Jeffrey Van Note Obituary: Former Atlanta Falcons Star Dies at 80

ATLANTA, Ga. — Jeffrey Van Note, a legendary Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman who spent his entire 18-season NFL career with the franchise, has died at the age of 80. Van Note died on October 2, leaving behind a remarkable legacy defined by durability, consistency and longtime service to the Falcons.

Born February 7, 1946, in South Orange, New Jersey, Van Note grew up in Kentucky and attended St. Joseph Prep in Bardstown. He later played college football at the University of Kentucky from 1966 to 1968, appearing at both running back and defensive end before beginning his professional career.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Van Note in the 11th round of the 1969 NFL Draft. Although he was initially drafted as a linebacker, his path in professional football changed when Falcons head coach Norm Van Brocklin moved him to center, a position he had never played before.

Van Note quickly adapted and became one of the most dependable centers in franchise history. He remained with Atlanta throughout his entire NFL career, playing from 1969 through 1986.

Over 18 seasons, Van Note appeared in 246 games and started 226. Remarkably, he missed only four games during his lengthy career. His consistency earned him six Pro Bowl selections, including appearances in 1974, 1975 and each year from 1979 through 1982. He also received second-team All-Pro honors in 1979 and 1982.

His importance to the Falcons continued to be recognized after his retirement. Van Note was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Falcons Ring of Honor in 2006. During his final home game in December 1986, Atlanta honored him with a 1957 Chevrolet as a tribute to his jersey number and contributions to the organization.

In 1991, Falcons fans selected Van Note as the franchise’s favorite player during the team’s 25th anniversary season.

After retiring from the NFL, Van Note remained closely connected to football through broadcasting. He worked as a color commentator for the Atlanta Falcons and Kentucky Wildcats and later worked with the Tennessee Oilers. He also hosted sports-talk radio in Atlanta and continued appearing on Falcons radio broadcasts.

Van Note’s death marks the loss of one of the most enduring figures in Falcons history. From an 11th-round draft pick to a franchise cornerstone, he built a career that reflected remarkable adaptability and longevity. He will be remembered by teammates, fans and the wider football community for nearly two decades of dedication to Atlanta.