One of Atlanta’s greatest professional athletes received his due from the Atlanta Sports Council on Wednesday night.
Former Falcons linebacker Tommy Nobis received the council’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the highlight of the annual Atlanta Sports Awards banquet held at the Fox Theatre.
In presenting Nobis, Falcons great Jeff Van Note paid tribute, saying “there is no one in the history of sports in Atlanta that has given more back to the community of Atlanta than Tommy Nobis” and that “he is, by far, the greatest Falcon football player ever.”
Nobis, 70, was typically self-effacing, making brief remarks and not dwelling much on his accomplishments.
“The greatness of sports, what athletics and football can do for people, community, individuals and groups is just amazing,” Nobis said.
Nobis’ impact on metro Atlanta has extended far past his status as the first Falcons draft pick and his five Pro Bowl appearances during his playing career from 1966-76. Nobis is a co-founder of Nobis Works, a non-profit that provides vocational education and skills training for people with disabilities. According to its website, since its founding in 1977, Nobis Works has helped more than 24,000 people with disabilities find and keep meaningful jobs.
He is the first recipient of the award to come from the Falcons. Past winners of the lifetime award include Hank Aaron, Billy Payne, Ted Turner and Bobby Cox.
The event brought together Atlanta athletes, coaches and sports officials, including former Falcons coach Dan Reeves, former Braves pitcher Phil Niekro and five-time Olympian Teresa Edwards.
Falcons kicker Matt Bryant was honored with the Community Spirit Award for his involvement in a number of local charities, including March of Dimes and Toys for Tots. Bryant completed his fifth season with the Falcons.
The Atlanta Dream, who reached the WNBA finals for the third time in four years, were named the team of the year over the Norcross High football team (second consecutive state championship) and the Georgia women’s swimming and diving team (fifth national championship).
Norcross High football coach Keith Maloof was named coach of the year. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez and Georgia swimming coach Jack Bauerle also were nominated.
Braves closer Craig Kimbrel was named professional athlete of the year, beating out Hawks center Al Horford and Dream guard Angel McCoughtry.
Former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray was chosen as the college athlete of the year over two other Bulldogs, former basketball guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and swimmer Allison Schmitt.
Former Norcross High basketball star Diamond DeShields, now at North Carolina after being named the national high school player of the year, was named the high school athlete of the year, chosen over Norcross High defensive end (and Georgia signee) Lorenzo Carter and former Lassiter High swimmer Jimmy Yoder, now at Stanford.
Kimbrel, Murray and DeShields were not present to receive their awards. DeShields’ mother, Tisha, accepted the award on her behalf and had Diamond, in Greensboro, N.C., for the ACC tournament, give her acceptance speech over speakerphone.
