Looking back: Former Falcons star Jessie Tuggle

Sports

Looking back: Former Falcons star Jessie Tuggle

Photos of retired linebacker Jessie Tuggle, who anchored the Falcons' defense for 14 seasons.

The Falcons' Jessie Tuggle reacts after making a huge hit against the Saints in 1998. Tuggle played 14 NFL seasons, all for the Falcons. Michael McCarter / AJC

Falcons linebacker Jessie Tuggle taunts Vikings receiver Chris Carter after tackling him. (CELINE BUFKIN / AJC)

Falcon great Jessie Tuggle gets emotional during the press conference where he announced his retirement from football in 2001. RICH ADDICKS / AJC

Tuggle puts up a wall at the goal line against ballcarrier Harry Sydney of the San Francisco 49ers in 1991. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Falcons linebacker Jessie Tuggle celebrates after recovering a Steve Young fumble for a touchdown. (BEN GRAY / AJC)

Tuggle gets after a QB in 1990. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr. / Getty Images)

Falcons linebacker Jessie Tuggle looks on with a smile on his face during the 1995 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

The Falcons' Jessie Tuggle has a few words for Minnnesota's Cris Carter after breaking up a pass intended for him. (Marlene Karas / AJC)

Jessie Tuggle pounds Carolina's Willie Green in 1995. Marlene Karas / AJC)

The Falcons' Jessie Tuggle has a firm hold on Carolina's Randy Baldwin. AJC file photo

Falcons linebacker Jessie Tuggle points to the crowd after coming up with a huge interception in 1995. (Jonathan Newton / AJC)

Tuggle gets ready for another play in 1990. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Tuggle tackles a Washington Redskins player. Doug Pensinger / Allsport

Linebacker Jessie Tuggle of the Atlanta Falcons (left) prepares to bring down Arizona Cardinals running back Garrison Hearst. Al Bello / Allsport

Tuggle takes in some oxygen on the sidelines during a road game against the San Francisco 49ers in 1993. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Jessie Tuggle uses body english as he attempts to get a long par putt to drop in the cup on the first green at the Country Club of the South in 2000. (CURTIS COMPTON/staff)

Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame members Pete Van Wieren (left) and Jessie Tuggle chat during the 10th anniversary induction ceremony at the Buckhead Theater in 2014. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

1/17

The Falcons' Jessie Tuggle reacts after making a huge hit against the Saints in 1998. Tuggle played 14 NFL seasons, all for the Falcons. Michael McCarter / AJC

Today's Gallery Headlines

PHOTOS: Georgia's first snowfall of the year

PHOTOS: Georgia's first snowfall of the year

atlanta hawks, boston celtics

PHOTOS: Hawks fall at home to Celtics

Georgia basketball vs. Arkansas

PHOTOS: No. 21 Georgia holds off No. 17 Arkansas in men's basketball

aajc 011626 buford nc ceremony

Buford football holds ceremony to celebrate its consensus national championship

More Galleries

Pelicans vs Hawks game

PHOTOS: Hawks defeat Pelicans

Pelicans vs Hawks game

PHOTOS: Trae Young reportedly traded to Wizards

aajc 010626 tech syracuse basketball

PHOTOS: Georgia Tech's comeback falls short in loss to Syracuse in ACC basketball

Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints

PHOTOS: Falcons defeat Saints to win season finale