'Mr. Falcon' Tommy Nobis dies at 74

Tommy Nobis, the first player drafted by the expansion Atlanta Falcons, died Wednesday. He was 74.

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

"Tommy's legacy began as the first Falcons player in team history, was built over 40 years with the organization and will live on for years to come," team owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. "Mr. Falcon is rightfully beloved by generations of Falcons fans and we will always be grateful for his many contributions to our team and community."

Nobis starred on both sides of the line at the University of Texas, winning the Maxwell Award as the best all-around player in college football and the Outland Trophy as the top lineman.

He was selected first overall by the Falcons in the 1966 NFL draft and fifth overall by the AFL's Houston Oilers. Nobis elected to play for Atlanta, and was affectionately known as "Mr. Falcon" by the team.

Nobis earned NFL rookie of the year honors and five Pro Bowl selections while leading the team in tackles nine times during his 11-year career. His No. 60 has never been worn by any other Atlanta player, and he was among the initial inductees into the team's "Ring of Honor" in 2004.

After his playing career was over, Nobis spent time in the Falcons' front office and also became well known in the Atlanta area for running a charitable organization that provided job training to people with disabilities.

Nobis is survived by his wife and three children, Tommy, Kevin and Devon, as well as eight grandchildren.