Atlanta Falcons Rocked By Sudden Death Of One Of Their All-Time Legends
The Atlanta Falcons are saddened by the loss of one of their true all-time greats. Jeff Van Note, who spent his entire 18-year NFL career in Atlanta, died Friday at 80. The team shared the news of his passing, but didn’t give a cause of death.
Van Note joined the Falcons after they selected him in the 11th round of the 1969 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. He started his NFL career at linebacker before coach Norm Van Brocklin moved him to center. That change helped shape one of the longest careers in Falcons history.
Van Note earned the starting job in 1970 and held it for years. He played in 246 games and started 226, interestingly he missed only four games during his career. Also, he also made six Pro Bowls and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 1979 and 1982.
Van Note Left Lasting Mark On Falcons
Van Note became a steady for the Falcons through years of changes around him. He played for 14 different starting quarterbacks over the years and stayed the backbone of Atlanta’s offensive line through it all.
The Falcons paid tribute to his career in 2006 by putting him in their Ring of Honor, making him just the fifth player to ever receive the honor.
Even after hanging up his cleats in 1986, Van Note stayed plugged into football and the Atlanta community. He called games on the radio for both the Falcons and Kentucky, hopped on Atlanta sports talk shows all the time, and even hosted a weekly Falcons radio show in the early 2000s.
A statement from Arthur M. Blank on the passing of Ring of Honor member Jeff Van Note pic.twitter.com/qbwpSMWMRT
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 2, 2026
Falcons owner Arthur Blank remembered Van Note as more than a great player.
“We mourn the loss of a true Falcons legend,” 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.”
Blank also pointed to Van Note’s impact away from the field.
“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.”
Van Note leaves behind his children, Beau, Ben, and Blaine, as well as a lasting connection to the Falcons and their fans.
Atlanta Falcons Rocked By Sudden Death Of One Of Their All-Time Legends
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