The Atlanta Falcons announced Van Note’s death at 80, Atlanta News First reported. The team’s tribute describes a career marked by longevity and franchise records.
A franchise career built on durability
The Falcons credit Van Note with 246 appearances and a franchise-best 155 consecutive games; the team’s Ring of Honor profile lists 225 starts and says his 18 seasons are the most in team history. He played all 18 of his NFL seasons in Atlanta and retired in 1986. Drafted from Kentucky in 1969, he initially joined the Falcons as a linebacker, then moved to center and won the starting role in 1970.
The Falcons say Van Note’s six Pro Bowl selections tied him with Claude Humphrey for the most by a Falcons player. He also earned two Associated Press second-team All-Pro selections, according to the team.
Van Note’s career in context
The NFL had played a 16-game regular-season schedule since 1978, covering the final years of Van Note’s career, according to The Denver Post.
As another example of a career spent with one franchise, USA Today’s Touchdown Wire says Dan Marino played for the Miami Dolphins from 1983 to 1999 and never played for another team.
Beyond the field
Atlanta inducted Van Note into its Ring of Honor in 2006. After retiring, he worked as a football color commentator and contributed to Atlanta radio, according to the University of Kentucky Alumni Association.
