Episode 108. Jeff Van Note – Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor Center (1969–1986) & Broadcaster

Jeff Van Note (February 7, 1946 – October 2, 2026) was one of the most durable, accomplished, and beloved players in Atlanta Falcons history!

A University of Kentucky standout, Van Note came to UK as a fullback before becoming a defensive end, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors in 1966 and being named the Wildcats’ Most Valuable Senior in 1968.

The Atlanta Falcons selected him in the 11th round of the 1969 NFL Draft, and head coach Norm Van Brocklin converted him to center—a move that launched an extraordinary professional career.

Van Note spent his entire 18-season NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons from 1969 through 1986, appearing in 246 games and missing only 4!

He earned 6 Pro Bowl selections and was twice named Second-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press, in 1979 and 1982.

The Falcons retired No. 57, and in 2006 he was inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor.

His connection to Kentucky remained equally strong.

Van Note was named to the Louisville Courier-Journal’s All-Time Kentucky Team during the centennial celebration of Kentucky football and later became a University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Famer and retired-jersey honoree.

During the Falcons’ 25th anniversary season, fans voted him the franchise’s all-time favorite player.

He was also inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. 

Following his playing career, Van Note became a familiar and respected voice in sports broadcasting.

He served as an analyst for the University of Kentucky Radio Network from 1994–2001, worked for many years on the Falcons’ radio broadcasts and pregame and postgame shows, and also called games involving Georgia Tech and the Tennessee Oilers.

Van Note died on October 2, 2026, at age 80.

His passing prompted tributes from the Atlanta Falcons, the University of Kentucky, and generations of football fans who remembered not only his toughness and remarkable durability, but also his humility, loyalty, and enduring connection to the teams and communities he represented.

MoxieTalk was honored and humbled to sit down with Jeff Van Note for Episode 108 on October 28, 2011, preserving his story and perspective in his own words for generations to come!