Falcons Uniform History: #16 is a Familiar Voice

Fans need not think hard about famous players to have worn the #16 over the years. Greats like Joe Montana and George Blanda are two hall of famers who once donned the number. For Falcons fans, though, the number doesn't elicit such immediate memory. In fact, it may well be that most fans can't even name a single player who has worn 16 over the years that was worth remembering. Well, that's why we - the lowly writers at the Falcoholic - are here. Let's take a quick look at some of the players who have donned this historic number for the red and black.

Scott Hunter - QB - 1976-1977

Who could possibly forget the glory years of Slingin Scott Hunter? What's that? You don't remember him? Well, the 6th round pick out of Alabama in 1971 played for the Falcons between 1976 and 1977. When Steve Bartkowski was benched in 1976, Hunter started for 6 games and threw 8 TDs against 6 INTs. He started seven more games in 1977 until Bartkowski returned from knee surgery to become the permanent starter. Hunter wouldn't start for the Falcons again - a fact bemoaned by the 14 people in his fan club.

David Archer - QB - 1984 - 1987

Inarguably the most famous Falcon to wear the #16, Archer is now known more for his radio show on 790AM in Atlanta than he is anything he did on the football field. Archer did start 23 games between the 85 and 87 seasons before disappearing to Washington and San Diego and eventually to the CFL. In his time in the NFL, he managed to throw for 4337 yards, 18 TDs and 30 INTs - or as we call them these days, the average career of a Jets QB.

It's clear to see that between these two juggernauts of the gridiron, that Dave Archer is clearly the greatest Falcon to wear the #16 on his back.