Legendary San Antonio born linebacker Tommy Nobis died today at the age of 74, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Nobis came out of Jefferson High School in the early sixties to anchor Darrell Royal's nearly unbeatable Texas Longhorn Teams of that era, winning both the Outland Trophy for college football's best lineman, and Maxwell Award as the best college football player in the country.
Nobis was one of the leaders that propelled the Longhorns over Notre Dame to win the college football championship in the Cotton Bowl, in what many consider to be the best college football game ever played.
Nobis then went on to the Atlanta Falcons, where he made the Pro Bowl six times and earned the nickname 'Mister Falcon.' The Atlanta Falcons defense was built around Tommy Nobis, where he was NFL Rookie of the Year in 1966, when he was credited with an amazing 294 tackles, pulling off the feat in a 14 game season.
Nobis' number 60 has been retired by the Falcons, and he is enshrined in the team's Ring of Honor.
The Falcons Tweeted today: Our first great player has passed away. We will miss you, Tommy Nobis.
“On behalf of the Atlanta Falcons we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the great Tommy Nobis,” said Arthur M. Blank, chairman, and owner of the team. “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 in our Ring of Honor. ‘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.”
PHOTO: ATLANTA FALCONS