Tommy Nobis, often called “Mr. Falcon,” is a name etched deeply into the annals of football history. He was the first player ever drafted by the Atlanta Falcons and the No. 1 overall pick in the 1966 NFL Draft.
His legacy includes impressive accolades, such as being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and having his jersey, No. 60, retired by both the University of Texas and the Atlanta Falcons.
Nobis’s remarkable journey in football began with the Texas Longhorns, where he played from 1963 to 1965. During his tenure, he played both linebacker and offensive guard, contributing to the Longhorns’ national title win in 1963.
His contributions to the game were significant enough to earn him a spot on Sports Illustrated’s All-Century Team. Alongside greats like Earl Campbell, Bobby Layne, Ricky Williams, Vince Young, and Colt McCoy, Nobis is among the elite Longhorns whose jerseys have been retired.
Rich McKay, Falcons president and CEO, has been vocal in his support for Nobis’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, emphasizing his impact on the game and the team. McKay’s letter to the Hall of Fame voters underlines the enduring influence of Nobis on the sport and his deserving place among football immortals.
Who Is Tommy Nobis?
Tommy Nobis has made a significant impact on football, both in college and professionally. Known for his impressive skills, he is honored in multiple Hall of Fames.
Where Did Tommy Nobis Grow Up?
Tommy Nobis was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where he began to shine as a football player. His talent on the field quickly became evident, earning him attention from college scouts.
Nobis’ upbringing in Texas laid a strong foundation for his football career, which led him to play college football for the Texas Longhorns.
Where Does Tommy Nobis Live?
Tommy Nobis spent many years in the Atlanta area. After being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as the first overall pick in 1966, he chose to make Georgia his home.
Nobis’ ties to the community grew strong throughout his career and beyond, contributing to local charitable efforts and staying deeply connected to the Falcons organization.
Who Is Tommy Nobis Married To?
Tommy Nobis is married to Lynn Nobis. Their relationship has been a cornerstone in Tommy’s life, providing stability throughout his football career and retirement.
Lynn has been supportive and involved in various charitable activities alongside Tommy, strengthening their bond and mutual contributions to the community.
Does Tommy Nobis Have Children?
Tommy Nobis and his wife Lynn have children. They have chosen to keep a relatively private family life despite Tommy’s public persona.
The Nobis family has always valued their privacy but remains engaged in activities that support the local community and the broader football family. Tommy’s legacy includes not just his football accolades, but also his role as a dedicated family man.
Tommy Nobis College Football Career
Tommy Nobis had an exceptional college football career at the University of Texas, marked by numerous awards and notable performances in bowl games. As a key player, he contributed significantly to the success of his team.
Where Did Tommy Nobis Play College Football?
Tommy Nobis played college football at the University of Texas. He was a standout player for the Texas Longhorns from 1963 to 1965.
During this time, he played under legendary coach Darrell Royal. Nobis was known for his versatility, playing both linebacker and guard. His presence on the field was formidable, and he earned a reputation as one of the most aggressive and talented players in college football.
Did Tommy Nobis Coach College Football?
No, Tommy Nobis did not pursue a career in coaching college football after his playing days. After his time with the Longhorns, he transitioned to the NFL where he played for the Atlanta Falcons.
Following his professional playing career, Nobis remained involved with the Falcons in various capacities but did not take on coaching roles at the college level.
What Awards Did Tommy Nobis Accomplish In College Football?
Tommy Nobis received numerous awards throughout his college football career. He was twice named a Consensus All-American and won the prestigious Outland Trophy in 1964.
He also received the Maxwell Award and finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting in 1965, a remarkable achievement for a defensive player. His other accolades include the Knute Rockne Memorial Trophy and being named to the College Football All-Century Team.
What Bowl Games Did Tommy Nobis Win In College Football?
Tommy Nobis played in several significant bowl games during his college career. One of the most notable was the 1965 Orange Bowl, where the Texas Longhorns defeated Joe Namath and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Nobis was instrumental in securing this national title for Texas. Another key game was the 1964 Cotton Bowl, which further showcased his talent and ability to perform under pressure, solidifying his place in college football history.
Tommy Nobis Professional Football Career
Tommy Nobis had a significant impact on professional football as both a player and an administrator. His career with the Atlanta Falcons garnered numerous awards and solidified his legacy as an exceptional linebacker.
Did Tommy Nobis Play In The NFL?
Tommy Nobis was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1966 NFL Draft. He played as a linebacker throughout his entire 11-season career with the Falcons.
Nobis quickly made an impact, earning the nickname “Mr. Falcon.” He set a single-season record with an astounding 294 combined tackles as a rookie.
