Introduction
In my endless research of all things football and through my passion for the history of the NFL, I have decided to try and compile an All-Time Team for all 32 current NFL franchises. By All-Time Team I mean a starting roster compiled of the very best players to ever put on each franchise’s jersey. I will be starting in alphabetical order by current franchise location, so Arizona Cardinals all the way to The Washington Football Team, with the goal of releasing one to two All-Time teams a week for the duration of the current NFL season. This is meant to be fun and cause some debate and is based on my opinion after all my research and deep dives into each franchise’s history. Of course, not everyone will agree with who I chose, and I’d love to hear from anyone who agrees or disagrees, but first, let’s lay out some ground rules for how I came up with each team.
1. Each team roster will consist of the following:
Offense - 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 2 OT, 2 OG, 1 C
Defense - 2 DE, 2 DT, 3 LB, 2 CB, 2 S
Special Teams - 1 K, 1 P, 1 Returner
Coach - 1 Head Coach
2. I only considered an individual’s stats and contributions with each specific franchise. For example, Peyton Manning’s years with the Broncos were not considered when deciding on the starting QB of the Colts All-Time Team. As a result, the stats and awards listed with each individual player are only those that were achieved with that specific franchise.
3. A player cannot represent two teams as the starter. Players who spent time with more than one team were considered for the franchise they spent the most time with or had the most impact on. This rule led to some interesting scenarios that I will discuss in detail with each specific article to try and clear up any confusion.
4. A player’s stats and impact were considered in context with their era. This won’t simply be a listing of who passed or ran for the most yards in franchise history.
5. All stats are from Pro-Football-Reference and through the 2021 season. I will also be counting sacks from 1960, though the NFL doesn't officially count sacks until 1982.
6. Players in the "Honorable Mentions" section are ordered by year. It's not an indication of where I believe they rank in franchise history.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to it!
Atlanta Falcons All-Time Team
Franchise Information
First Season: 1966
Record: 376-483-6 (43.77 W-L%)
Playoff Record: 10-14
Super Bowls Won: 0 (Lost in 1998 and 2016)
Passing Leader: Matt Ryan 5,242/8,003 | 59,735 Yds | 367 TD
Rushing Leader: Gerald Riggs 1,587 Att | 6,631 Yds | 48 TD
Receiving Leader: Julio Jones 848 Rec | 12,896 Yds | 60 TD
Sack Leader: Claude Humphrey 99.5 Sk
Interception Leader: Rolland Lawrence 39 Int
Scoring Leader: Matt Bryant 1,163 Points
Winningest Coach: Mike Smith 66-46
QB: Matt Ryan (2008-Present)
Record: 113-92 | 65.5 Cmp% | 59,735 Yds | 367 TD | 170 Int | 1,469 Rush Yds | 12 Rush TD | Led League in Cmp% 2012 (68.6%) | Led League in Cmp 2019, 2020 (408, 407) | Led League in QB Rating 2016 (117.1) | Led the League in Yds/A 2016 (9.3) | 4x Pro-Bowl (10, 12, 14, 16) | 1x All-Pro (16) | 2016 MVP | 2016 Offensive Player of the Year | 2016 Bert Bell Award | 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year | 2016 NFC Champion
Matt Ryan is the easy choice at quarterback. He is the franchise leader in passing yards and touchdowns and it's not even close. He's won more games than any other Falcons quarterback and is a four- time Pro-Bowler, one-time All-Pro and was the 2016 MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. He doesn't get the recognition that he deserves and is a Hall of Famer in my book. Ryan currently ranks eighth all-time in passing yards and ninth all-time in touchdowns. A Super Bowl win is the only thing missing on his resume and if it wasn't for the GOAT, he'd have one now, but don't let that fool you into thinking he isn't a winner. Ryan has led the Falcons to seven winning seasons and six playoff appearances.
