Roland James was a professional football player who played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Atlanta Falcons. He was born on January 26, 1958, in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended the University of Tennessee, where he played college football.
James was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 5th round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Falcons' defense, playing in all 16 games in his rookie season and starting in 10 of them. He recorded 3 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery in his first year, earning him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.
Over the course of his career, James played in 123 games for the Falcons, starting in 107 of them. He was known for his versatility, playing both cornerback and safety positions. He was also known for his ability to make big plays, recording 22 interceptions, 7 fumble recoveries, and 2 touchdowns during his career.
James was a team captain for the Falcons and was widely respected by his teammates and opponents alike. He was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game, and was a leader both on and off the field.
In addition to his success on the field, James was also recognized for his contributions off the field. He was named the Falcons' Man of the Year in 1985 for his community service work, and was a finalist for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 1986.
James retired from the NFL after the 1989 season, having played his entire career with the Falcons. He finished his career with 22 interceptions, 7 fumble recoveries, and 2 touchdowns, and was widely regarded as one of the best defensive backs in Falcons history.
After retiring from football, James went on to work as a financial advisor and also served as a color commentator for Falcons radio broadcasts. He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, and his legacy as a standout player and leader for the Falcons continues to be celebrated by fans and teammates alike.
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