Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Atlanta Falcons: Q&A with new safety Chris Hope

Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams, center, runs as he is chased by Tennessee Titans' Chris Hope, left, and Michael Griffin, right, in the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)Falcons safety Chris Hope, a 10-year NFL veteran, wants to finish his NFL career on a high note.

Last season, the former Tennessee Titan played in 10 games and made just two starts as he battled through two (dislocated shoulder and forearm) injuries.

When his six-year, $30.6 million contract expired after last season, he was not re-signed. The Falcons, who were looking for some depth at the safety position, signed Hope to a one-year, $925,000 contract. The parties agreed to terms on June 29.

Hope, who has been a starter at free safety for most of his career, won a Super Bowl (XL) ring with the Pittsburgh Steelers and went to the Pro Bowl following the 2008 season.

Hope, who turns 32 in September, has 690 tackles, four sacks and 20 interceptions over his career with the Steelers (2002-05) and Titans (2006-11).

Hope spoke with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution via phone Tuesday about joining the Falcons, his iCHope Foundation, his times with the Steelers and Titans and how he plans to fit in with the Falcons.Thomas DeCoud

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