Svitek’s NFL Journey Hits Atlanta
Some fans may not recognize — or initially be able to pronounce — the name Will Svitek.
But they should.
The four-year veteran stepped in for Sam Baker (ankle) in the second half of Sunday’s win over Washington, playing a role in some big runs by Michael Turner.
Svitek (pronounced Svee-tech) signed with the team in the offseason to provide depth on the offensive line. He had big shoes to fill replacing retired tackle Todd Weiner, who spent his career at right and left tackle and was a valuable reserve and part-time starter for the Falcons in 2008.
Sunday’s game proved Svitek’s preparedness.
“You have to be ready at any moment and you have to prepare like you’re the starter… There’s some good and bad always; definitely some things to build on and correct but it was good to be out there playing football,” Svitek said.
Svitek’s life story isn’t that of the typical NFL player.
He was born in the Czech Republic and came to the United States with his family and three siblings before the fall of the Berlin Wall. The family left in secret, hiking over the Alps and into Austria.
“Long story, but basically it was because of Communism,” Svitek said. “My parents wanted their four children to grow up in freedom and achieve the American dream. They sacrificed everything and risked everything so we could come here in 1984.”
Svitek started playing football in seventh grade and later attended Stanford. The Chiefs selected him in the sixth round of the 2005 draft but shoulder surgeries on a torn labrum put his career in jeopardy.
He missed the 2008 season in rehab but the Falcons cleared him to play and signed him in February.
He’s the primary backup at left tackle but said he also prepares to play on the right side. He was inactive for three games earlier in the season but has played in the past three contests.
Baker, the team’s starter at left tackle and first-round pick from a season ago, did not practice Wednesday giving Svitek additional reps.
Normally he’s left to prepare for linemen like Julius Peppers with mental reps and game film.
Given his progress in the Falcons system — and challenges from his life and career — it shouldn’t be too hard to get ready.
“You have to do a little extra on the mental side watching film and watching practice because, once you’re in there, there are no excuses,” Svitek said. “Obviously Peppers is one of the premier defensive ends in the league. I’m going to prepare like I have the last eight games… I feel I’ll be ready. I’ve got to be ready; that’s my job.”
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