Atlanta Falcons Elevate Tokunbo 'Tumbo' Abanikanda to Director of Scouting

Abanikanda has been with the Falcons since 2012 and has played a key role in the team's recent successful draft classes.

Published on Feb. 2, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons have promoted Tokunbo 'Tumbo' Abanikanda to the position of director of scouting, overseeing both college and pro personnel scouting. Abanikanda has been with the Falcons since 2012, starting as a scouting assistant and working his way up through various roles in the scouting department.

Why it matters

Abanikanda's elevation is seen as a significant move for the Falcons, as he has played a crucial role in the team's recent successful draft classes. The Falcons have found several key starters through the draft in the last two years, and Abanikanda's leadership in the scouting department has been credited as a major factor in those strong draft results.

The details

In his new role as director of scouting, Abanikanda will preside over the Falcons' college and pro personnel scouting efforts. He first joined the Falcons in 2012 as a scouting assistant and has since held various roles, including area scout for the southeast region in 2013 and national scout in 2021. His most recent positions have been on the college scouting side, where he has been the director of college scouting.

  • Abanikanda joined the Falcons in 2012 as a scouting assistant.
  • He was promoted to area scout for the southeast region in 2013.
  • Abanikanda was named national scout in 2021.
  • He served as the director of college scouting in the last two years.
  • Abanikanda was elevated to the director of scouting role on Sunday, February 2, 2026.

The players

Tokunbo 'Tumbo' Abanikanda

A 39-year-old Atlanta native who has worked his way up through the Falcons' scouting department since joining the team in 2012, and has now been promoted to the role of director of scouting.

Ian Rapoport

An NFL insider who called Abanikanda a 'well-respected scout' on social media following the announcement of his promotion.

Ian Cunningham

The Falcons' new general manager, who will be introduced to the Atlanta market on Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Kevin Stefanski

The Falcons' new head coach, who has been making several additions to his coaching staff in recent weeks.

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What they’re saying

“Abanikanda is a well-respected scout.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider (Social Media)

What’s next

The Falcons will introduce new general manager Ian Cunningham to the Atlanta market on Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The takeaway

Abanikanda's promotion to director of scouting is a testament to his hard work and the value he has brought to the Falcons' scouting department. His leadership in the college and pro personnel scouting has been a key factor in the team's recent successful draft classes, and this elevation solidifies his position as a rising star in the NFL scouting world.