Full Breakdown
Jeff Van Note, Falcons Legend, Passes at Age 80
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Death and Team Announcement
The Atlanta Falcons announced on Friday that former center Jeff Van Note had died at age 80. The team did not disclose a cause of death. Van Note’s passing was confirmed by multiple outlets, all citing the Falcons’ statement.
Background & Context: Career Overview
Jeff Van Note was selected by the Falcons in the 11th round of the 1969 NFL Draft out of the University of Kentucky. Although drafted as a linebacker, head coach Norm Van Brocklin moved him to center before the 1970 season, where he secured the starting role a year later. Van Note spent his entire 18-year playing career (1969-1986) with Atlanta, later joining the organization’s broadcast team as a color commentator throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Data & Statistics
- Draft: 11th round, 1969 (262nd overall in some reports).
- Games played: 246; games started: 225 or 226 (sources differ).
- Pro Bowl selections: six (1974-75, 1979-82).
- Second-Team All-Pro: twice (1979, 1982).
- Ring of Honor induction: 2006.
- Post-playing honors: Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (1999), Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni (2000), Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame (2005).
Official Statements & Responses
Falcons owner and chairman Arthur M. The statement also extended sympathies to Van Note’s children—Beau, Ben, and Blaine—and to the broader Falcons community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jeff’s contributions to this organization cannot be measured solely by his accomplishments on the field,” — Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman
- “Jeff’s contributions to this organization cannot be measured solely by his accomplishments on the field. He helped shape the identity of the Atlanta Falcons and left a legacy that will endure for years to come,” — Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of games Van Note started: most cite 225 starts, while a few list 226. Both figures appear in reputable reports, and the discrepancy is noted without resolution. No cause of death has been publicly released.
Why It Matters / Impact
Van Note’s durability—missing only four games in an 18-year span—set a standard for longevity in the franchise. His transition from linebacker to a Hall-of-Fame-caliber center helped shape the identity of the Atlanta Falcons during their formative decades. As a longtime broadcaster, he also contributed to the team’s media presence, influencing how generations of fans experienced Falcons football. His induction into the Ring of Honor and multiple hall-of-fame recognitions underscore his lasting legacy within both Atlanta and Kentucky football circles.