Atlanta Falcons

Dan Quinn, Falcons show respect for Kelvin Benjamin after torn ACL

Published Aug. 21, 2015 12:37 a.m. ET

foxsports

When it was reported that Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin had suffered a season-ending torn ACL, it hit more than just Panthers fans. Apparently, it even impacted division rivals as well, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.

The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Dan Quinn, gave a statement regarding Benjamin's injury, showing a ton of respect for the second-year receiver.

"I'm so disappointed for him," Quinn told ESPN. "He's such a good competitor; good player. ... When I saw that, I was totally bummed for him and the team. He's such a good competitor and somebody I respect a whole bunch."

It wasn't just Quinn who showed respect, but also cornerback Robert Alford.

"You always feel bad every time you hear about a player going down in this league with an injury like that," Alford said.

Finally, free safety Ricardo Allen sent out a tweet to the Panthers receiver.

Prayers go out to @kelvinbenjamin
— Ricardo Allen (@Ricardo37Allen) August 19, 2015

It's a brutal blow for the Panthers, but it's nice to see the mutual respect from the Falcons, who are one of the major rivals for Benjamin and the Panthers.

(h/t ESPN)