Atlanta Falcons: All-Time Team

Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of Atlanta Falcons helmets on the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Inside Linebacker: Tommy Nobis (1966-1976)

Sep 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons former linebacker Tommy Nobis on the field prior to facing the Philadelphia Eagles at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Of course Mr. Falcon makes the cut! Tommy Nobis was the first ever member of the Atlanta Falcons. He was the first overall draft pick in the 1966 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas. While he never made the playoffs in his 11-year NFL career, there wasn’t a better first franchise player for the club than Tommy Nobis.

Nobis made five Pro Bowls and garnered an All-Pro selection in 1967 as a 24-year old. He was one of the hardest hitting linebackers during his playing days and was the marquee player on an otherwise struggling expansion franchise.

Nobis was part of the inaugural class of the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor and along with Mike Kenn and former kicker Morten Andersen stand as the three most likely former Atlanta Falcons to one day earn deserved Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement.

Tommy Nobis wouldn’t suffer from playing on a bad team in this exercise because this team would play wonderfully together. Nobis would likely be the captain of the defense and would play stellar inside linebacker for the All-Time Atlanta Falcons, just like he always did many years ago.

Next: Inside Linebacker