Photos: Former Falcons standout Wallace Francis

Atlanta Falcons

Photos: Former Falcons standout Wallace Francis

Images from the career of ex-Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Wallace Francis.

Long before the days of Roddy White and Julio Jones, Wallace Francis was one of the Atlanta Falcons’ top receivers. Take a look at photos from Francis's career.

The Buffalo Bills took Francis in the fifth round of the 1973 NFL Draft.

During his rookie season, in which O.J. Simpson became the first running back to rush for more than 2,000 yards, Francis returned kickoffs, including two for touchdowns.

He was traded to the Falcons. In 1979, Francis had a career-high 74 receptions for 1,013 yards and eight touchdowns.

In 1978, Francis caught 45 passes for 695 yards and a dramatic touchdown pass against the Eagles in the first NFC Wild Card game to lift the Falcons to their first playoff win.

Wallace Francis catches a pass during practice.

In his final two seasons in the NFL, Francis caught 54 and 30 passes.

Francis on Falcons QB Steve Bartkowski: “He had an incredible arm and could make any pass. I think a lot of people wonder just what he could have been if he would have been protected by the line and not had those injuries. A super person as well.’’

Wallace Francis scored 27 touchdowns in the NFL.

Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Wallace Francis makes a move after a catch.

Francis felt he could play longer, but retired to go into the ministry.

Francis, 65, lives in Douglasville and has been married to Cheryl for 36 years. He has five children, sons Ray, Micah and Mathew, and daughters Britney and Carmen. He has eight grandchildren.

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Long before the days of Roddy White and Julio Jones, Wallace Francis was one of the Atlanta Falcons’ top receivers. Take a look at photos from Francis's career.

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