Honorable Mentions
Bob Berry (1968-1972) | Record: 19-28-3 | 57 Cmp% | 8,489 Yds | 57 TD | 56 Int | 384 Rush Yds | 4 Rush TD | Led League in Yds/A 1971 (8.9) | 1x Pro-Bowl (69)
Steve Bartkowski (1975-1985) | Record: 55-66 | 56.2 Cmp% | 23,470 Yds | 154 TD | 141 Int | 236 Rush Yds | 11 Rush TD | Led League in TD 1980 (31) | Led League in Cmp% 1984 (67.3%) | Led League in QB Rating 1983 (97.6) | 2x Pro-Bowl (80, 81)
Chris Miller (1987-1993) | Record: 23-43 | 54 Cmp% | 14,066 Yds | 87 TD | 72 Int | 607 Rush Yds | 2 Rush TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (91)
Chris Chandler (1997-2001) | Record: 34-33 | 58.7 Cmp% | 13,268 Yds | 87 TD | 56 Int | 480 Rush Yds | 3 Rush TD | Led League in Yds/A 1998 (9.6) | 2x Pro-Bowl (97, 98) | 1998 NFC Champion
Michael Vick (2001-2006) | Record: 38-28-1 | 53.8 Cmp% | 11,505 Yds | 71 TD | 52 Int | 3,859 Rush Yds | 21 Rush TD | Led League in Rush Yds/A 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 (6.9, 7.5, 5.9, 8.4) | 3x Pro-Bowl (02, 04, 05)
RB: William Andrews (1979-1983, 1986)
4.6 Y/A | 5,986 Yds | 30 TD | 277 Rec | 2,647 Rec Yds | 11 Rec TD | Led League in YScm 1981 (2,036) | 4x Pro-Bowl (80, 81, 82, 83)
William Andrews may be the most underrated player in NFL history. If it wasn't for a serious knee injury in 1984 that sidelined him for two seasons and essentially ended his career, there is no doubt in my mind he would be a Hall of Famer. Andrews had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in every season and had over 2,000 yards from scrimmage in two, including 2,176 in 1983. Oh, and Ronnie Lott also said that a head on collision with Andrews was the hardest hit that he ever took. Just take a look at these stats:
1979- 1,023 Yds, 3 TD, 39 Rec, 309 Rec Yds and 2 Rec TD
1980- 1,308 Yds, 4 TD, 51 Rec, 451 Rec Yds and 1 Rec TD
1981- 1,301 Yds, 10 TD, 81 Rec, 735 Rec Yds and 2 Rec TD
1982- 573 Yds, 5 TD, 42 Rec, 503 Rec Yds and 2 Rec TD (Strike Shortened Season)
1983- 1,567 Yds, 7 TD, 59 Rec, 609 Rec Yds and 4 Rec TD
RB: Michael Turner (2008-2012)
4.3 Y/A | 6, 081 Yds | 60 TD | 59 Rec | 457 Rec Yds | 1 Rec TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (08, 10) | 1x All-Pro (08)
After spending four seasons primarily as a backup in San Diego, Turner came to the Falcons and became a touchdown machine. He had at least 10 touchdowns in all five of his seasons and had a career high of 17 touchdowns in 2008. His 60 touchdowns rushing are the best in franchise history and it's this that gives him the edge over Gerald Riggs, who is the franchise leader in yards.
Honorable Mentions
Cannonball Butler (1968-1971) | 3.7 Yds/A | 2,250 Yds | 7 TD | 71 Rec | 718 Rec Yds | 5 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (69)
Gerald Riggs (1982-1988) | 4.2 Yds/A | 6,631 Yds | 48 TD | 186 Rec | 1,384 Rec Yds | 3x Pro-Bowl (85, 86, 87)
Craig Heyward (1994-1996) | 4.4 Yds/A | 2,183 Yds | 16 TD | 85 Rec | 853 Rec Yds | 3 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (95)
Jamal Anderson (1994-2001) | 4.0 Yds/A | 5,336 Yds | 34 TD | 156 Rec | 1,645 Rec Yds | 7 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (98) | 1x All-Pro (98)
Warrick Dunn (2002-2007) | 4.2 Yds/A | 5,981 Yds | 30 TD | 204 Rec | 1,635 Rec Yds | 6 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (05)
Devonta Freeman (2014-2019) | 4.2 Yds/A | 3,972 Yds | 32 TD | 257 Rec | 2,015 Rec Yds | 11 Rec TD | Led League in TD 2015 (11) | Led League in RRTD 2015 (14)
WR: Julio Jones (2011-2020)
848 Rec | 12,986 Yds | 60 TD | Led League in Rec 2015 (136) | Led League in Yds 2015, 2018 (1,871, 1,677) | Led League in Y/G 2015, 2016, 2018 (116.9, 100.6, 104.8) | Led League in Yds/R 2014, 2015, 2019 (15.2, 13.8, 13.8) | Led League in YScm 2015 (1,871) | 7x Pro-Bowl (12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) | 2x All-Pro (15, 16) | Hall of Fame All-2010s Team
Julio Jones will be in the Hall of Fame whenever he decides to retire. He has consistently been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL every year of his career. Jones was a threat to take the top off the defense at any moment which can be seen by his stats leading the league in yards per reception three different times. Julio is also the NFL's all-time leader in yards per game. He had six straight seasons of at least 1,300 yards from 2014-2019. His 12,986 yards are the best in franchise history and his 60 touchdowns are second. He also currently sits just inside the top 20 all time for receiving yards.
