Atlanta Falcons all-time Mount Rushmore

3 of 5

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tommy Nobis during a 20-0 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on December 10, 1972 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by James Flores/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

Atlanta Falcons Mount Rushmore: LB Tommy Nobis

He’s one of the original members of the franchise that as previously mentioned, entered the NFL in 1966. And with the first overall pick in the draft, the Atlanta Falcons opted for University of Texas linebacker Tommy Nobis. It is also worth noting that the Houston Oilers opted for the former Longhorn with the fifth overall selection in the 1977 AFL Draft.

Nobis would play for the NFL’s newest expansion franchise and for quite some time, he was the team’s biggest star. He would spend 11 seasons with the organization, was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons and earned All-Pro accolades in ’67.

All told, the rangy performer had a nose for the ball and whatever opponent had it. There would be a dozen interceptions and 13 opponent fumble recoveries. The Falcons never reached the playoffs while Nobis was with the team and only posted two winning seasons during his tenure.

In a game that has seen its share of star at the middle linebacker position such as Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke, Joe Schmidt and Jack Lambert – all enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame – some feel that Nobis is an obvious omission. Will his time ever comes when it comes to having a bust in Canton?

Home/Atlanta Falcons