Falcons legend and six-time Pro Bowler Jeff Van Note dead at 80

Atlanta Falcons legend and six-time Pro Bowl center Jeff Van Note has passed away at the age of 80. Van Note spent his entire 18-season NFL career with the Falcons, starting 226 of the 246 games he played. Falcons owner Arthur Blank praised his enduring legacy, toughness, and commitment in a statement following the announcement.

Drafted in 1969 as a linebacker from Kentucky, Van Note transitioned to center under head coach Norm Van Brocklin, securing the starting role in 1970. He earned two Second-Team All-Pro selections, missed just four games in his career, and was inducted into the Falcons Ring of Honor in 2006 before transitioning to sports broadcasting.