The team’s history, which began in 1966, was not very promising in the first few decades. The Falcons did not make the playoffs until 1978, and in their first 30 years, they only had five playoff appearances. With a slew of elite players, Atlanta has fielded some of the league’s most exciting squads. These Falcons had a number of players who can be considered among the best in franchise history. Check some of them below.
Tommy Nobis
In 1966, Nobis was named NFL Rookie of the Year after leading the Falcons with 294 tackles. Nobis, a five-time Pro Bowler, is deserving of induction into the Hall of Fame. From 1966 to 1976, Nobis was the Falcons’ middle linebacker.
Jeff Van Note
Van Note was a key member of the Falcons’ offensive line from 1969 through 1986. His 18-year stay with the Falcons is the NFL’s second-longest with a single team. Van Note has always been a fan favorite as a five-time Pro Bowler. He is still working for the Falcons as a post-game radio host.
Steve Bartkowski
In the 1975 NFL draft, he was chosen first overall. In 1975, Bartkowski won the NFL Rookie of the Year award. From 1975 through 1985, Steve was a member of the Falcons. He was a two-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL in throwing touchdowns (31) in 1980. The Falcons’ all-time leading passer is still Bartkowski.
Williams Andrews
William was a third-round choice out of Auburn in 1979, and he played for the Falcons until his career was cut short far too soon in 1986. No. 31 was a tough running back for the Falcons, rushing for over 5,900 yards in his career.
He also had 30 touchdowns. Andrews was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the first NFL players to rush and catch for over 2,000 yards in the same season.
Sanders Neon Deion
With their first-round pick in 1989, the Falcons selected Neon Deion. Many consider Sanders to be the best defensive back in NFL history, as well as one of the greatest athletes of all time
Deion intercepted 24 passes and scored 10 touchdowns during his time with the Falcons (1989-1993). From 1991 through 1994, Deion was a member of the Atlanta Braves. Deion is the only player in NFL history to have appeared in both the Super Bowl and the World Series.
