Chris Lindstrom, a seven-year veteran of the Atlanta Falcons, addressed the recent changes within the team’s offensive line during organized team activities on May 20. Lindstrom said that after years of consistency with teammates and coaches, this offseason marks a period of significant transition for both himself and the unit.
Lindstrom has played alongside left tackle Jake Matthews throughout his career, while right tackle Kaleb McGary started 81 games beside him since 2019. Other linemen such as Matthew Bergeron and Ryan Neuzil have also provided stability. For five years, Dwayne Ledford served as his position coach. However, with Kevin Stefanski taking over as head coach in January and hiring Bill Callahan—an experienced offensive line coach—the group faces new leadership and techniques.
“I joked yesterday; it almost felt like the first day. I almost felt like a rookie out there,” Lindstrom said Tuesday after practice. “With the different changes, it’s good learning different stuff and different technique, and the way about it. It’s great, though, but I definitely felt like a baby deer for a minute there. I had to get my legs back under me.” He added about Callahan, “Coach Callahan obviously has a great resume and has coached a lot of great players in his time, and a lot of people have a lot of great things to say… It’s been awesome so far working with him.”
The team also saw McGary retire unexpectedly after missing last season due to injury. “I really love Kaleb, and he felt it was time for him to be done,” Lindstrom said. The Falcons signed veteran Jawaan Taylor as McGary’s replacement at right tackle.
Despite these transitions—including coaching staff adjustments and roster moves—Lindstrom remains focused on improvement: “There’s an approach of, no matter how much you play, there’s a different way to do it… always being open to trying it… But then… you can also take so much from that technique.” He concluded: “Then hearing somebody’s opinion of who’s watched you across the league… obviously you would trust their opinion and work on stuff… So it’s been really good so far.”
The Atlanta Falcons are based in Atlanta, Georgia; they compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division; began as an expansion team in 1965; reached the Super Bowl twice (1998 and 2016); advanced twice overall; and have Freddie the Falcon as their mascot—all according to the official website.
