Top five Atlanta Falcons Offensive Linemen in team history
By Adam Zippan
There is no doubt that McClure deserves to be on this list, from a Falcon’s historical player perspective. A seventh-round pick in 1999, he was the leader and anchor of the offensive line at the center position.
McClure missed just four games from 2001-2012 and was always tough, gritty and reliable as a pass and run-blocker. In total, he played 13 seasons for the Falcons and was a warrior upfront.
He took over the center position during his second season in the year 2000 and never relinquished it. When he reported to Falcons training camp as a rookie in 1999, he tore his ACL on the third day, which he thought might be the end of pro career before it even started.
McClure started his first career game at center in 2000 and never looked back from there, starting 195 games in 14 seasons for the Falcons.
The last win of McClure’s career was also one of the most memorable – the 2012 playoff victory over Seattle. The following week would be the last game of his career – the NFC championship loss to San Francisco.
The 2002 playoff win at Green Bay was also one of his most memorable times with the Falcons. McClure will eventually become a member of the Falcons Ring of Honor and have his jersey number retired.