Atlanta Falcons top five classiest players of all-time
By Adam Zippan
Younger Atlanta Falcons fans might not remember the name, Gerald Riggs. Riggs was the ninth overall pick of the 1982 draft. He was a star running back from 1984 (first year as a starter) until 1988 with the Falcons.
A three-time pro-bowler, he was a workhorse and a beast. For three consecutive seasons from 1984 to 1986, he had over 340 carries per season. In 1985 he rushed 397 times for 1719 yards.
Rarely is this seen in today’s pass-happy NFL, where a running back will have that many rushing attempts in a single season.
Riggs was rarely injured and played seven years for the Falcons. Fans loved him for his toughness and physical pounding he imposed on opposing defenses.
He was also a menacing force at 6’1″, 230 lbs with strong, thick tree-trunk legs. Very few running backs are built like that today.
He was a pleasure to watch in the 80s and one of the hardest-working players on the team every year.