WR: Roddy White (2005-2015)
808 Rec | 10,853 Yds | 63 TD | Led League in Rec 2010 (115) | Led League in Yds/R 2011 (13) | 4x Pro-Bowl (08, 09, 10, 11) | 1x All-Pro (10)
Roddy White was a beast in his 11 seasons with the Falcons. His 10,953 yards and 63 touchdowns were both franchise records before Julio Jones, but his 63 touchdowns still remain the franchise record. White had six straight seasons of at least 1,100 yards from 2007-2012. White was a two-time state champion wrestler and often used this experience to get physical with defenders and get open. Roddy White has an outside shot to make the Hall of Fame one day as well.
WR: Andre Rison (1990-1994)
423 Rec | 5,633 Yds | 56 TD | Led League in TD 1993 (15) | 4x Pro-Bowl (90, 91, 92, 93) | 1x All-Pro (90)
Andre Rison rounds out the top three wide receivers in Falcon's history. All three receivers were at least four-time Pro-Bowlers and one-time All-Pros, not something many other franchises can say. His specialty was catching touchdowns as his 56 touchdowns in only five seasons show. Rison had over 1,000 yards in four of his five seasons and at least 10 touchdowns in four as well. Alfred Jenkins and Terrance Mathis have good claims as well but it's hard to put either of them in over any of these three.
Honorable Mentions
Wallace Francis (1975-1981) | 244 Rec | 3,695 Yds | 27 TD
Alfred Jenkins (1975-1983) | 360 Rec | 6,267 Yds | 40 TD | Led League in Yds 1981 (1,358) | Led League in TD 1981 (13) | Led League in Yds/G 1981 (84.9) | 2x Pro-Bowl (80, 81) | 1x All-Pro (81)
Billy Johnson (1982-1987) | 166 Rec | 2,062 Yds | 12 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (83) | 1983 Comeback Player of the Year
Terrance Mathis (1994-2001) | 573 Rec | 7,349 Yds | 57 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (94)
Brian Finneran (2000-2010) | 236 Rec | 3,072 Yds | 19 TD
Michael Jenkins (2004-2010) | 276 Rec | 3,512 Yds | 20 TD
TE: Alge Crumpler (2001-2007)
316 Rec | 4,212 Yds | 35 TD | 4x Pro-Bowl (03, 04, 05, 06)
Alge Crumpler gets the nod at tight end. He spent seven seasons with Atlanta making four straight Pro-Bowls from 2003-2006. Crumpler was one of Michael Vick's favorite targets throughout his stint with the Falcons. Jim Mitchell spent more years with the Falcons, but his peak seasons were not as impressive as Crumpler's. Tony Gonzalez has a good claim as well, but let's be honest, he's the Chiefs All-Time tight end.
Honorable Mention
Jim Mitchell (1969-1979) | 305 | 4,358 Yds | 28 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (69, 72)
Junior Miller (1980-1983) | 114 Rec | 1,138 Yds | 13 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (80, 81)
Tony Gonzalez (2009-2013) | 409 Rec | 4,187 Yds | 35 TD | 4x Pro-Bowl (10, 11, 12, 13) | 1x All-Pro (12) | Hall of Fame All-2000s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2019
Austin Hooper (2016-2019) | 214 Rec | 2,244 Yds | 16 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (18,19)
OT: Mike Kenn (1978-1994)
Started 251 of 251 Games | 5x Pro-Bowl (80, 81, 82, 83, 84) | 2x All-Pro (80, 91)
The Falcons have a sneaky good All-Time offensive line. Starting with Mike Kenn. How he is not ever considered for the Hall of Fame is mind boggling. He started 251 of 251 games with the Falcons from 1978-1994. He played every game scheduled in 11 of his 17 seasons. No one has played in more games for the Falcons than Mike Kenn and only three other offensive linemen ever played more games in NFL history. He also made five straight Pro-Bowls from 1980-1984 and two All-Pro Teams in 1980 and 1991. This guy should at the very least be on the cusp of making the hall, if not already in.
