Falcons: Dunn, Tuggle and 3 others honorary captains Sunday
The Atlanta Falcons announced on Friday that former RB Warrick Dunn, LB Jessie Tuggle, QB Steve Bartkowski, LB Tommy Nobis and C Jeff Van Note will serve as honorary captains during the coin toss at Sunday's NFC championship game against the 49ers.
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Dunn, who ranks 19th in NFL history in career rushing yards, spent six seasons with the Falcons (2002-07).The former Florida State All-American rushed for 5,981 yards and 30 touchdowns during his tenure with the Falcons and ranks fourth on the club's all-time rushing yardage list. Dunn, who is also a limited partner of the Falcons, won the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2004.
Tuggle joined the Falcons in 1987 as an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State. He went on to become one of the most impactful players in franchise history. Nicknamed “The Hammer,” for his reputation for delivering jarring hits, Tuggle recorded a club-record 2,065 tackles during his 14-year career. In the 1998 NFC championship game, Tuggle finished with a team-high 11 tackles in the 30-27 overtime win over the Vikings.
Months after the Falcons selected Bartkowski with the first overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft, the former Cal quarterback won NFL Rookie of the Year honors after tossing 13 TDs in his first professional season. Bartkowski owns franchise records for career passing yards (23,468) and touchdowns (154). Nobis, the first player drafted in Falcons' history, is also the first Atlanta player earn a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team. Van Note, an 18-year veteran, made six trips to the Pro Bowl, which ties him with Claude Humphrey for most Pro Bowl appearances by a Falcons player.
The Falcons will be hosting the NFC Championship for the first time in franchise history. Atlanta is 1-1 all-time in NFC championship games.
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