NFL: Selecting the best player in each franchise’s history

Atlanta Falcons – Deion Sanders

This is a wild choice, and I’m aware of it.

Sanders played only five (!) seasons in Atlanta before escaping to San Francisco and (later) Dallas to continue what was a Hall of Fame career, but he is aided by what is an underwhelming history for the Falcons. Players like Mike Kenn, Jessie Tuggle and Tommy Nobis were considered for this space, but Deion’s “peak” was simply higher than the rest. He also developed the reputation as the best cornerback in football while playing in Atlanta.

During his time with the Falcons, Sanders contributed 24 interceptions in only 70 games. That is an obscene pace for anyone, but considering that opponents openly game-planned away from his side of the field, it is an incredible statistic. Beyond that, “Prime Time” was arguably the best kick returner in football, putting together five touchdown returns during his stay with the Falcons, and inspiring the opposition to kick the ball out of bounds on a regular basis to avoid turmoil.

For most, Sanders will be remembered as a Super Bowl winner with both the 49ers and Cowboys, but everything started in Atlanta, and he gets the nod. Check back in five years, though, as current quarterback Matt Ryan is creeping up the all-time list in short order.

Next: Baltimore Ravens