The Atlanta Falcons have experienced both heartbreak and glory since their inception in 1966. Through all the highs and lows, a few iconic players have risen above the rest such as setting records, redefining positions, and capturing the hearts of fans across generations. When assembling an All-Century Team for the NFL, there were three names that had to make  the list.
In an ESPN article by Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, they listed the top 25 offensive players, 23 defensive players, and 5 special teams players of the last quarter century. There were several notable players on the list however there were three Falcons on the list in Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, and Devin Hester. All three players were great players during their time as Falcons as it was a joy to watch them play throughout the years.
Julio Jones
Explosive. Elegant. Unstoppable. Julio Jones redefined what a wide receiver could be in the modern NFL. With a rare combination of size, speed, and hands, Julio torched defenses for over a decade, breaking records and delivering highlight after highlight.
Jones became the go-to target for years for Matt Ryan. Jones helped lead the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance and built a résumé that includes multiple Pro Bowls, All-Pro honors, and franchise records for receptions and receiving yards. He wasn’t just great he was dominant, often requiring double and triple coverage, and still making plays. He’s not just an All-Century player he is an all-time great.
Tony Gonzalez
Tony Gonzalez played 17 seasons in the NFL, and his ability to remain productive throughout that span is nothing short of remarkable. While most players slow down with age, Gonzalez continued to put up elite numbers well into his 30s. Game after game, season after season, he delivered.
Statistically, Gonzalez sits in rare air. He retired with over 1,300 receptions, more than 15,000 receiving yards, and 111 touchdownsânumbers that rival and exceed many elite wide receivers. But he wasn’t just a pass-catcher. Gonzalez could block with the best of them, doing the dirty work that rarely made the highlight reels but won the respect of teammates and coaches.
Devin Hester
Devin Hester holds the record for the most return touchdowns in NFL history. That alone is enough to cement his legacy, but it’s how he did it that sets him apart. Whether it was a 92-yard punt return or a 100-yard kickoff blast, he had a flair for the dramatic. There was no moment that was bigger than when he opened Super Bowl XLI with a kickoff return touchdown which was the first and only time that’s ever happened.
What made Hester great wasn’t just raw speed it was how he used it. He had an uncanny sense of timing and spacing. He could set up blocks like a veteran running back and knew exactly when to cut, slow down, or burst past coverage units. His football IQ, paired with his athleticism, gave him an edge that couldn’t be coached or replicated.
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