The Atlanta Falcons are mourning the death of Jeff Van Note, the franchise’s longtime center and a six-time Pro Bowl selection who spent his entire 18-year NFL career with the club. He was 80.
The Falcons announced Van Note’s death Friday. No cause of death was provided.
Van Note remains one of the defining players from Atlanta’s early decades, having appeared in 246 games and made 226 starts between 1969 and 1986. His durability and command of the offensive line made him a cornerstone of the franchise, and the Falcons placed him in their Ring of Honor in 2006.
“We mourn the loss of a true Falcons legend,” owner Arthur Blank said. “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.”
From linebacker to franchise fixture
Atlanta selected Van Note out of Kentucky in the 11th round of the 1969 NFL Draft. He initially arrived as a linebacker, but head coach Norm Van Brocklin shifted him to center, a move that changed both Van Note’s career and the makeup of the Falcons’ offensive line for nearly two decades.
Van Note won the starting job in his second season and rarely relinquished it. He earned six Pro Bowl invitations and was named second-team All-Pro twice, in 1979 and 1982, while establishing himself as one of the most dependable interior linemen of his era.
After his retirement in 1986, Van Note remained connected to Atlanta sports as a color analyst and frequent voice on local radio.
Blank said Van Note’s influence reached beyond his production on Sundays.
“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 is survived by his children, Beau, Ben and Blaine. Blank said the organization extends its sympathies to his family and all those grieving his death, adding that Van Note will retain “a special place” in the history and heart of the Falcons.
