Inside Falcons DL LaCale London's Unlikely Path From Honda to NFL Starter

Falcons defensive lineman LaCale London’s path to becoming an NFL rotational starter has taken a long turn from his earlier life outside football. A few years before, London was washing cars in Peoria, Illinois, seeking another chance after college stints at Iowa Central in 2016 and then NCAA Division I FCS Western Illinois in 2018 and 2019. After entering the 2020 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent, he signed with the Chicago Bears, then worked through multiple roster cuts and waivers from 2021 to 2022. He returned to football with the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks, where he developed into a standout and later joined Atlanta, signing on May 16, 2023. In 2025, he broke onto the scene with 13 games and five starts, compiling 30 total tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble. London has credited the XFL experience for helping him produce on the field and the Falcons ranked 15th in total defense.