Former Falcons quarterback Turk Schonert dies

Turk Schonert, who was brought from Cincinnati to Atlanta to compete with David Archer for the starting job as Falcons quarterback in 1986, has died.

Schonert preceded John Elway at Stanford. He was drafted in the ninth round of the 1980 NFL Draft by Chicago. He played nine years in the NFL for the Bengals and Falcons. In his lone season in Atlatna, Schonert appeared in eight games (starting five). He completed 95 of 154 passes for 1,032 yards and 4 touchdowns, going 2-3 in his five starts. 

After his playing career, Schonert coached quarterbacks with the Buccaneers, Bills (twice), Panthers, Giants and Saints. He was the Bills’ offensive coordinator in 2008.

Schonert suffered a fatal heart attack Jan. 18 — two days after his 62nd birthday — near his home in South Carolina.