FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Former Falcons linebacker Buddy Curry will be inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame on Feb. 8.
"I am truly blessed being drafted by Atlanta and the opportunity to play eight years for the Falcons," Curry said. "I consider it an honor to be an inductee when there are so many great athletes in this city. It's a true honor."
The Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame honors the most accomplished sports figures that have played or worked in the city. Curry joins Ernie Johnson Jr., Curtis Lovejoy and Dave Hunter as the Class of 2019. Tommy Nobis (2005), Steve Bartkowski (2008) and Deion Sanders (2013) are a few of the most notable Falcons to have been inducted in the Hall of Fame.
Curry played in 109 games for the Falcons during his eight-year career (1980-1987). He enjoyed success early on in his career as he was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and was a two-time All-Pro selection. He was Atlanta's leading tackler six out of the eight seasons he played.
Where Curry has made his biggest impact has been off the field, though. Curry has made a significant contribution to teaching and growing the game of football.
In 2002, Curry founded Kids & Pros, a non-profit corporation that connects retired NFL players to children, ages of 7 to 13, to help teach the fundamentals of the game.
Curry has also been certified as a master trainer with USA Football that allows him to train other coaches on the "Heads Up Football" comprehensive program to ensure the game of football is being instructed in the right way with safety in mind, first and foremost.
Former Falcon Buddy Curry is being inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame. Curry was a linebacker for the Falcons from 1980-1987. Take a look back at some of his NFL moments suited up in red and black.
Rams Eric Dickerson looks to the football as he is hit from behind by Falcons Buddy Curry during the first quarter on Monday, Oct. 22, 1984 in Atlanta.
AP Photo / Joe Sebo
LB Buddy Curry lines up during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 16, 1983, at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California.
AP Photo / NFL Photos
LB Buddy Curry takes an angle on Los Angeles Rams Hall of Fame RB Eric Dickerson during a game on September 29, 1985, at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California.
AP Photo / NFL Photos
LB Buddy Curry huddles with teammates during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium on December 21, 1980. The Rams defeated the Falcons 20-17. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
LB Buddy Curry in 1981.
AP Photo / NFL Photos
LB Buddy Curry waits for the snap during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 23, 1986, in San Francisco.
AP Photo / Greg Trott
LB Buddy Curry tackles New Orleans Saints running back George Rogers in first quarter action in Atlanta, Sept. 6, 1981.
AP Photo
DE Jeff Merrow and LB Buddy Curry huddle with their teammates during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams on December 21, 1980. The Falcons defeated the Rams 21-10.
AP Photo / Peter Read Miller
