FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — When Atlanta Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams slipped on his jersey for the first time in 2025, he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face.

His grin grew even wider as he pulled on his helmet, snapped in the chinstrap and took the practice field.

"Almost felt like 23 was a new number again," Hellams said.

Don't be fooled. Hellams' personal joy doesn't guarantee others kindness. Quite the opposite, actually.

"We call him, 'Bamm-Bamm,'" Falcons safety Jessie Bates III said. "He's not a happy guy right now. He's always moving with bad intentions of wanting to go hit somebody. And you need that on the football team."

Hellams has been craving contact since last year's preseason opener, when he got injured on the Falcons' second defensive snap and was carted

See Full Page