Atlanta Falcons Weigh in on Drake-Kendrick Lamar Beef

It’s 2024 all over again.

Almost exactly two years ago, Drake and Kendrick Lamar ignited a rap beef for the ages. I do not have the capacity to rehash it all. If you have lived under a rock for the past two years, all you really need to know is this: Lamar won five Grammys for “Not Like Us,” his ruthless Drake diss track, then performed it in the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, and Drake has been mostly mum since.

Drake made up for lost time by dropping three albums - “ICEMAN,” “MAID OF HONOUR,” and “HABIBTI” - simultaneously on Thursday night.

The Atlanta Falcons touched on it in their 2026 NFL schedule release video, also released Thursday night.

The Falcons produced a hybrid “The Office” and “This Is SportsCenter” skit that delivered on multiple levels. About four minutes in, star wide receiver Drake London meets a new IT specialist. London cordially shakes the man’s hand, but then he learns his name is Kendrick. His demeanor instantly changes, and they stare each other down.

All of Atlanta hopes the Falcons execute this well on the field next season.

Former Falcons quarterback and 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan has returned as president of football. Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is now head coach in Atlanta, and Ian Cunningham has been installed as the new general manager. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta’s 2024 eighth overall pick, is recovering from an ACL reconstruction surgery, and ex-Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will compete with him for QB1.

So, question marks loom all over Mercedes-Benz Stadium, except around the skill position players. London has established himself as a dynamic No. 1 receiver. All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson is a cheat code. Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. showcased last season why the Falcons drafted him fourth overall in 2021.

Every year, the Falcons are a popular preseason pick to win the NFC South, but they haven’t actually won it - or even finished above .500 - since Ryan was quarterback. We’ll see if 2026 breaks the cycle. In the meantime, watch “This Is Falcons Football” below.

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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 9:33 PM.