The Atlanta Falcons began cleaning house immediately after the 2025 season. After defeating the New Orleans Saints and finishing with an 8-9 record, the franchise fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Now, one former NFL QB shares a story about a time when Fontenot totally disrespected him.
What Is the Unbelievable Story About Former Falcons GM Terry Fontenot and a Former NFL QB?
Falcons owner Arthur Blank has decided to start over from scratch. Morris was the head coach for the past two seasons, leading the team through consecutive 8-9 campaigns. Fontenot, on the other hand, had been the general manager for the past five years. The Falcons did not make the playoffs during his entire tenure in Atlanta.
Fontenot compiled a 37-48 record during his five years in Atlanta. He had controversial moments in his stint, especially during the 2024 season. Back then, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency, only to draft quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the draft a month later.
On Monday, however, former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert revealed a wild personal moment with Fontenot that happened behind the scenes. Benkert revealed that, on the day the executive was appointed general manager, he was called by Fontenot and wished him good luck on the job… only to be fired in the same call.
I remember when Terry called me for the first time after he got the job and I said “great to meet you — looking forward to getting after it”
then he immediately said “this isn’t that type of call” and cut me
I hope Blank told him “This isn’t that type of conversation” today 😂 https://t.co/aC17UonaHV
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) January 5, 2026
Benkert went on to call him a “Saints infiltrant.” Before taking over as general manager of the Falcons, Fontenot spent almost two decades working for their NFC South rivals.
I’m really not mad- a lot of good has happened in my life bc of that phone call, but I definitely remembered the convo and arrogance (which is fine)
It’s the type of arrogance you need to pay $180m for a QB in free agency then draft another one top 10
He was a Saints infiltrant
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) January 5, 2026
Benkert did not have a successful NFL career. He signed with Atlanta as an undrafted free agent in 2018, and while he got to spend three years with the Falcons, he never played a snap in the NFL. He also spent the 2021 season with the Green Bay Packers as a backup for Aaron Rodgers.
Although it’s unclear who could be appointed as the next general manager for the Falcons, former quarterback Matt Ryan is expected to play a major role in the front office, working closely with Blank.
