The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is counting down the Top 50 players in Atlanta Falcons history during the franchise’s 50th anniversary season. No. 14 is wide receiver Andre Rison.
Years played for Falcons: Andre Rison played 12 years in the NFL five of which came with the Falcons in the early 1990's. After being drafted by the Colts in 1989, Rison came to Atlanta in 1990 and made an immediate impact. He would be named to his first of five Pro Bowls in 1990 as well as being named to the All-Pro team that season.
Jersey No.: 80
His impact on the team: Rison gave the Falcons offense a dynamic receiver who was extremely reliable. Rison finished in the top five in the NFL in receptions in his first four seasons with Atlanta. In his 1990 All-Pro season, he finished second in the league in receptions and receiving touchdowns and third in receiving yards. In 1993, he would go on to lead the NFL in touchdown catches. Rison helped lead the 1991 Falcons team to a 10-6 regular season mark and trip to the playoffs. In five seasons with the Falcons, Rison hauled in 423 receptions for 5,633 yards and 56 of his 84 career touchdowns.
On ever playing again in the NFL: "There's no doubt about that. I just came off the basketball court. But everybody doesn't have a Brett Favre situation [where they're allowed to play into their 40s]. There's 100 players that could still be playing." (AJC)
On whether seeing his old team up close made him want to return: "Unfortunately, the Smiths (team owners) didn't do what they should've done - make me a forever Falcon. I don't appreciate how my name has been handled with the Falcons. Sometimes I used to feel like I got the short end of the stick. But the fans I run into, the fans I do see, they give me a great feeling."
Where he is now: Since retiring, Rison, 48, has stayed involved in the game of football. He was a high school football coach from 2006-2012 before going back to his alma mater Michigan State to help coach. He also runs Andre Rison Football Academy where he trains young wide receivers. Currently, Rison coaches his son, Hunter, who is a high school wide receiver being recruited by teams all over the country.
50: Chuck Smith
49: Michael Haynes
47: John Zook
46: Ken Reaves
45: Lynn Cain
44: Justin Blalock
43: Bobby Butler
42: Tim Mazzetti
41: Buddy Curry
40: Scott Case
39: Jeff Merrow
38: Elbert Shelley
37: Matt Bryant
36: Alge Crumpler
35: Michael Turner
34: Ray Buchanan
33: Chris Hinton
32: Terance Mathis
31: Devin Hester
30: Don Smith
29: Greg Brezina
28: Chris Miller
27: John James
26: Bob Whitfield
25: Rolland Lawrence
24: Alfred Jenkins
23: Billy Johnson
22: Chris Chandler
21: Morten Andersen
20: John Abraham
19: George Kunz
18: Jamal Anderson
17: Keith Brooking
16: R.C. Thielemann
15: Tony Gonzalez
14: Andre Rison
About the Author
