2004
Falcons to introduce Ring of Honor at home opener
September 16, 2004
The Atlanta Falcons today announced they will be introducing the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor during halftime of Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams.
The inaugural inductees will be former Atlanta Falcons:
The Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor pays tribute to retired players who made significant contributions to the Atlanta Falcons during their playing careers. During the 2003 season, long-time Falcons season-ticket holders nominated a group of players they would like to see inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor. The nine players receiving the highest number of nominations were then placed on a ballot for Falcons fans to cast their votes.
“Sunday will be a special day for the Atlanta Falcons and our fans to take a step back into history and celebrate the successes of former Falcons players,” said Falcons owner & CEO Arthur M. Blank. “With as much as we have to look forward to, we also feel it is important to honor our past – the legacy of the Falcons.
“The four men being inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor are representative of the highest caliber of players. We are proud to call William, Steve, Tommy and Jessie our own and to award them this prestigious honor and legendary status in the history of the Falcons.”
A third round draft choice of the Falcons in 1979 out of Auburn, Andrews (1979-86) was among the NFL’s elite runners when a shocking knee injury prematurely ended one of the NFL’s great playing careers. Andrews set 19 Falcons records that began in his very first NFL game in 1979 when he ran for 167 yards at New Orleans. In his first five seasons in the NFL (1979-83), he outgained every other back in the NFL. During that span, he helped lead the Falcons to the playoffs three times, including their first division title in 1980.
The Falcons selected Bartkowski (1975-85), as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1975 out of California. He was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Year after throwing for 1,662 yards and 15 touchdowns. Bartkowski overcame numerous knee injuries to set every club record in passing, which included 23,468 yards and 154 touchdown passes in his 123 Falcons games. He produced three seasons of 3,000 yards or more passing, 12 games of more than 300 yards passing, and two seasons of 30 or more touchdown passes. Bartkowski continues to be involved with the Falcons as a member of the organization’s board of directors.
Nobis (1966-76), was the first player ever drafted by the Falcons in 1966. Later that year, he became the first Falcons player to be voted to the Pro Bowl in a season that also included Rookie of the Year honors. Nobis would go on to lead the Falcons in tackles in 9 of 11 seasons, including a team record of 294 tackles in 1966. A five-time Pro bowl selection, Nobis also intercepted 11 passes during his pro career, returning two of them for touchdowns. The Falcons’ current vice president of corporate development, Nobis continues to be heavily involved in the community with the Tommy Nobis Center, a comprehensive and vocational training facility in Marietta, Ga., that enables individuals with disabilities to achieve employment and enjoy productive lifestyles.
Nicknamed “The Hammer” for the vicious way in which he pounded ball carriers, Tuggle (1987-2000) would go on to become the Falcons’ career leader in tackles with 2,065 during his illustrious 209-game career. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Tuggle finished his career third on the team’s all time lists in most seasons played (14), most games played (209) and started (189), fourth in most consecutive games played (110) and seventh in most consecutive games started (89). Tuggle led the Falcons in tackles for nine straight seasons from 1988-97 and recorded more than 100 tackles for a team record 12 consecutive seasons. In 1998, Tuggle helped lead the Falcons to their only Super Bowl appearance, with a franchise playoff record 11 tackles in the Falcons’ come-from-behind 30-27 victory at Minnesota in the 1998 NFC Championship Game.
Going forward, an Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor committee will periodically put forth nominees to the fans for future inductees.
