Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 29, 2025. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is coming off a frustrating game.
The Falcons’ 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday represented only the third time in Pro Bowl career he was active for a game and didn’t have a catch.
Additionally, it was also the fewest targets (one) he has ever had.
Down to No. 3 quarterback Cooper Rush, who has his own back injury, because of injuries to Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) and Michael Penix Jr. (knee), only four passes were caught by receivers on the day.
“The stats don’t really … That’s not something that’s just a major thing,” Pitts exclusively shared on behalf of USAA. “Obviously, every game won’t be a pass-heavy game, and some games you need to run the ball.”
The Falcons ran the ball 31 times, and Pitts and the Falcons pass catchers did not have much of a chance for long drives because the offense only converted two-of-12 third-down opportunities.
It’s something new head coach Kevin Stefanski lamented.
“We have to stay on the field,” he said.
It was a disappointing performance, but Pitts learned a lesson in resilience over the summer.
“When things get hard,” Pitts said, “just keep going.”
USAA Pararescue Mission
Pitts spent July 20 training with a pararescue unit at Moody Air Force Base in southern Georgia.
“The whole day was great,” Pitts said. “To be able to learn about basic combat like medical care and the weapons and artillery was really cool.”
As part of a partnership with USAA, the special operations force put Pitts through a series of training exercises, including extrication from vehicles and aircraft, rescue simulation of a combat scenario and basic tactical medical training for combat care.
For the latter he actually administered an intravenous catheter to the arm of a pararescueman and got the needle to stick on his very first attempt.
“I didn’t think they would trust someone who’s never done it before,” Pitts said.
When Pitts put on the camouflage uniform and body armor, which was much heavier than the pads and helmet he wears on NFL gamedays, he felt like part of the armed forces.
“It was cool to be a part of the team,” he said.
Pitts agreed to be part of his everyday team for at least three more years when he signed a $53 million contract extension with the Falcons.
Why Pitts Signed A Contract Extension
About a month before his pararescue experience, he signed that Falcons deal.
“This is the organization that drafted me and gave me a chance to fulfill my dream in the NFL,” Pitts said. “I feel like it’s my duty to stay loyal to the team.”
Pitts’ quarterback for his rookie season in 2021 when he won Pro Bowl honors was Matt Ryan, and Ryan is now the Falcons’ president of football.
Ryan still serves as a mentor to Pitts, and their bond played a role in Pitts’ decision to re-sign with the Falcons.
“Matt is one of the guys who has seen me kind of since Day One to where I am now,” Pitts said. “It’s great having him in the building, and I still lean on him.”
Ryan is part of a new Falcons regime, which includes Stefanski.
The Falcons need to get healthier, but they remain optimistic about crafting a more dynamic passing offense to complement star running back Bijan Robinson.
“Keep playing and the ball with find you,” Pitts said.
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