Jessie Bates III, the rookie safety sensation for the Atlanta Falcons, has quickly become one of the league’s most promising defensive stars. Beyond the pitch, he has played a key leadership role within the team. In his second season with the Falcons, Bates’ effectiveness has translated to on-field success. He’s serving as a mentor to the young players around him, teaching them how to handle adversity when it inevitably arrives.
Bates’s ability earned him nothing but high praise from fellow NFL players and coaches. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has referred to him as the top safety in the NFL on more than one occasion. His defensive prowess and basketball IQ have offered him the potential to be coaches’ favorite. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich even pointed out Bates’ outlying cognitive skills.
“Just his stuff above the neck is one of one, as far as I’m concerned. His ability to see this game probably better than most coaches I’ve ever been around,” – Jeff Ulbrich
Bates’ contributions extend beyond his playing ability. He has provided valuable mentorship to some of the young stars on his team’s rise to contention, including rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and cornerback A.J. Terrell. Bates’ mentorship will be especially important as the Falcons look to form a younger defense in 2025. His impact as a leader is most vividly felt in the way he interacts with new arrivals. Among them is new third-round draft pick Xavier Watts from Notre Dame. Shortly after Watts was picked, Bates contacted her through Instagram, telling the artist that he was excited for them to work together.
“[You just want to make] them feel comfortable in the scheme and just let them know that you’re in your dream, you just started your dream, but there’s a whole lot more that you can do in this league,” – Jessie Bates III
Bates has given Watts someone to look up to. Watts has publicly admitted that he tries to emulate the veteran safety’s all-around game. This dynamic serves to highlight the influence that Bates has had on creating the next generation of players.
Coaches and teammates have praised Bates’ professional-like work ethic. He even uses three iPads in meetings to take notes—talk about dedication to learning the game. He is a remarkable young man, and his dedication is evident every day. Cornerback Mike Hughes describes Bates as a natural-born leader who always brings his lunch pail and works his ass off.
“He’s a guy that puts the work in. He studies real hard, and he’s just a natural born leader,” – Mike Hughes
Bates’ leadership style incorporates leading by example. He preaches the importance of daily habits and effort to his younger teammates. Linebacker Jalon Walker said Bates is raising the bar for everyone else.
“He’s someone that we look up to, someone we look to for help and advice and someone that has set the standard so high that no one has the choice but follow it,” – Jalon Walker
Bates’ influence extends off the field. He’s the author of a book on professional wrestling, a personal passion and an example of his diverse interests outside of football. While not explicitly mentioned, his acclaimed writing on wrestling would speak well to notions of resilience and working together, which are always relevant to sports.
The Falcons’ coaching staff loves Bates’ vocal presence in practices and during games. In addition to the way he leads by example, Cage is an exceptional communicator on the field.
“And it’s just so unique and the questions he asked are so deliberate, intentional, and he doesn’t want to just know it, he wants to master it and it’s very unique in that way,” – Jeff Ulbrich
The Falcons face many questions as they prepare for the 2023 season. More than anything, they understand just how important Bates’ mentorship will be for their much younger roster. Key players such as edge rusher Jalon Walker and pass rusher James Pearce Jr. flourished under his leadership. With their continued development, Bates is poised to help lead the team into the future, on what should be a vastly improved defense.
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