Freeman survives tough upbringing to emerge as Falcons star

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) reaches for the goal line as Washington Redskins inside linebacker Will Compton (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Atlanta. The play was ruled a touchdown then reversed. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) reaches for the goal line as Washington Redskins inside linebacker Will Compton (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Atlanta. The play was ruled a touchdown then reversed. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

By Associated Press October 13, 2015 5 min read

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) – Devonta Freeman stops by his locker, but not for long.

He hurriedly pulls on his No. 24 jersey, then hustles off to the weight room to get in a few more lifts before practice.

For Freeman, there’s always a little more that can be done.

As the tattoo on his left arm says, “Failure Is Not An Option.”

“Nothing was ever given to me,” Freeman said Tuesday, at the end of another long day at the Falcons training complex. “A lot of times, I wasn’t better than a lot of players on my team. There was more talent than me. I just always worked harder.”