Saturday, March 6, 2010

Atlanta Falcons

Here are the 1971 Atlanta Falcons. After seeing 5 all-stars out of 10 Chiefs cards, there's not an all-star in sight here! Topps went overboard on the defensive linemen, and skipped the defensive backs.


#195 Bob Berry - Bob was the Falcons' starting QB for 5 seasons (1968-72), sandwiched between 2 stints as a backup with the Vikings (1965-67, 73-75).

#246 Harmon Wages - Harmon played his entire career (1968-71, 73) with the Falcons. He was their starting halfback in 1969 and 1970.


#2 Jim "Cannonball" Butler - Butler began his career with the Steelers (1965-67). After being the Falcons' starting fullback for 4 seasons, he wrapped up his career with the Cardinals in 1972.


#84 Jim Mitchell - Jim was the Falcons' 4th-round pick in 1969. He played his entire career (1969-79) as the Falcons' starting tight end.


#109 George Kunz - George was the Falcons' 1st-round pick (#2 overall) in the 1969 draft. After 6 seasons as Atlanta's starting right tackle, Kunz played for the Colts from 1975-78, and 1980. He was the Colts' starting right tackle for his first 3 seasons in Baltimore.


#218 Claude Humphrey - The Falcons' #1 pick (3rd overall) in the 1968 draft, Humphrey was their starting left defensive end from 1968-74, and 1976-77 (missing the entire 1975 season). After missing part of the 1978 season, Claude was traded to the Eagles, where he played from 1979-81, including Super Bowl XV. He was a 6-time Pro-bowler while with Atlanta.


#166 John Zook - John was drafted by the Rams in 1969, but was immediately dealt to the Falcons. He was Atlanta's starting right defensive end from 1969 to 1975. He also played for the Cardinals from 1976-79, the first 3 seasons as a starter.


#122 Glen Condren - Glen was drafted by both the Giants and the Jets in 1964. He didn't play in 1964, but played for the Giants from 1965-67. After missing the 1968 season, he played for the Falcons from 1969-72, starting at right defensive tackle in 1970 and 1971.


#60 Tommy Nobis - Nobis' card number (60) was the same as his jersey number! Tommy was the first overall pick in the 1966 draft (the Falcons' inaugural season). He played his entire career (1966-76) as the Falcons' starting middle linebacker.


#29 Billy Lothridge - Billy was the Cowboys' 6th-round pick in 1964. After 1 season each with Dallas and the Rams, Lothridge came to the Falcons in the 1966 expansion draft. After 6 seasons in Atlanta, he finished his career with the Dolphins in 1972. Lothridge was also the Falcons' starting free safety in 1968.


Also check out the 1967 Falcons.


Coming March 13th: Oakland Raiders
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