The Atlanta Falcons have reported to training camp, and the competition for roster spots has begun. With Atlanta looking to end a seven-year playoff drought, head coach Raheem Morris and his staff could have a quick trigger on the old guard as they look to take a step forward under starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in 2025.
But while players will come and go quickly as the Falcons go from 90 players to 53, few get the chance to announce their own departure. That’s what happened to one former Falcons running back who took to X to tell the world his time with his new team was over and open a chapter in what’s been an intriguing career.
Former Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson Announces Own Steelers Release
Former Falcons QB Cordarrelle Patterson jumped on social media moments after he found out he was being released by the team on Monday morning. The versatile veteran showed a sense of humor with the news, referring to him as “old washed-up Cordarrelle Patterson” and to the scene from the movie Friday, claiming he had been fired on his day off.
Breaking news❗️❗️❗️Pittsburgh Steelers release old washed up cordarrelle patterson on his day off!!!
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) July 28, 2025
It’s the latest development in what has been an intriguing career arc for Patterson. A first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2013, Patterson struggled to learn the nuances of playing wide receiver and left for the Oakland Raiders after the 2016 season. While he made his mark as a seven-time All-Pro kick returner and special teams player, he didn’t have a legitimate role on offense until the New England Patriots used him at running back during the 2018 season.
After a couple of years with the Chicago Bears, Patterson made the switch to a full-time running back with the Falcons in 2021 and racked up 1,313 yards and 14 touchdowns to go with 73 catches for 670 yards and five touchdowns over two seasons. Patterson spent a final year with the Falcons in 2023 and signed with Pittsburgh last year, running for 135 scoreless yards and 12 catches for 80 yards and a touchdown.
It’s unlikely that Patterson’s reference to him being old and washed up was just him making light of the situation. But it’s also funny considering the Steelers are employing 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback. Wherever he goes, Patterson’s next stop is sure to be interesting and could be the final one in what has been an unorthodox career.