FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - When Arthur Smith started playing football at age 9, he woke up on game-day mornings and ran into his parents' room already in full pads. He loved all of it -- the camaraderie, the teamwork and the contact as an offensive lineman.
The Atlanta Falcons coach was also fascinated by the plays, from creation to implementation.
Smith grew up in the video-game generation, hooked on Madden and NCAA football. The Bill Walsh College Football game that was a predecessor to NCAA was a particular favorite.
The combination of playing on the field and virtually allowed Smith to fall in love with the idea of designing and calling plays himself.