Falcons rookie RB Qadree Ollison honors slain brother with jersey number

When Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Qadree Ollison suits up this season, he will be honoring his late brother.

Ollison had been given No. 32 when he arrived to the Falcons, but he will switch and wear No. 30.

According to ESPN, Ollison’s older bother, LeRowne Harris, wore No. 30 during his youth playing days in Niagara Fallas, New York. Ollison changed his jersey from No. 37 to No. 30 last year at the University of Pittsburgh. Harris, 35, was shot and killed at a gas station parking lot in 2017.

According to ESPN, Falcons coach Dann Quinn was the one who came up with the idea, and he approached Ollison after Monday’s practice. The team had released fullback Ricky Ortiz, who had previously worn No. 30.

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"They've got to call and ask the league, but (Quinn) said it shouldn't be a problem,'' Ollison told ESPN. "A number is a number, but this means a little bit more to me. It's going to be really nice to have that. It's going to be exciting for everybody, just wearing that number and what it represents to me and my family.''

The Falcons drafted Ollison in the fifth round with the 152nd overall selection. Ollison is expected to contribute on special teams and bolster a running back position that lost a key player in Tevin Coleman to free agency.

In five preseason games, Ollison ran 49 times for 180 yards and scored two touchdowns.