Legendary Former Atlanta Falcons Player Jeff Van Note Passes Away: He Was Voted “Most Popular Falcon” In 1991, Spent Nearly Two Decades With Team

Jeff Van Note, the legendary “iron man” center who anchored the Atlanta Falcons offensive line for nearly two decades, has passed away at the age of 80.

The franchise icon, whose grit and remarkable durability defined an era of Falcons football, died on October 2, 2026. The team confirmed his passing Friday morning, sparking a wave of tributes from former teammates, coaches, and generations of fans who revered him as the literal and figurative heart of the team.

From 11th-Round Longshot to Franchise Anchor

Van Note’s journey to NFL stardom remains one of the most storied transitions in professional football history. Drafted out of the University of Kentucky in 1969 as an 11th-round linebacker, his career took a dramatic turn when legendary head coach Norm Van Brocklin moved him to the offensive side of the ball.

The gamble paid off spectacularly. Van Note went on to play an astonishing 18 seasons (1969–1986)—all with the Atlanta Falcons. He became the gold standard for NFL durability, appearing in 246 games and starting 226 of them, missing just four games over the course of his 18-year career.

During his tenure, Van Note earned six Pro Bowl selections (1974, 1975, 1979–1982) and was named a second-team All-Pro twice.

A Lasting Legacy in Atlanta

Van Note’s impact on the city and the franchise extended far beyond his on-field statistics. In 1991, during the club’s 25th anniversary celebration, Atlanta fans voted the blue-collar center as the favorite player in franchise history—beating out higher-profile quarterbacks and skill-position stars.

In 2006, the Falcons permanently cemented his legacy by inducting him into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor.

Following his retirement from the gridiron at age 40, Van Note remained a fixture in the sports community. He transitioned seamlessly into the broadcast booth, spending the 1990s and 2000s as a sharp, highly respected color commentator and sports radio host for both Falcons broadcasts and his alma mater, the Kentucky Wildcats.

The Atlanta Falcons And Owner Arthur Blank Make Statement

“We mourn the loss of a true Falcons legend,” Atlanta Falcons owner and chairman Arthur M. Blank said in a statement posted to the team’s official website. “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.

“Jeff’s contributions to this organization cannot be measured solely by his accomplishments on the field. He helped shape the identity of the Atlanta Falcons and left a legacy that will endure for years to come. We are grateful for everything he meant to this franchise and our community. On behalf of the Falcons family, we extend our deepest sympathies to his children, Beau, Ben and Blaine, and all who are grieving this tremendous loss. Jeff will always hold a special place in the history and heart of the Atlanta Falcons.”

Funeral arrangements and memorial details have not yet been announced.