OT: Bob Whitfield (1992-2003)
Started 167 of 178 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (98)
Bob Whitfield will man down the other offensive tackles position. He was a solid starter for the Falcons for 12 seasons, playing in 178 games and starting 167. He doesn't have the Pro-Bowls like some others, such as George Kunz, but his longevity and being a key member of the best Falcons team in history in 1998 give him the edge.
Honorable Mentions
George Kunz (1969-1974) | Started 79 of 79 Games | 4x Pro-Bowl (69, 71, 72, 73)
Chris Hinton (1990-1993) | Started 60 of 63 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (91) | 1x All-Pro (93)
Todd Weiner (2002-2008) | Started 96 of 103 Games
Tyson Clabo (2006-2012) | Started 101 of 101 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (10)
Jake Mathews (2014-Present) | Started 128 of 128 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (18)
OG: Bill Fralic (1985-1992)
Started 115 of 116 Games | 4x Pro-Bowl (86, 87, 88, 89) | 2x All-Pro (86, 87) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team
Bill Fralic started 115 of 116 games for Atlanta from 1985-1992. He is another lineman for the Falcons that doesn't really get any love from Hall of Fame voters even though he made four straight Pro-Bowls from 1986-1989 and made the All-Pro Team in 1986 and 1987. He was also named to the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team. He seems to fly under the radar and will maybe make it into the Hall one day as a senior candidate.
OG: R.C. Thielemann (1977-1984)
Started 114 of 114 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (81, 82, 83) | 1x All-Pro (82)
R.C. Thielemann is the other guard for this All-Time Falcons Team. He started 114 of 114 games in eight seasons with Atlanta. He started every game in seven of his eight seasons. Thielemann made three straight Pro-Bowls from 1981-1983 and one All-Pro Team in 1982. Thielemann and Fralic are head and shoulders above the rest of the offensive guards in Falcon's history.
Honorable Mentions
John Scully (1981-1990) | Started 82 of 112 Games
Justin Blalock (2007-2014) | Started 125 of 125 Games
C: Jeff Van Note (1969-1986)
Started 226 of 246 Games | 6x Pro-Bowl (74, 75, 79, 80, 81, 82)
Rounding out the offensive line for the Falcons is center Jeff Van Note. He is the third player on this line that I think deserves some attention from the Hall of Fame. He played in 246 games with the Falcons, second only to Mike Kenn's 251. He made six Pro-Bowls over his 18 seasons, playing for the Falcons from age 23 all the way until he was 40 years old. No center in NFL history has played more games than Jeff Van Note. I believe that three former Falcons offensive lineman deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. I don't know how the resumes of Kenn, Fralic and Van Note don't garner more attention.
Honorable Mentions
Jamie Dukes (1986-1993) | Started 89 of 110 Games
Todd McClure (2000-2012) | Started 195 of 198 Games
Alex Mack (2016-2020) | Started 78 of 78 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (16, 17, 18)
DE: Claude Humphrey (1968-1978)
2 Int | 11 FR | 99.5 Sk | 6x Pro-Bowl (70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 77) | 2x All-Pro (72, 73) | 1968 Defensive Rookie of the Year | Hall of Fame Class 2014
Claude Humphrey is the only man in the Hall of Fame who spent the majority of his career with the Falcons (Deion Sanders spent five seasons in both Atlanta and Dallas). Is there a conspiracy keeping great former Falcons from the Hall? Humphrey is the franchise leader in sacks with 99.5. He had over 10 sacks in seven seasons out of 10 with Atlanta. When he retired, he was ranked sixth all time in sacks. He was named to six Pro-Bowls, two All-Pro Teams and Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1968. He was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014, waiting much longer than he should have. Conspiracy!
DE: John Abraham (2006-2012)
1 Int | 24 FF | 1 FR | 68.5 Sk| 240 Tackles | 79 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (10) | 1x All-Pro (10)
After six seasons with the Jets, Abraham came to the Falcons and became the leader of the defensive front for seven seasons in Atlanta. He only made one Pro-Bowl and one All-Pro Team, both in 2010. He had at least 10 sacks in four seasons with Atlanta, including 16.5 in 2008. How did he not make the Pro-Bowl in 2008? Abraham has made the first round for Hall of Fame voting but hasn't made it any further yet.
