Jeff Van Note, the longtime Atlanta Falcons center whose durability and leadership helped shape the franchise, has died. He was 80, the team announced Friday.
Career: From 11th-round pick to durable centerpiece
Van Note’s NFL journey began as an 11th-round pick in 1969. He entered the league as a linebacker but was moved to the offensive line by head coach Norm Van Brocklin and became Atlanta’s starting center beginning in 1970.
That switch proved decisive. Van Note was a full-time starter from 1970 through 1985, starting 225 of the 246 regular-season games he appeared in and missing only four games over an 18-season career. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times and earned Second-team All-Pro honors on two occasions, recognized among the league’s best at his position.
After spending the 1986 season in a backup role, Van Note’s celebrated playing days concluded. He later transitioned to a lengthy broadcasting career, remaining a visible presence in Falcons circles for years after he left the field.
Accolades, franchise standing and lasting marks
Van Note’s place in Atlanta history is cemented. He was inducted into the Falcons’ Ring of Honor in 2006, and his No. 57 is one of four numbers retired by the franchise. Only Mike Kenn has made more regular-season appearances for the Falcons, with 246 games to Van Note’s 246 appearances and 225 starts.
The Falcons and ownership reflected on more than just statistics in their remembrances. Arthur Blank said, "We mourn the loss of a true Falcons legend," and praised Van Note’s toughness, resilience, humility and commitment—qualities that, Blank said, earned the admiration of generations of fans.
The organization’s statement noted that "Jeff Van Note dedicated 18 seasons to this franchise and became one of the most respected and beloved players in our history," adding that his contributions extended beyond on-field accomplishments and that he "helped shape the identity of the Atlanta Falcons." The team said Van Note will "always hold a special place in the history and heart of the Atlanta Falcons."
Van Note’s career — from a late-round pick converted to center, to a six-time Pro Bowler and franchise mainstay — left a clear imprint on Atlanta football. His longevity, consistency and the esteem in which he was held by the club and its fans are the pillars of a legacy that the Falcons say will endure for years to come.
