Former Atlanta Falcons Great Tommy Nobis Dies At 74

During a 2009 NFL game, former Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowler Tommy Nobis (60), the first player ever drafted by the franchise, is introduced along with other members of the 1966 inaugural team. Nobis died Wednesday after an extended illness.

John Amis / Associated Press

Tommy Nobis, the first player drafted by the expansion Atlanta Falcons and a hard-hitting middle linebacker who was never fully recognized for his talents on a struggling franchise that failed to make the playoffs during his long career, died Wednesday. He was 74.

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The team said he died at his suburban Atlanta home after an extended illness with his wife, Lynn, at his side.