Nobis was a five-time Pro Bowl selectee and was also named NFL Rookie of the Year in his debut season. His performance and dedication earned him a spot on the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s.
Did Tommy Nobis Coach In The NFL?
After retiring as a player in 1976, Tommy Nobis did not transition to an NFL coaching role. Instead, he chose to remain with the Atlanta Falcons in a different capacity.
Nobis dedicated nearly 40 years to the Falcons organization, working in the front office. His roles included various administrative and operational positions, showing his loyalty and ongoing commitment to the team.
The knowledge and experience he brought to these roles were invaluable, further enhancing the team’s operations and long-term success.
What Awards Did Tommy Nobis Accomplish In Professional Football?
Tommy Nobis earned numerous awards and recognitions during his football career. He made five Pro Bowls and was named a First-Team All-Pro in 1967. His rookie year saw him being named NFL Rookie of the Year.
Nobis was also included in the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s and the Falcons’ Ring of Honor. Despite not being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Nobis’s legacy is cemented through his many accolades and the high regard in which he is held by the football community. Further details on his Hall of Fame consideration can be found on CollegeNetWorth.
Did Tommy Nobis Win A Super Bowl?
Tommy Nobis did not win a Super Bowl during his career. The Atlanta Falcons, as a relatively new franchise at the time, were still building their team and did not reach a Super Bowl throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
While Nobis’s individual performance was outstanding, the team as a whole struggled to achieve playoff success. His contributions, however, laid the groundwork for the Falcons’ future successes. His leadership and skill on the field were crucial in establishing the team’s defensive identity.
What Is Tommy Nobis Up To Now?
Tommy Nobis, though no longer active on the field, remains a revered figure in football history. He has left a lasting legacy through his involvement in various halls of fame and the continued impact of his namesake center.
Is Tommy Nobis Still Involved In Football?
Tommy Nobis dedicated nearly 40 years to the Atlanta Falcons front office after his 11-year playing career. He remained loyal to the team until 2017 when he passed away on December 13.
While he is no longer directly involved in football operations, his influence persists through the many accolades he received. Nobis was inducted into several halls of fame, including the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the State of Texas Hall of Fame, and the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame.
Does Tommy Nobis Do Private Speaking Engagements?
As of his passing in 2017, Tommy Nobis no longer conducts private speaking engagements. Prior to his death, he was known to share his experiences and insights at various events.
His charisma and deep knowledge of the game made him a sought-after speaker. Unfortunately, due to his declining health, which included battling chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other physical ailments, his speaking engagements were significantly reduced later in life.
Does Tommy Nobis Have A Podcast?
Tommy Nobis did not start a podcast during his lifetime. His efforts were focused primarily on his roles within the Atlanta Falcons organization and the Tommy Nobis Center, a non-profit organization aimed at helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment.
While his insights and stories would have made for compelling podcast content, Nobis chose different avenues to impart his wisdom and experience.
Has Tommy Nobis Gone Into Broadcasting?
Tommy Nobis did not transition into a broadcasting career following his playing days. Instead, he chose to contribute to the sport in different ways, primarily through his work with the Atlanta Falcons and his contribution to various non-profit initiatives.
His impactful relationships and dedication to football were more prominent in direct roles rather than in media or broadcasting. Despite not being in front of the camera, Nobis’s significant contributions to football continue to be recognized and celebrated by those who knew him and the many halls of fame that honor his legacy.
What Is Tommy Nobis Net Worth?
Tommy Nobis had a long and successful career in football. He played for the Atlanta Falcons from 1966 to 1976 and later worked in their front office for nearly 40 years.
Current estimates and public data suggest his net worth was in the range of:
| Wealth Range | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum | $1 Million |
| Maximum | $5 Million |
Nobis also had several endorsements and other income sources. His career earnings and investments contributed to his financial standing.
His contributions to sports, including his time in the Texas Longhorn Hall of Honor and various other Halls of Fame, added to his legacy both on and off the field.
Despite his significant achievements, exact details on his net worth can be challenging to pin down due to the lack of recent public financial disclosures.
Career Highlights and Earnings
- Playing Career: 11 years with the Atlanta Falcons
- Post-Playing Career: Nearly 40 years in the Falcons’ front office
- Endorsements and Sponsorships: Throughout his playing days and afterwards
Beyond his financial success, Nobis is remembered for his dedication and loyalty to football.
His accolades and the impact on his teams show the depth of his commitment to the sport.
His financial legacy, while important, is just a part of the overall impression he left on the football world.