The Falcons announced on Friday that their longtime center Jeff Van Note has died at the age of 80.
Van Note was selected by the Falcons in the 11th round of the 1969 draft and he remained with the team through the 1986 season. Van Note was added to the franchise Ring of Honor in 2006
Van Note played linebacker at Alabama, but was moved to center by then-Falcons head coach Norm Van Brocklin. He became a starter in 1970 and was named a second-team All-Pro twice while making six Pro Bowls.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a true Falcons legend,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. “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.”
Van Note played in 246 games during his time with the Falcons, which is second only to his former teammate Mike Kenn in franchise history.