Stephen Nicholas life and biography

Stephen Nicholas is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL draft.

TRANSACTIONS
Selected as a fourth round (109th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in 2007.

CAREER
In three seasons with the Falcons, has totaled 126 tackles (92 solo), five sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and four passes defensed. Became the starting strongside linebacker in 2009 and set career highs in tackles and sacks.

2009 (FALCONS)
Competed in every contest, starting in 14 games and totaled 82 tackles (59 solo), three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two passes defensed. Started his first career game against Miami (9/13) and posted six tackles. Established a career-high 10 tackles against Carolina (9/20) while contributing with one sack. Posted seven tackles, one sack and one forced fumble at the New York Giants (11/22). Tallied nine tackles (eight solo) against New Orleans (12/13).

2008 (FALCONS)
Saw action in 16 games at the linebacker position and on special teams. Contributed with nine tackles (seven solo), one sack for a loss of six yards and two passes defensed. Recorded three tackles and one pass defensed at Green Bay (10/5). Logged his first career sack which went for a loss of six yards against St. Louis (12/28). Posted two tackles in his first career postseason game in Atlanta's Wild Card meeting at Arizona (1/3/09).

2007 (FALCONS)
Finished his rookie campaign with 37 tackles (28 solo), one sack and one fumble recovery in 13 games. Collared five tackles and one fumble recovery vs. Houston (9/30). Posted four tackles on defense at Tampa Bay (12/16) and tallied two tackles on special teams. Recorded five tackles and one sack vs. Seattle (12/31).

COLLEGE
A 2006 Big East first team choice at South Florida. Three-time member of the Butkus Watch List and was named to the Bronco Nagurski Trophy Watch List as a senior. His 320 career tackles rank second on USF's all-time list and his 50.5 tackles for loss are a school record. In addition to All-Big East honors, was named USF's Defensive Playmaker of the Year. Earned freshman All-America status, and was named as a Conference USA All-Freshman and was the USF Rookie of the Year in 2003.

PERSONAL
Class 3A All-State linebacker in 2001 at Lee High School. Made 151 tackles in his senior season, including three sacks. Played for the North squad in Jacksonville's annual Shrine Bowl. Married to wife, Irene, and has a son, Stephen Jr.

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