The first–ever player drafted by the Atlanta Falcons for the inaugural 1966 season, Tommy Nobis quickly became the first–ever Falcons player to be voted to the Pro Bowl after being selected as a rookie. The stellar middle linebacker was named the NFL Rookie of the Year for his efforts. "Mr. Falcon" led the team in tackles in nine of his 11 seasons, while earning five trips to the Pro Bowl.

In a poll conducted in 1970 by ABC to pick the best athlete of the decade of the 1960s, running back O.J. Simpson was number one and Tommy Nobis was number two in the entire country. He had an astronomical 294 total combined tackles as a rookie, still the team's club record. Nobis also intercepted 11 passes during his pro career, returning two for touchdowns. His uniform, No. 60, has been worn by only him during the team's existence. He retired in 1976.