Falcons Uniform History: #26 marks the triumphant return of a punter

We're on to #26 in our uniform history, which brings us to one of the best punters ever to suit up for Atlanta. Yes, another punter.

Billy Lothridge was an interesting case for any number of reasons. He was part of the team from its inception, and spent a couple of seasons as arguably the NFL's most effective punter, primarily because those Falcons team were so bad that he had to punt a lot. His 44.3 yards per punt average led the league in 1968, for what that's worth.

He also, improbably, picked off three passes in 1968 as a part-time safety, and went 2 for 3 for 36 yards as a passer during his time in Atlanta. The man could do a little bit of everything, and with six seasons in Atlanta and not a ton of competition, he cleans this one up pretty easily.

The only other legitimate option is Erik Coleman, who was a fine safety for the Falcons for a relatively short time. Ultimately, the fact that he managed the same number of interceptions as Billy Lothridge over his three years in Atlanta tips the scales in the latter's favor.