Devonta Freeman
A fourth-round draft pick who became the engine of the Atlanta Falcons' high-flying offense, earning two Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl appearance.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American football player·Birthday: March 15·Millennials
Biography
Devonta Freeman's journey from Florida State to the NFL is a story of relentless drive overcoming draft-day doubts. Selected in the fourth round by the Atlanta Falcons in 2014, he didn't start a game his rookie year. But when his chance came, he seized it with a ferocity that defined his play. In 2015, he exploded onto the scene, leading the league in rushing touchdowns and becoming the first Falcon to record back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in over a decade. His quick cuts, fearless blocking, and receiving ability made him the perfect dual-threat back for the Falcons' record-setting 2016 offense that reached Super Bowl LI. Injuries later curtailed his peak, leading to stints with several other teams, but his time in Atlanta cemented him as a fan favorite and a symbol of underdog success.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Devonta was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Devonta Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Devonta's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named to the Pro Bowl in 2015 and 2016 as a member of the Atlanta Falcons.
- Led the NFL with 11 rushing touchdowns during the 2015 season.
- Was a key offensive weapon for the Falcons team that won the NFC Championship and reached Super Bowl LI in the 2016 season.
- Recorded over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in three consecutive seasons (2015-2017).
Did You Know?
He legally changed his last name from 'Freeman' to 'Freeman' at age 12, adopting the surname of his step-grandfather who raised him.
In high school, he played quarterback, running back, and defensive back.
He scored a touchdown in Super Bowl LI on a direct snap play.
His nickname, 'Free', is tattooed on his right arm.
“I always had a chip on my shoulder. I always felt like I had something to prove.”
