Unsung Falcons Hero
A legendary career at Texas -Linebacker Tommy Nobis was a twice All-American and 3 times All-Southwest Conference, He was the 1st player ever drafted by the Atlanta Falcons – was also drafted by the Houston Oilers of the AFL but chose the Falcons. The NFL’s Rookie of the Year in 1966 was credited with 296 tackles, unofficially an NFL record since tackles were not an recognized stat at the time. Led the Falcons in the Tackles category 9 of the 11 seasons he played. A Pro Bowler 5 times and All-Pro twice he was one of the first members named to the Falcons Ring of Honor.
Image Gallery of Tommy Nobis, Middle Linebacker, 1966-1976
Line backer Tommy Nobis of the Falcons gets to Browns quarterback Frank Ryan. Nobis, the 1965 Outland and Maxwell Award winner from Texas was the first player taken in the 1966 College draft by the expansion Atlanta Falcons (he was also chosen by the Oilers of the AFL). He chose the NFL and was a 5-time Pro Bowler and 1 Time All Pro during his 11-NFL career.
Tommy Nobis, rookie Falcons linebacker in 1966, stops a 49ers runner in his tracks. To the right are veterans Bill Jobko (#57) and Sam Williams (#88).
Rookie linebacker Tommy Nobis stands ready for the snap across from St. Louis Cardinal quarterback Terry Nofsinger in 1967.
Falcons Hall of Fame Tommy Nobis on the trail of New York Giants Tight End Aaron Thomas
Another example of a great player who played for a not-so-great team - Atlanta Falcons Linebacker Tommy Nobis.
Len Dawson gets a stare down from Falcons middle linebacker Tommy Nobis in early 1970s game between Atlanta and Kansas City.
Out of Texas - The first draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 1966. Tommy Nobis went on the play 11 seasons in the NFL, all with the Falcons. The 1966 Rookie of the Year, an All Pro in 1967 & 1968 and was named to 5 Pro Bowls. The general consensus among Old School NFL fans is he belongs in the Hall of Fame.
Middle Linebacker Tommy Nobis of the Atlanta Falcons.
Falcons 1-man wrecking crew Tommy Nobis steps up and puts the stop on Vikings fullback Bill Brown.
The Falcons first ever draft and the first taken overall when Atlanta joined the NFL in 1966 - Texas great Tommy Nobis.
Falcons great Tommy Nobis appears to have the upper hand in this engagement against an LA Rams offensive lineman in 1973. Also pictured is longtime Falcons defensive lineman Mike Lewis (#69).
Falcons veteran linebacker Tommy Nobis makes Rams tight end Bob Klein pay for a reception in 1972 Rams/Falcons action. Other Falcons pictured are Tony Plummer (#35) and Ray Brown (#34).
An on-field clash of NFL legends of the mid-60s. Falcons middle linebacker Tommy Nobis wraps up Colts runner Lenny Moore. Also pictured are Chuck Sieminski, #77 of the Falcons and Bob Vogel, #72 of the Colts.
Tommy Nobis NFL Middle Linebacker
Tommy Nobis and Greg Brezina Falcon Linebackers
Tommy Nobis Atlanta Falcons
An Injured Tommy Nobis
Falcons Great Tommy Nobis
Tommy Nobis Football Cards
Falcons Middle Linebacker Tommy Nobis and his 1968 Topps card - started all 14 games for Atlanta. Made his 3rd straight Pro Bowl and named 2nd-Team All Pro.
1974 Topps with Tommy Nobis - His 9th of 11 seasons in the NFL
For some good additional reading:
In the 1971 or 1972 San Francisco 49ers Media Guide, Frank “Fudgehammer” Nunley was credited with 345 total tackles.
127 primary tackles and 218 assists.
That is the highest total I’ve ever seen credited to a player.
345 tackles – That’s a lot of tackles. Is that reference available anywhere on-line?