Former Warrior adjusting to NFL

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Kynan Forney is "living a dream" as a rookie with the Atlanta Falcons. Advertiser library photo

"I'm really living a dream," said Forney, a former University of Hawai'i football player.

Today, Forney will make his National Football League debut when his Atlanta Falcons play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers in an exhibition at the Georgia Dome.

A right tackle in college, Forney is scheduled to play at right guard in the second and third quarters. He also might see action in the fourth quarter.

"I can't wait," he said. "I'll go out and do what I've been trained to do. I have a lot of faith. Right now, my faith can't be measured."

His life has been on spin-cycle since being selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft in April. He participated in two mini-camps and, last week, completed the Falcons' training camp.

The playbook, he said, "is the size of a phone book."

"We have so many plays and terminology," he added. "It's like we're learning a new language. The NFL is such a big adjustment. Everybody is faster and stronger. You can't get by on athletic ability alone. You have to be dead perfect. You have to fight for everything."

There are 16 offensive linemen on the Falcons' roster. As many as six could get pink-slipped in the next four weeks.

Forney has declined to ask about his chances of making the opening-day roster. "Why bother?" he said.

Instead, he reserves his questions for the other linemen: How should I read that defense? Is my technique OK?

"I try to get a lot of input," he said. "I'm learning how to develop my craft. This is how I hope to make a living. I have to treat it like a job."

Forney appears to be in a good situation. He can play both guard positions; at UH, he played both left and right tackle. By NFL standards, his base pay of just under $200,000 is a significant bargain for salary-cap purposes.

UH coach June Jones, who is friends with Falcon coach Dan Reeves, has been told that Forney not only should make the team, but has a strong chance of becoming a starter.

"I can't think about that," Forney said. "I can't afford to lose focus."

Forney said he will not buy his first suit or rent an apartment until he is assured a roster spot. He drives a 1994 Ford Explorer, whose odometer is nearing "100,000."

"One of the guys said, 'You're driving that?'" Forney said. "He said he would let me drive one of his cars. But I'm happy with my truck."

For now, he lives rent-free in the Falcons' housing complex.

"It's a lot like the (Hale) Wainani dorm I lived in (at UH) last year," Forney said, "except it has an air conditioner ... and cable."

He said he used his modest signing bonus to pay off the debt on his only credit card, then deposited the rest of the money in the bank.

"I have everything I want," he said. "We get four meals a day and a place to stay. What more do I need?"

In addition, he said, the players receive a weekly allowance.

"I was told to pick up my check," he recalled. "When I saw the amount, I was like, 'Whooo!' It was 800 bucks. That was like four scholarship checks. I have no complaints."

Even if he had the desire, there is little time to shop. His day is a full menu of practicing, weight training and studying. He said he lost weight — from 312 pounds at the NFL combine in March to 300 yesterday — and increased his stamina and strength.

"You have to be disciplined," he said. "But like I said, I'm living out a dream. It's hard work, but I'm having fun at it. I'll take full advantage of this experience. More or less, I've got faith. I'll let the chips fall where they may."