The Atlanta Falcons are mourning the death of Jeff Van Note, one of the most enduring players in franchise history, who has died at the age of 80.
Van Note spent his entire 18-season NFL career with Atlanta and became a central figure in the team‘s history. The Falcons announced his death on Friday but did not disclose a cause.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank paid tribute to the former center, describing him as a player whose influence extended far beyond his achievements on the football field.
A Career Spent Entirely in Atlanta
Van Note entered the NFL after being selected by the Falcons in the 11th round of the 1969 NFL Draft out of Kentucky.
He initially joined Atlanta as a linebacker, but his career took a defining turn when then-Falcons coach Norm Van Brocklin moved him to center.
The position change proved to be a major success. Van Note earned the starting role the following year and went on to establish himself as one of the league‘s most reliable offensive linemen.
Over 18 seasons, he started 226 of the 246 games he played for Atlanta.
Six Pro Bowl Selections
Van Note’s consistency was reflected in his six Pro Bowl selections, making him one of the most accomplished players to wear a Falcons uniform.
He was also named a second-team All-Pro in 1979 and again in 1982, further cementing his reputation among the NFL’s top centers of his era.
His remarkable longevity meant he remained with the same organization throughout his professional career, a distinction that became increasingly rare in the NFL.
His Legacy Continued After Retirement
Van Note retired from playing in 1986, but his connection with Atlanta sports did not end there.
Following his playing career, he worked as a color commentator and continued to make appearances on Atlanta sports radio, allowing him to remain connected to the team and its supporters.
The Falcons later recognized his contribution to the organization by inducting him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2006.
Falcons Pay Tribute to a Franchise Icon
Blank said Van Note’s importance to the Falcons could not be measured simply by statistics or individual awards.
“Jeff’s contributions to this organization cannot be measured solely by his accomplishments on the field,” Blank said in a statement released by the team.
He praised Van Note for helping shape the identity of the franchise and highlighted the qualities that made him admired by generations of Atlanta supporters.
Family and Fans Left to Mourn
Blank also expressed condolences to Van Note’s children, Beau, Ben and Blaine, along with the rest of his family, friends and those who knew him.
“Jeff Van Note dedicated 18 seasons to this franchise and became one of the most respected and beloved players in our history,” Blank said.
“He embodied toughness, resilience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his team.”
For the Falcons, Van Note’s death marks the loss of a player whose professional career was inseparable from the history of the organization. His 18 seasons in Atlanta and subsequent contributions to the city’s sports community have left a lasting place in the franchise’s history.
