Terry Houston Fontenot (born December 16, 1980) is an American football executive who is the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Fontenot previously served with the New Orleans Saints in various executive roles throughout the 2000s and 2010s. He previously played college football at Tulane.[1]
 Fontenot in 2021 | |
| Atlanta Falcons | |
|---|---|
| Position: | General manager |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | December 16, 1980 Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| High school: | LaGrange (Lake Charles) |
| College: | Tulane |
| Career history | |
| As an executive: | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Executive profile at Pro Football Reference | |
Early years and playing career
editTerry was one of seven children born to Roy and Jacquetta Fontenot in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He went to LaGrange High School,[2] where he graduated in 1999 after lettering in football, track and baseball.[3]
College
editFontenot played four years at strong safety for Tulane from 1999 to 2002, serving as a captain in 2001. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in business and organizational information technology.[3]
Executive career
editNew Orleans Saints
editIn 2003, Fontenot was hired by the New Orleans Saints as a scout. In 2013, Fontenot was promoted to director of pro scouting. In 2020, Fontenot was once again promoted to assistant general manager and vice president of pro personnel.[4][5]
Atlanta Falcons
editOn January 19, 2021, Fontenot was named the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.[6] Fontenot is the first black general manager in Falcons history.[6]
In June 2024, the NFL fined Fontenot $50,000 for violating the anti-tampering policy after the league's investigation into the signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins in the 2024 offseason.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Get Access". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
- ^ "Terry Fontenot". www.neworleanssaints.com. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
- ^ a b "Terry Fontenot - Football". Tulane University Athletics. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
- ^ Orl, D.; Ledbetter, o; Journal-Constitution, The Atlanta. "Ex-Saints executive Terry Fontenot is all-in on Falcons". ajc. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
- ^ writer, LUKE JOHNSON | Staff. "Saints GM Mickey Loomis is happy Terry Fontenot got his chance; No timeline for replacing staff". NOLA.com. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
- ^ a b Tabeek, Matthew (January 19, 2021). "Falcons name Terry Fontenot general manager". www.atlantafalcons.com. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
- ^ Edholm, Eric (June 13, 2024). "NFL docks Falcons 2025 fifth-round pick, fines club $250K for violating anti-tampering policy". NFL.com. Retrieved June 15, 2024.