Former Colony High School football star released by Atlanta Falcons

Aug. 18, 2006

By Jeremiah Bartz/ Frontiersman

Cole Magner's second bid to become a member of the Atlanta Falcons has come to an apparent end.

The former Colony High School and Bowling Green State University standout was waived by the NFL squad late Wednesday.

According a story published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday, Magner was cut to make room for former University of Georgia defensive end Will Thompson. Magner reportedly had missed several practices after suffering a groin injury. He did not appear in Atlanta's first preseason game, a 26-23 win over New England.

Magner, 23, was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Falcons prior to last season. He had gained notoriety as sort of a cult hero in the Atlanta training camp. Fans and players alike were intrigued by the slender wide receiver with shaggy blonde hair who seemed to catch everything thrown to him. Seasoned veterans such as Michael Vick and Warrick Dunn spoke on his behalf, and Magner was even given the nickname &#8220Sunshine.”

He saw significant action in five preseason games last year, catching five passes for 55 yards. He led the squad with six punt returns for 76 yards.

Despite the attention, Magner was one of the final players cut as Atlanta set its final roster for the 2005 season.

He was later signed to the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad, but his tenure there was short.

In April of this year, Magner was given a second chance, and signed once again by Atlanta.

Magner set records during his four-year career with at Bowling Green State. As a junior, Magner set the single-season mark with 99 receptions. His 215 career receptions is also a school best.

As a member of the Colony Knights, Magner led his team to the 2000 4A state championship game, and was named the Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year as a senior.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.