1. Devonta Freeman
A lot of the lack of respect given to former Atlanta Falcons back Devonta Freeman all dates back to their infamous Super Bowl collapse. Many fans blame Freeman for the team's loss due to a key play that knocked Atlanta out of field goal range. Yes, Freeman missed the block but let's not forget the coaching decisions that led to this moment or Ryan's inability to get rid of the football. There is plenty of blame to go around and it is time to let it go and appreciate what Freeman meant to this franchise.
Freeman is the 6th leading rusher in franchise history with the five players in front of him all be well respected franchise players. Freeman was a part of arguably the best Atlanta team in franchise history and at his peak was a dynamic runner. Injuries derailed his career and would push the Falcons to move on earlier than expected.
Still, Freeman's legacy as a threat both on the ground and in the passing attack is just a part of what made Atlanta's 2016 team so lethal. Freeman's impact and the stability he offered Matt Ryan deserves far more respect. The back remains an underappreciated piece of Atlanta history.
2. Steve Bartkowski
Many Atlanta Falcons fans cannot let go of Michael Vick and what could have been in Atlanta. Vick's off-the-field decisions instantly rule him out of franchise legend status. It doesn't matter how great Vick might have been on the field, this decision leaves him overrated in franchise history. One quarterback that does deserve the attention and doesn't get his due credit is Steve Bartkowski.
The veteran quarterback was the first franchise quarterback in Atlanta's history. Offering stability and a level of play the franchise had been unable to find before. Bartkowski's numbers might be underwhelming in comparison to today's quarterbacks, however, his impact and production shouldn't be overlooked.
It was an entirely different game where brutality was not only allowed but encouraged. For a quarterback to continue to play as long as he did and produce at a high level deserves respect and far more credit.
Offering a decade of stability to a franchise that had been unable to find any answers this was Atlanta's first taste of how life-changing a franchise quarterback can be. Bartkowski might not be among the team's best, however, he remains overlooked based on the impact and longevity in a difficult time for the Falcons.
3. Julio Jones
It seems many Falcons fans have soured on Julio Jones based on how the star's exit played out. Shannon Sharpe calling Julio Jones live from the FS1 studio to have the star say he was leaving Atlanta didn't land well with many fans. It is easy to understand the frustration from a fan perspective when you look at how well Jones had played and the contracts the franchise handed out in return.
However, after watching was to follow for this offense under Arthur Smith it is hard to blame the decision. Julio would spend the next three years with the Titans, Bucs, and Eagles. His pursuit of a ring would fall short and Jones has fallen out of the league completely.
It is an odd thing to watch when you consider just how dominating the receiver was during his prime seasons. The receiver deserves more credit for what he accomplished and being on the Mount Rushmore for Atlanta. His ability during his prime to make plays no matter how many defenders were focused on him remains one of the most impressive feats in franchise history. As frustrating as the exit might have been it is time to honor Jones the way he deserves.
4. Mike Kenn
For those that don't recognize the name, you're not alone with many fans overlooking one of the better franchise players. Kenn was a tackle in Atlanta for nearly two decades. To have this longevity while playing at such a high level is nearly impossible. Kenn was a five-time Pro Bowl player and consistently offered stability to Atlanta teams searching for answers.
Kenn's time in Atlanta isn't fully appreciated based on what the team accomplished during that time. Atlanta wasn't among the league's contenders and was often a bad football team. Offensive linemen are already often overlooked even on great teams. Atlanta not putting together a truly great team during this time resulted in many overlooking Kenn's legacy.
While Kenn is more accomplished a comparison could be Jake Matthews and the quiet production the left tackle has offered for more than a decade. Not many NFL fans outside of Atlanta might know the name but it has been an impactful one. Matthews remains a consistent and reliable force leaving at least one position the Falcons have never had to question. This is exactly the type of production and stability that Kenn offered.
