called Atlanta home for two years, where he joined the team in 2014 coming from the Carolina Panthers.
He was released in September of 2015 to make room for Jake Long, but later returned while Ricardo Allen was recovering from his injuries in October. Godfrey was then released again in October for Philip Wheeler's arrival, but was able to return shortly thereafter.
Godfrey had recently signed with the Falcons in March 2016, so his retirement is somewhat a surprise to the Dirty Birds fans.
Later, receiver Devin Hester was released by the Falcons after two seasons. He began his career when drafted in the 2006 NFL Draft and spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Bears. Hester was entering the final season of his three year $9 million contract with the Falcons and was recently recovering from a toe injury last season. He currently holds the NFL record for kickoff 920) and punt (14) returns for touchdowns. 
However, all hope is not lost for the Falcons team, where they have acquired new talent for the upcoming season.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Corey Washington and Former UGA tight end Arthur Lynch will now call Atlanta home where they will be ready to take the field in the 2016 season. 
Corey Washington is a former Newberry College standout and was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2014 to the Arizona Cardinals. From thereon, Washington played with the New York Giants, Detroit Lions and now the Atlanta Falcons. Washington scored the first touchdown of his professional career while playing for the New York Giants. With the Atlanta Falcons, fans are hoping for many more to lead them to the playoffs.
ArthurLynch is a household name for many Georgia Bulldogs' fans where he consciously teamed up with UGA Quarterback Aaron Murray to make the Georgia Dawgs one of the best teams in the Southeastern Conference. Lynch was drafted in the 5th round of the 2014 draft by the Miami Dolphins, and has since played on various other teams practice squads, including the 2016 Superbowl Champions, Denver Broncos.
The Dirty Birds fans from all over are ready for training camps to be over, and for the regular season to kickoff in the Georgia Dome for the last time. With this new talent, training and new strategies, fans are not expecting less than the best from the boys in Black and Red. Although many other teams have the same mindset, the Falcons are ready to "Rise Up."
