Mike Kenn is a former American football player who played as an offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. He was born on February 9, 1956, in Evanston, Illinois, and attended the University of Michigan, where he played college football.
Kenn was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 1978 NFL Draft, and he played his entire professional career with the team. He quickly established himself as one of the best offensive tackles in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors six times and being named to the All-Pro team five times.
Throughout his career, Kenn was known for his durability and consistency. He played in 251 games for the Falcons, starting in 251 of them, which is a franchise record. He was also known for his versatility, as he played both left and right tackle positions during his career.
Kenn was a key part of the Falcons' success during the 1980s and early 1990s. He helped lead the team to four playoff appearances, including a trip to the NFC Championship game in 1998. He was also a team captain for many years and was highly respected by his teammates and coaches.
Off the field, Kenn was known for his philanthropic work. He was involved in numerous charitable organizations, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. He was also a member of the NFL Players Association's Executive Committee and was involved in negotiating the league's collective bargaining agreements.
After retiring from football, Kenn remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He worked as an offensive line coach for the Falcons and also served as a mentor to young players through the NFL's Player Engagement program.
In recognition of his outstanding career, Kenn was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. He was also named to the Falcons' Ring of Honor in 2004.
Overall, Mike Kenn was one of the most accomplished offensive tackles in NFL history. He was a dominant player on the field and a respected leader off the field, and his contributions to the Falcons and the sport of football will not be forgotten.
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