With the NFL draft in the rearview mirror, the rookies have now chosen their professional player numbers. The Atlanta Falcons' 8th overall pick, Bijan Robinson, has opted for the iconic number 7 to kick start his NFL journey. The number 7 holds a special place in Falcons history, and it's a great opportunity to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Join us at 92.9 The Game as we delve into the rich 57-year history of the number 7 and celebrate the impact it has made on the Atlanta Falcons franchise.
Wade Traynham 1966
Wade Traynham, the franchise’s first kicker, was the first Atlanta Falcon to wear number 7. He joined the team during their inaugural season in 1966 after playing for the semi-pro Savannah Chiefs. Unfortunately, his time with the Falcons was plagued with injuries and he only managed to play 16 games over two seasons.
During the second game of the 1699 season against the Philadelphia Eagles, Traynham slipped while attempting an onside kick. Despite the slip, he successfully executed the kick but strained his thigh muscle in the process, which ended his season prematurely.
After his two seasons with the Falcons, Traynham was traded to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for offensive lineman Steve Duich, but was cut shortly after.
Pat Sullivan 1972
In a bold move in 1972, the Atlanta Falcons snatched up the electrifying quarterback, Pat Sullivan, fresh off his Heisman Trophy win at Auburn University. With high hopes, Sullivan embraced the iconic number 7 as he took the field for three epic starts with the Falcons, but fate dealt him a tough hand, and victory eluded him in all three battles.
Undeterred by setbacks, Sullivan’s unwavering spirit burned over the next three seasons, even as the winds of fortune blew against him. Ultimately, he made a daring leap, signing with the Washington team, leaving behind the Falcons and the number 7.
Pat Sullivan #7Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Hugh Millen 1988
In a daring move during the 1988 offseason, the Atlanta Falcons gamble on Hugh Millen, a talented quarterback who has been released by the Los Angeles Rams after a challenging season. Millen became the second quarterback to try to make their name in the number 7 for the Falcons, but his opportunities were limited. He started in three games that season, serving as Kerwin Bell’s backup.
The following season, in 1989, Millen’s playing time increased slightly. He participated in five games, starting in one while still playing second fiddle, this time to starting quarterback Scott Campbell. As the season progressed, Millen showcased his skills and determination.
During the final season with the Falcons, Millen finally had the chance to start in two games, securing victories in both. Despite his successes, Millen’s time with the Falcons and his run with the number 7 came to an end after that season.
Hugh Millen #7George Rose / Getty Images
Perry Klein 1994
In a continued quest for a successful quarterback, the Atlanta Falcons took a gamble on Perry Klein in the 4th round of the 1994 NFL draft. Joining two other quarterbacks, Heath Shuler and Trent Dilfer, who were selected ahead of him, Klein aimed to make his mark wearing the number 7 jersey. Competing against backup Bob Gagliano, the trio vied for a role on the team.
However, Klein’s time with the Falcons was short-lived. After just two seasons, the team made the difficult decision to release him, bringing an end to his tenure as the number 7 quarterback. Despite his aspirations, Klein’s journey with the Falcons fell short of the desired success.
Browning Nagle 1996
In 1991, Browning Nagle was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round, just one pick after the Atlanta Falcons’ pick, Brett Favre. Fast forward four years later, the Green Bay Packers found themselves bound for the Super Bowl while the Falcons took a chance on Nagle, first in number 13, then 7. Unfortunately, this venture proved to be far from Successful, except, of course, for fans of the Packers.
Browning Nagle #7 #13Scott Halleran/Allsport
Tony Graziani 1999
Tony Grazizni, a seventh-round pick in the 1997 NFl draft, donned the infamous number 7 as a backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons over three seasons. While his time with the Falcons may have been lackluster overall, Graziani did achieve recognition by winning the pre-season MVP award in Tokyo in 2000, showcasing his talents while proudly wearing the number 7 jersey.
Tony Graziani #7George Walker IV / The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean
Michael Vick 2001
The impactful legacy of players wearing the number 7 for the Atlanta Falcons truly began with the arrival of Michael Vick. In a landmark trade with the San Diego Chargers, the Falcons acquired the number one overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft, paving the way for the exhilarating Michael Vick experience. Vick's quarterback play was nothing short of electrifying, characterized by awe-inspiring passes and breathtaking rushes that could dismantle entire defenses. He became synonymous with the number 7, which took on the symbolic status of a Superman emblem during his tenure.
Regrettably, this remarkable era came to a premature end due to well-known reasons. Nevertheless, for a fleeting moment in time, the number 7 became indelibly associated with Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons, marking an unforgettable chapter in the team's history.
Michael Vick #7Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Younghoe Koo 2019
Younghoe Koo, a South Korean kicker, began his journey in the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017 after his college career at Georgia Southern University. However, his time with the Chargers got off to a rocky start when he missed two crucial game-ending kicks, leading to his unexpected release just a month into the season.
Determined to rebuild his career, Koo found an opportunity with the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) league. There, he showcased his skills by successfully converting every attempted field goal, proving his resilience and determination.
Although the AAF eventually folded, Koo's impressive performance caught the attention of the Atlanta Falcons, who signed him in 2019. He inherited the iconic number 7 jersey following the departure of beloved kicker Matt "Money" Bryant, placing high expectations on his shoulders.
However, Koo embraced the challenge and has thrived in his role. With clutch, game-winning kicks, he has become a significant presence on the team, even featuring in promotional material. While a kicker may have seemed like an unconventional choice to continue the legacy of the number 7, Trick Kick Koo has represented it admirably, leaving a lasting impact. Who knows, perhaps he can transform the number 6 into an iconic symbol as well.
Younghoe Koo #7Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Bijan Robinson 2023
The Atlanta Falcons’ number 7 club has a new member in Bijan Robinson, their eight overall draft pick this year. Robinson’s arrival convinced Younghoe Koo, the previous number 7, to pass on the torch. Great expectations surround the rookie runner back, as he is hailed for his pass-catching abilities and his slashing style, drawing comparisons to the legendary Hall of Famer, Marshall Faulk. As the story unfolds, starting with the Rookie minicamp, it promises to be an exciting journey to witness.
Bijan Robinson #7Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