Honorable Mentions
John Zook (1969-1975) | 4 Int | 8 FR | 61 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (73)
Jeff Merrow (1975 -1983) | 5 FR | 37.5 Sk
Jeff Yeates (1976-1984) | 1 Int | 8 FR | 21.5 Sk
Rick Bryan (1984-1993) | 3 FR | 29 Sk
Mike Gann (1985-1993) | 1 Int | 11 FR | 23.5 Sk
Chuck Smith (1992-1999) | 3 Int | 20 FF | 12 FR | 58.5 Sk | 322 Tackles | 11 TFL
Lester Archambeau (1993-1999) | 1 Int | 11 FF | 6 FR | 31 Sk | 286 Tackles | 8 TFL
Patrick Kerney (1999-2006) | 2 Int | 9 FF | 10 FR | 58 Sk | 367 Tackles | 66 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (04)
Kroy Biermann (2008-2015) | 2 Int | 3 FF | 2 FR | 23.5 Sk | 331 Tackles | 37 TFL
Vic Beasley (2015-2019) | 1 Int | 11 FF | 2 FR | 37.5 Sk | 156 Tackles | 36 TFL | Led League in FF 2016 (6) | Led League in Sk 2016 (15.5) | 1x Pro-Bowl (16) | 1x All-Pro (16)
DT: Grady Jarrett (2015-Present)
5 FF | 3 FR | 26.5 Sk | 359 Tackles | 54 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (19, 20)
Defensive Tackle is a rather thin position for the Falcons. Grady Jarrett is the best the team has ever had, making the Pro-Bowl in the last two seasons. He has been one of the few bright spots the past few seasons on a defense that has struggled. His best season so far was 2019 where he had 7.5 sacks and 69 tackles.
DT: Jonathan Babineaux (2005-2016)
4 Int | 10 FF | 10 FR | 27 Sk | 394 Tackles | 91 TFL
Jonathan Babineaux is the other defensive tackle for the All-Time Falcons. He never made a Pro-Bowl or All-Pro Team but was a solid defender for 12 seasons in Atlanta. His best season came in 2009 where he had six sacks and 47 tackles. His 12 seasons with the team are what gives him the edge over Travis Hall and Roderick Coleman.
Honorable Mention
Mike Lewis (1971-1979) | 1 Int | 4 FR | 25 Sk
Travis Hall (1995-2004) | 4 FF | 10 FR | 41.5 Sk | 435 Tackles | 34 TFL
Roderick Coleman (2004-2007) | 1 Int | 9 FF | 4 FR | 30 Sk | 114 Tackles | 31 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (05)
LB: Jessie Tuggle (1987-2000)
6 Int | 10 FF | 10 FR | 21 Sk | 1,805 Tackles | Led League in Tackles 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995 (201, 207, 193, 152) | 5x Pro-Bowl (92, 94, 95, 97, 98)
Okay, back to the conspiracy. How is Jessie Tuggle not in the Hall of Fame? He made the Pro-Bowl five times and led the league in tackles four times. Four times! He is ranked fourth all time in tackles in NFL history and his 1991 season of 207 tackles is the second most in single season history. His 1990 season of 201 tackles is third all time, making him the only player in NFL history with two 200 tackle seasons. He was also a leader of the 1998 Falcons who made the Super Bowl. Put this man in the Hall!
LB: Tommy Nobis (1966-1976)
12 Int | 13 FR | 9.5 Sk | 5x Pro-Bowl (66, 67, 68, 70, 72) | 1x All-Pro (67) | Hall of Fame All-1960s Team
The next linebacker on the Falcons All-Time Team is Tommy Nobis. Year in and year out Nobis is a candidate to make the Hall of Fame. In 2020, when the Hall inducted 20 members, everyone thought this would finally be the year for Mr. Falcon, but nope, he still wasn't inducted. He was the first ever draft pick of the Falcons, made five Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1960s Team. It's not his fault he was the only bright spot on a bad expansion team.
LB: Keith Brooking (1998-2009)
12 Int | 8 FF | 10 FR | 17 Sk | 888 Tackles | 44 TFL | 5x Pro-Bowl (01, 02, 03, 04, 05) | Led League in Tackles 2003 (126)
Rounding out the trio of linebackers is Keith Brooking. He was the leader of the defense at the turn of the century, taking over for Tuggle. He led the league in tackles in 2003 and made five straight Pro-Bowls from 2001-2005. All three linebackers deserve consideration for the Hall of Fame, especially Tuggle and Nobis who have already waited long enough.
