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▶️ In This Episode
From SEC glory to NFL locker rooms, DJ Shockley’s football journey is pure Georgia legend. As a hometown hero who led the Bulldogs to an SEC Championship, then suited up for the Atlanta Falcons, Shock brings us inside his unforgettable experiences — from nearly committing to Florida State to being Mark Richt’s first Georgia recruit, from sharing a QB room with Michael Vick to watching Matt Ryan’s first NFL pass go for a touchdown. We dive deep into behind-the-scenes stories — how Vick’s athleticism wowed even his teammates, what it was like being drafted by his hometown team, and how a preseason comeback “against Brady” still stands as one of his favorite moments. DJ also opens up about battling for roster spots every preseason, the mental grind of fighting for your job, and the lessons in resilience that carried him through injury and disappointment. For Bulldog fans, Falcons faithful, and anyone who loves the human side of sports, this is a can’t-miss conversation.
⏰ Timestamps
(00:00:00) – Intro: DJ Shockley joins Justin Kutcher
(00:02:03) – Growing up in Atlanta & almost choosing Florida State
(00:05:16) – Being Mark Richt’s first Georgia recruit
(00:08:17) – Inside Kirby Smart’s championship culture
(00:11:43) – Baseball dreams and multi-sport high school days
(00:15:40) – Facing future pros in high school
(00:18:32) – Best crowd reactions: TDs vs dunks
(00:20:29) – Drafted by the Falcons & first meeting with Michael Vick
(00:23:47) – Why the Falcons wanted a Vick-like QB
(00:25:53) – What made Vick different from anyone else
(00:32:44) – ACL injury derails starting shot & drafting Matt Ryan
(00:34:21) – Matt Ryan’s work ethic & rookie debut
(00:36:51) – The bond inside a QB room
(00:41:27) – Making the Falcons roster as a 7th-round pick
(00:46:18) – First regular season moments in the Georgia Dome
(00:48:45) – Coping with career-changing injuries
(00:54:23) – Fighting for roster spots every preseason
(00:58:25) – Stars who worked like bubble players
(01:00:02) – Rapid fire: number choice, favorite athlete, best game, and more
(01:07:36) – Closing thoughts & friendship off the field
💡 Key Topics
📌 DJ Shockley’s Georgia Bulldogs recruitment and SEC title run
📌 Playing with Michael Vick & Matt Ryan in Atlanta
📌 NFL draft day story and first meeting with Vick
📌 The mental and physical grind of making an NFL roster
📌 Overcoming injury and shifting career perspective
📌 Locker room camaraderie & behind-the-scenes Falcons stories
🏈 About D.J. Shockley
DJ Shockley is a Georgia Bulldogs icon, leading the team to an SEC Championship in 2005 before being drafted by his hometown Atlanta Falcons in 2006. Known for his dual-threat QB ability, Shock spent five seasons with the Falcons and later transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a longtime preseason analyst alongside Justin Kutcher. His journey from high school standout to SEC champion to NFL quarterback is a story of perseverance, loyalty, and hometown pride.
🎙️ About the JustIn Time Podcast
The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
