College and NFL Draft
Claude Humphrey All American defensive lineman at Tennessee State where he set school records for sacks. The Atlanta Falcons selected Humphrey in the first round (third overall) of the 1968 NFL Draft, as he was an immediate starter on that defensive front.
Atlanta Falcons Years (1968–1978)
Humphrey quickly became major component of the Falcons defense. In his rookie season in 1968 he recorded 11.5 sacks and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Over the next decade he developed into one of the league’s top pass rushers tallying up almost 100 sacks. Humphrey started 127 games for Atlanta and consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks such as John Brodie, Roman Gabriel, and others throughout the NFC.
During his Falcons career he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, establishing himself as one of the top defensive ends of the 1970s.
Philadelphia Eagles Years (1979–1981)
After ten seasons in Atlanta, Humphrey was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles where he played the last three seasons of his 13-year NFL career.
He remained a productive pass rusher, totaling 30 sacks during his time in Philadelphia and was part of the Eagles team that reached Super Bowl XV following the 1980 season. That season he had 15 sacks.
Hall of Fame
Claude Humphrey is widely regarded as one of the finest defensive players in Atlanta Falcons history. Starting all of 127 games in 10 seasons for the Falcons defense during the late 1960s and 1970s, he was selected Pro Bowler 6 times and All Pro twice. He is a member of the Atlanta franchise Ring of Honor.
