Steve Bartkowski was the first player taken in the draft in 1975, and after throwing for 1,662 yards and 15 touchdowns, he was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.
Introduction
In 1965, the Atlanta Falcons were founded as a professional football team. As a franchise, they’ve had their share of difficulties, but they’ve also achieved great success throughout their long existence. Several North American sports teams have inducted noteworthy alums into their respective Rings of Honor, which may be a reference to these awards, as mentioned earlier. A typical memorial at a stadium would involve etching the person’s name into the balcony’s exterior wall. This award is given to specific teams. Becoming a part of the Atlanta Falcons’ “Ring of Honor” is significant for any team member.
Steve Bartkowski (1975-1985)
He was the first player in the draft in 1975, and after throwing for 1,662 yards and 15 touchdowns, he was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Year. He established passing records for every team he played for, including a career total of 23,468 yards and 154 touchdowns in 123 games. He passed for 3,000 yards in three seasons, 300 or more in 12 games, and 30 or more touchdowns in two seasons. As the Falcons’ starting quarterback, Bartkowski guided the team to its first playoff victory and won over 50 games.
Also Read: The Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons Rivalry in the NFL
Deion Sanders (1989-1993)
Sanders started three Pro Bowls with the Falcons after being picked fifth overall out of Florida State in 1989. Sanders was a legendary returner and one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history. The new NFL Films series The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players ranks him at number 34. In his NFL debut at Fulton County Stadium, Sanders scored a touchdown on a punt return against the Los Angeles Rams. Sanders was the first Falcons player to be featured on the Sports Illustrated cover and led all rookie defensive backs with five interceptions (on Nov. 13, 1989).
From 1989 to 1993, “Prime Time” established 12 Falcons records, including the most interceptions for touchdowns (2), the most extended punt return (79t yards), the most punt return touchdowns (2), the most KOR yards (3,063), the most KOR touchdowns (3), the most extended kickoff return (100t), the most combined return touchdowns (8), and the most combined return yards (11,040). (3,967). Sanders’ five returns, three interceptions, and two receptions resulted in 10 Falcons touchdowns.
Warrick Dunn (2002-2007)
Starting as a free agent in 2002, Dunn’s time with the Falcons spanned six full seasons. Dunn finished his career with the Atlanta Falcons, having rushed for 5,981 yards (fourth-highest in team history) and 30 touchdowns (most in franchise history) while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. During his time with the Falcons, he caught 204 passes (second-most among running backs in franchise history) for 1,635 yards (third-most among Atlanta running backs) and scored six times. From 2004-2006, Dunn posted three consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards rushing, with 2005 being his only Pro Bowl season with the Falcons. During the 2006 season, Dunn and quarterback Michael Vick made NFL history by becoming the first running back and quarterback tandem to each rush for 1,000 yards. Dunn is the Falcons’ fifth minority owner, joining the club in 2009.
Also Read: Atlanta Falcons Team Overview and Analysis – Pro Football Hall of Famers
William Andrews (1979-1983, 1986)
Andrews was one of the NFL’s best runners when a knee injury ended his career. He became the 318th NFL rushing back with two 2,000-yard seasons (the only other player before Williams was O.J. Simpson). Only four backs had reached 2,000 yards before him (Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Wilbert Montgomery, and Simpson). In his first five NFL seasons (1979–83), Andrews outgained every other back. In those five years, Andrews led all NFL runners with 8,382 yards (an average of 1,677 yearly). In his first NFL game in 1979, Andrews ran 167 yards in New Orleans and totaled 189 yards. He was an NFL All-Rookie in 1979 and a Pro Bowler in 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983. In 1987, he retired.
Gerald Riggs (1982-1988)
Arizona State’s Riggs was the Falcons’ ninth pick in the 1982 NFL Draft. He concluded his Falcons career with 6,631 running yards and three Pro Bowls. Riggs is second in club history in running touchdowns and seventh in overall touchdowns with 48. Riggs’ name is all over the Falcons’ record books as a productive rusher.
Jeff Van Note (1969-1986)
Falcons have played the most seasons (18) and most straight games (18) of any team (155). He played 246 games and started 225. Van Brocklin moved Van Note from linebacker to center, where he began in 1970. In 1974, he made his first Pro Bowl. Six Falcons players have played in the Pro Bowl, including Van Note. 1986 was his last year.
Roddy White (2005-2015)
The Atlanta Falcons selected Roddy White in the 2005 NFL Draft, making him the eleventh Falcons Ring of Honor member. White, the Falcons’ all-time leader in receptions, played eleven seasons for the franchise. White caught 808 receptions during this period for 10,863 yards and 63 touchdowns. White caught 808 receptions during this time for 10,863 yards and 63 touchdowns. White, an All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, amassed at least 1,000 receiving yards in six straight seasons beginning in 2007. In 2010, White caught 115 catches for 1,389 yards and ten touchdowns
