An 11th-Round Linebacker Who Became the Falcons' Center for 18 Years: Jeff Van Note Dies at 80

Jeff Van Note came to Atlanta in 1969 as an 11th-round linebacker out of Kentucky. He left 18 seasons later as one of the best centers the franchise has ever had.

The Falcons announced Friday that Van Note has died. He was 80. The team didn't give a cause.

One team, 18 years

It was coach Norm Van Brocklin who moved him from linebacker to the middle of the offensive line. Van Note won the starting job a year later and kept it for most of two decades, starting 226 of his 246 games. He made six Pro Bowls, was a second-team All-Pro in 1979 and 1982, and went into the Falcons' Ring of Honor in 2006.

He played every one of those seasons in Atlanta, which almost never happens anymore, and he didn't leave when he retired in 1986. Van Note became a color commentator and a regular voice on Atlanta sports radio.

Jeff Van Note dedicated 18 seasons to this franchise and became one of the most respected and beloved players in our history.

That was owner Arthur Blank, who said Van Note "helped shape the identity of the Atlanta Falcons." Blank sent the team's sympathies to Van Note's sons, Beau, Ben and Blaine.

The Falcons play at New Orleans on Monday night.