Horn intends to 'lead by example' in Atlanta

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The post-Katrina version of Joe Horn is more confident than brash.

No need to plant a cell phone in a Georgia Dome goalpost and preen for the television cameras.

"I didn't come here to be flashy, I didn't come here to stand in front of the cameras," Horn said after signing a four-year, $19 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday. "I came here to lead by example."

This Joe Horn, a mature veteran in the twilight of an 11-year career, wants to show Michael Jenkins and Roddy White what it takes to become a Pro Bowl receiver.

Horn earned four invitations to the NFL's annual all-star game as a Saint. He sees no reason why Jenkins, the 29th overall draft pick of 2004, and White, picked No. 27 in 2005, should set low expectations for their careers.

"I'm going to call them cats and talk to them," Horn said. "I want to get some words across to them and let them know where my heart is first. I want them to know -- 'I'm not here to shine on you, man. I came here to help. I came here to be a part of something new, something that's going to take off to the next level.' "

Horn plans to help quarterback Michael Vick settle down and make the most of his talent. Horn wants to smooth the transition of new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino, who promises to put the football in the hands of Atlanta playmakers Alge Crumpler, Warrick Dunn -- and Horn.

Two months after turning 35 and suffering a groin injury that sidelined him for both playoff games and six overall during New Orleans' magical 2006 season, Horn promises the Falcons will not regret giving him $7.5 million in guaranteed bonuses.

"Mike is the leader of this football team," Horn said of Vick, who endured an embarrassing incident with airport security in Miami on Jan. 17. "I know that, but I'm going to let him know that I'm here to help him. He's been here. He knows what it takes to win."

The Falcons lost six of eight to miss the playoffs in 2005. Last year, they blew a 5-2 start and finished 7-9. Vick, who seemed to take over games at will in 2002 and '04, lost confidence in the offense that former coordinator Greg Knapp failed to implement effectively.

"I'm going to bring some of my professionalism to Mike, and I know he will take it inside," Horn said. "I'm not going to push myself or make someone do things just because I'm here. No, I want to be a brother to these guys and when I say something I want them to say, 'You know, I trust Joe.' "

Atlanta led the NFL in rushing the last three seasons, but the Falcons finished last with only 148 yards passing per game. Petrino plans to add more three- and four-receiver sets, making receiver one of the offseason areas of emphasis.

Under previous coach Jim Mora, few players ever spoke up. Vick, much like Jenkins, White and even Dunn, are quiet. So was Ashley Lelie, who spent last season with the Falcons before signing with San Francisco on Monday.