Atlanta Falcons: All-Time Team
By John Buhler
Atlanta Falcons inflatable logo and jersey and words “Rise Up” at the NFL Fan Rally at Trafalgar Square in advance of the International Series game between the Detroit Lions and the Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Center: Jeff Van Note (1969-86)
Sep 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons former center Jeff Van Note on the field prior to facing the Philadelphia Eagles at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Van Note was an 11th round pick by the Atlanta Falcons out of Kentucky in 1969. After 18 stellar years with the Atlanta Falcons, the five-time Pro Bowler is in the Falcons Ring of Honor and is the best center to have played for the Atlanta Falcons, edging the great Todd McClure considerably.
Van Note was the anchor at center for quarterback Steve Bartkowski and played in three playoffs while in Atlanta Falcons uniform. Jeff Van Note was in his prime as an offensive lineman between 1974 and 1982, making five Pro Bowls in nine seasons.
As the long-time center for the Atlanta Falcons, Jeff Van Note played in 246 games, starting 226 games. He played in the NFL on the offensive line until he was 40 and his extended prime makes him certainly belonging in the Falcons Ring of Honor.
If I’m going to form the All-Time Team for the Atlanta Falcons, I think I will definitely need the man who played center for 18 seasons anchoring the offensive line in Jeff Van Note.
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