NFL Star Rips Atlanta Falcons as 'Clown Show' After Joining New Team

Elijah Wilkinson unleashes scathing rant against former team in private messages

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:07pm

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Former Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson did not hold back in his criticism of his old team after signing with the Arizona Cardinals. In private messages, Wilkinson repeatedly referred to the Falcons as a "clown show" and called out specific players like Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts. Wilkinson also claimed he "bailed the Falcons out when they had no where to turn" during his time with the team.

Why it matters

Wilkinson's outspoken criticism of the Falcons organization and players highlights the sometimes contentious relationship between players and their former teams, especially when a player feels they were not treated fairly or appreciated during their time with the club. This type of public airing of grievances can create further tension and animosity between the player and their old team.

The details

Wilkinson, who signed a two-year, $6.25 million deal with the Cardinals in free agency, had a forgettable 2025 season with the Falcons. According to Pro Football Focus, he took 12 penalties (seventh-most among all offensive tackles) and allowed six sacks as a full-time starter for the first time in his career. Wilkinson's scathing messages to Falcons fans referenced the team's infamous 28-3 Super Bowl collapse and called out Mooney and Pitts, two of the team's top offensive weapons.

  • Wilkinson signed with the Cardinals on March 13, 2026.

The players

Elijah Wilkinson

A 31-year-old offensive tackle who spent the 2023 season with the Cardinals before two stints with the Falcons, and has now signed a two-year deal to return to Arizona.

Darnell Mooney

A wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons.

Kyle Pitts

A tight end for the Atlanta Falcons.

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What they’re saying

“Good luck with that clown show over there.”

— Elijah Wilkinson

“I bailed the Falcons out when they had no where to turn.”

— Elijah Wilkinson

What’s next

The Falcons and Cardinals are not scheduled to face each other in the 2026 NFL regular season, so there will be no immediate rematch between Wilkinson and his former team.

The takeaway

Wilkinson's scathing criticism of the Falcons organization and players underscores the sometimes contentious relationship between players and their former teams, especially when a player feels they were not treated fairly or appreciated during their time with the club. This type of public airing of grievances can create further tension and animosity, though the lack of a scheduled matchup between the two teams means there will be no immediate on-field rematch.