Honorable Mentions
Greg Brezina (1968-1979) | 12 Int | 14 FR | 26 Sk | Led League in FR 1969 (5) | 1x Pro-Bowl (69)
Fulton Kuykendall (1975-1984) | 3 Int | 9 FR | 10 Sk
Buddy Curry (1980-1987) | 7 Int | 4 FR | 7 Sk | 1980 Defensive Rookie of the Year
John Rade (1983 -1991) | 3 Int | 6 FR | 10.5 Sk
Deion Jones (2016-Present) | 11 Int | 4 FF | 2 FR | 8.5 Sk | 652 Tackles | 40 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (17)
CB: Deion Sanders (1989-1993)
24 Int | 7 FF | 6 FR | 238 Tackles | 3x Pro-Bowl (91, 92, 93) | 2x All-Pro (92, 93) | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2011
Deion Sanders is who most people think of when they think of Falcons in the Hall of Fame. He revolutionized the position and became an instant super star. His 24 interceptions are seventh in franchise history, but he only played five seasons in Atlanta and let's be honest, quarterbacks didn't bother throwing his way. He returned three interceptions back for touchdowns and made three straight Pro-Bowls from 1991-1993 and the All-Pro Team in 1992 and 1993. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1990s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.
CB: Rolland Lawrence (1973-1980)
39 Int | 13 FR | 1 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (77) | 1x All-Pro (77)
Rolland Lawrence doesn't have the name recognition like Deion, but he was a very good cornerback in his time in Atlanta. His 39 interceptions are the most ever by a Falcon and his best season came in 1977 where he had seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries and was named to the Pro-Bowl and All-Pro Team. In 1975 he had a career high nine interceptions.
Honorable Mentions
Ken Reaves (1966-1973) | 29 Int | 6 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (69)
Bobby Butler (1981-1992) | 27 Int | 9 FR
Ray Buchanan (1997-2003) | 30 Int | 2 FF | 3 FR | 1 Sk | 421 Tackles | 1x Pro-Bowl (98)
DeAngelo Hall (2004-2007) | 17 Int | 3 FF | 5 FR | 0.5 Sk | 230 Tackles | 6 TFL 2x Pro-Bowl (05, 06)
Brent Grimes (2007-2012) | 13 Int | 1 FF | 1 FR | 253 Tackles | 6 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (10)
Desmond Trufant (2013-2019) | 13 Int | 3 FF | 7 FR | 5 Sk | 329 Tackles | 9 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (15)
S: Scott Case (1984-1994)
30 Int | 7 FR | 7.5 Sk | 959 Tackles | Led League in Int 1988 (10) | 1x Pro-Bowl (88)
Safety is another position that is a little thin for the Falcons. Scott Case is the clear leader of the group. He led the league in interceptions in 1988 and was named to his only Pro-Bowl in that same season. His 30 interceptions are tied for third most in franchise history and he was a very solid starter for 11 seasons in Atlanta.
S: Ray Brown (1971-1977)
31 Int | 7 FR | 1.5 Sk
Ray Brown will be the other starter for the All-Time Falcons. His 31 interceptions are second only to Rolland Lawrence in franchise history. His best season came in 1984 where he intercepted eight passes and returned one for a touchdown. He never made a Pro-Bowl or All-Pro Team though.
Honorable Mentions
Tom Pridemore (1978-1985) | 21 Int | 13 FR | 2 Int
Thomas DeCoud (2008-2013) | 14 Int | 4 FF | 3 FR | 3 Sk | 376 Tackles | 10 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (12)
William Moore (2009-2015) | 16 Int | 11 FF | 4 FR | 3.5 Sk | 364 Tackles | 14 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (12)
K: Matt Bryant (2009-2019)
87.5 FG% | 59 Long | 1,163 Points | Led League in FG% 2011 (93.1%) | 1x Pro-Bowl (16)
Matt Bryant is the clear pick for kicker. His 1,163 points are the most ever by a Falcon. He led the league in field goal percentage in 2011 and made the Pro-Bowl in 2016. He currently ranks fifth all time in field goal percentage and 13th all time in points. Morten Anderson had a great career with the Falcons as well, but he spent more significant time with the Saints.
