10/02/26 10:00:00
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10/02 09:59 CDT Former Falcons center Jeff Van Note, a six-time Pro Bowl
center, dies at 80
Former Falcons center Jeff Van Note, a six-time Pro Bowl center, dies at 80
ATLANTA (AP) --- Jeff Van Note, a six-time Pro Bowl center who spent all 18
seasons of his NFL career with Atlanta and was inducted into the team's Ring of
Honor in 2006, has died, the Falcons announced Friday. He was 80.
The team did not announce a cause of death.
"We mourn the loss of a true Falcons legend," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said
in a statement released by the team. "Jeff Van Note dedicated 18 seasons to
this franchise and became one of the most respected and beloved players in our
history. He embodied toughness, resilience, humility, and an unwavering
commitment to his team, qualities that earned him the admiration of generations
of Falcons fans."
Van Note, selected out of Kentucky in the 11th round of the 1969 NFL draft,
originally joined the Falcons as a linebacker before being moved to center by
then-coach Norm Van Brocklin. He earned the starting job a year later and
started 226 of 246 games over his 18-season career. He was a second-team
All-Pro in 1979 and 1982.
After retiring in 1986, Van Note became a color commentator and made Atlanta
sports radio appearances.
"Jeff's contributions to this organization cannot be measured solely by his
accomplishments on the field," Blank said. "He helped shape the identity of the
Atlanta Falcons and left a legacy that will endure for years to come. We are
grateful for everything he meant to this franchise and our community. On behalf
of the Falcons family, we extend our deepest sympathies to his children, Beau,
Ben, and Blaine, and all who are grieving this tremendous loss. Jeff will
always hold a special place in the history and heart of the Atlanta Falcons."
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