Jeff Van Note is a former American football player who played as a center in the National Football League (NFL) for the Atlanta Falcons. He was born on February 7, 1949, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and attended Michigan State University, where he played college football.
Van Note was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 11th round of the 1969 NFL Draft. He played his entire professional career with the Falcons, from 1969 to 1986. During his career, he was known for his toughness, durability, and consistency. He played in 246 games, which was a Falcons record at the time of his retirement.
Van Note was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, earning the honor in 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1981. He was also named to the All-Pro team three times, in 1976, 1978, and 1980. He was a team captain for the Falcons for many years and was widely respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
Van Note was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. He was a student of the game and spent countless hours studying film and preparing for games. He was also a leader in the locker room and was known for his ability to motivate his teammates.
Van Note's career was not without its challenges. He suffered a broken leg in 1973 and missed most of the season. He also suffered a broken ankle in 1982 and missed several games. Despite these setbacks, he was able to bounce back and continue playing at a high level.
Van Note retired from the NFL after the 1986 season. He was inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor in 2006, and his number 57 was retired by the team in 2009. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Falcons history and is remembered for his toughness, durability, and leadership.
In addition to his football career, Van Note was also a successful businessman. He owned and operated several restaurants in the Atlanta area and was involved in real estate development. He also served as a color commentator for Falcons radio broadcasts for several years.
Overall, Jeff Van Note had a long and successful career in the NFL. He was a leader on and off the field and was widely respected by his peers. He is remembered as one of the greatest players in Falcons history and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of football players.
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