Honorable Mentions
Nick Mike-Mayer (1973-1977) | 53.8 FG% | 52 Long | 271 Points | 1x Pro-Bowl (73)
Morten Anderson (1995-2000, 2006-2007) | 82.1 FG% | Long 59 | 806 Points | Led League in Long 1995, 1997 (59, 55) | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2017
P: John James (1972-1981)
35,633 Yds | 75 Long | 40.8 Yds/Punt | Led League in Yds 74, 76, 77, 78 (3,891, 4,253, 4,349, 4,227) | Led League in Long 1975 (75) | 3x Pro-Bowl (75, 76, 77)
Punter John James is the only punter worth considering for the Falcons. He averaged just under 41 yards a punt and led the league in punt yardage four times. He made three straight Pro-Bowls from 1975-1977. He's the only punter in Falcons to history to make the Pro-Bowl.
Honorable Mentions
Matt Bosher (2011-2019) | 44,657 Punt Yds | 69 Long | 45.7 Yds/Punt
Returner: Deion Sanders (1989-1993)
789 Punt Rt Yds | 2 Punt TD | 8.5 Yds/Punt Rt | 3,388 Kick Rt Yds | 3 Kick Rt TD | 23 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Punt Rt TD 1989, 1991 (1, 1) | Led League in Kick Rt TD 1991, 1992 (1, 2) | Led League in Kick Rt Yds 1992 (1,067) | 3x Pro-Bowl (91, 92, 93) | 2x All-Pro (92, 93) | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2011
Deion Sanders had just as big of an impact in the return game as he did as a cornerback. He had five total return touchdowns in his years with the Falcons. He led the league twice in punt return touchdowns, twice in kick return touchdowns and once in kick return yards when he went over 1,000 in 1992. He was a threat to score any time he touched the ball.
Honorable Mentions
Billy Johnson (1982-1987) | 1,251 Punt Rt Yds | 1 Punt Rt TD | 10.1 Yds/Punt Rt | Led League in Punt Rt TD 1983 (1) | 1x Pro-Bowl (83) | 1983 Comeback Player of the Year | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team
Allen Rossum (2002-2006) | 1,723 Punt Rt Yds | 2 Punt Rt TD | 10.5 Yds/Punt Rt | 5,489 Kick Rt Yds | 1 Kick Rt TD | 22 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Punt Rt Yds 2003 (545) | 1x Pro-Bowl (04)
Eric Weems (2007-2011, 2014-2016) | 1,309 Punt Rt Yds | 1 Punt Rt TD | 10.9 Yds/Punt Rt | 3,724 Kick Rt Yds | 1 Kick Rt TD | 25.3 Yds/Kick Rt | 1x Pro-Bowl (10)
Devin Hester (2014-2015) | 274 Punt Rt Yds | 1 Punt Rt TD | 10.5 Yds/Punt Rt | 1,363 Kick Rt Yds | 25.2 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Kick Rt Yds 2014 (1,128) | 1x Pro-Bowl (14) | Hall of Fame All-2010s Team
Head Coach: Mike Smith (2008-2014)
Regular Season: 66-46 | 58.9 W-L% | Playoffs 1-4 | 2008 Coach of the Year
The final member of the Falcons All-Time Team is Head Coach Mike Smith. This decision might ruffle some feathers as both Dan Reeves and Dan Quinn took the Falcons to the Super Bowl. If either of them had won, they would have taken this spot, but they didn't, so I'm going with Mike Smith. He has the best W-L% in Falcons history and won more games than any other Falcons coach. Smith's 1-4 playoff record isn't great, but he did make the NFC Championship game in 2012. He made the playoffs in four of his seven seasons and had a winning record in five. For comparison, Reeves made the playoffs twice and had two winning seasons, same goes for Quinn.
Honorable Mentions
Norm Van Brocklin (1968-1974) | Regular Season: 37-49-3 | 43 W-L%
Leeman Bennett (1977-1982) | Regular Season: 46-41 | 52.9 W-L% | Playoffs: 1-3
Dan Reeves (1997-2003) | Regular Season: 49-59-1 | 45.4 W-L% | Playoffs: 3-2 | 1998 Coach of the Year | 1998 NFC Champion
Dan Quinn (2015-2020) | Regular Season: 43-42 | 50.6 W-L% | Playoffs: 3-2 | 2016 NFC Champion
