Falcons Uniform History #70: Hey Bob

As with many of the other uniform numbers in Falcons history, the number 70 has been worn by quite a few guys and not many stars. Are you familiar with the names Mike Chapman or Willard Goff? Well thank god for the internet, because without it I'd have no idea who they were either. But both wore 70 for the Falcons at one point. What about the electric Frank Omiyale or Ronnie "My name is on an internet list I'm famous now" Lee? No? Yeah, me either. But there are a few names that have donned the number 70 that warrant some attention.

Jake Matthews

Let's start with the obvious - our current starting left tackle. Drafted just last year, Jake has the pedigree to eventually land at the top of this list. His strong fundamentals and excellent movement skills made him a top-10 worthy pick. If he can live up to the billing, he'll easily be at the top of this list in the future. Let's hope he does it.

Dave Scott

From 1976 to 1982, Dave Scott played left guard for the Falcons. Drafted in the third round in 1976 out of Kansas, Scott would spend all 7 years in Atlanta, starting in a total of 76 games in that time. Though Scott lasted 7 years in the league, his time wasn't particularly noteworthy.

Bob Whitfield

Of any of the players to wear number 70 for the birds, Whitfield is easily the best. Drafted in the first round (8th overall pick) in the 1992 draft by the Falcons, Whitfield would last an impressive 15 years in the NFL playing at right and left tackle. He would spend 12 of those years with the Falcons and start a total of 167 games in that time. In 1996, Whitfield was voted a second team All NFC All Pro and in 1998 he made his only career Pro bowl. While he was never a superstar, Whitfield was a solid player who was a steady force on the left side for many years. In a 10 year stretch between 1993 and 2002, he would only miss one game due to injury.

What are your thoughts on Bob Whitfield?