FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons announced on Friday they have exercised running back Bijan Robinson’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season.
Robinson, the No. 8 overall draft pick in 2023, was a 2025 first-team Associated Press All-Pro selection. He also was a Pro Bowl selection for the second consecutive season.
In 2025, Robinson's third season, the running back became the third player in Falcons history to surpass 2,000 scrimmage yards. He led the league with 2,298 scrimmage yards. He rushed for 1,478 yards with seven touchdowns and set career highs with 79 receptions for 820 yards and four touchdowns.
In three seasons, Robinson has played in 51 games, including 50 starts, and has rushed for 3,910 yards and 25 touchdowns. He has 198 receptions for 1,738 yards and nine scores.
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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson speaks during an Atlanta Falcons NFL media availability, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson speaks during an Atlanta Falcons NFL media availability, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson speaks during an Atlanta Falcons NFL media availability, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Rory McIlroy delivered a dynamic finish to the Masters on Friday, looking every bit like someone who has done this before. Six birdies over the last seven holes gave him a 7-under 65 and a six-shot lead that set a Masters record through 36 holes.
Maybe he should start thinking about next year's menu for the Masters Club dinner.
McIlroy was locked into a fascinating duel with old nemesis Patrick Reed, and then he was all alone. His tee shot over Rae's Creek on the dangerous par-3 12th landed 7 feet behind the flag. He birdied both par 5s after having to lay up from the trees. He seized on the lower pin at the par-3 16th for what amounted to a tap-in birdie.
If that wasn't enough, he chipped in from 30 yards on the 17th. The run continued when his approach to the 18th caught the ridge and rolled 6 feet away.
That put him at 12-under 132, six shots clear of Reed (69) and Sam Burns (71). The previous record for the largest 36-hole lead at Augusta National was five shots by Jordan Spieth (2015), Raymond Floyd (1976), Jack Nicklaus (1975) and Herman Keiser (1946). All went on to win.
He's seeking to become the fourth player to win back-to-back at the Masters, joining Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
McIlroy had a 36-hole lead in 2011 and stretched it to four shots going into the final round before he famously imploded. That was the start of his Masters heartache that lasted until a year ago, when he won in a playoff to finally prove he could win at Augusta National.
This was starting to look like a victory lap.
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Tommy Fleetwood, of England, waves after his putt on the 10th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Sam Burns watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Patrick Reed reacts after missing a putt on the 15th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, celebrates after a putt on the 16th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits his tee shot on the 16th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Jon Rahm, of Spain, watches his tee shot on the 11th hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Bryson DeChambeau watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Sam Burns hits his tee shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits from the fairway on the 15th hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
