FANS TO HELP SELECT 2006 RING OF HONOR INDUCTEE

The Atlanta Falcons announced that the team will add to its Ring of Honor during the 2006 season.

The team is launching the second round of inductions this year into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor, following the inaugural class of 2004. The first class of inductees included RB William Andrews, QB Steve Bartkowski, LB Tommy Nobis and LB Jessie Tuggle.

Falcons' fans will once again have an opportunity to take a step back into history and celebrate the successes and the impact that former Falcons players had on the club. A panel of football media members narrowed the 2006 list of potential candidates to four. These four candidates are: DE Claude Humphrey (1968-74, 76-78), T Mike Kenn (1978-94), RB Gerald Riggs (1982-88), and C Jeff Van Note (1969-86).

"Being inducted into the Falcons Ring of Honor is the highest football-related accolade a retired Falcons player can receive, other than being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame," said Falcons Owner & CEO Arthur Blank. "All of this year's candidates are deserving of this honor because of the excellence they demonstrated on the field, and their passion and commitment to fans and community."

Fans will have the opportunity to vote online via the Official Atlanta Falcons website to select the player to join Andrews, Bartkowski, Nobis and Tuggle in the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor in 2006. The voting starts online on Friday, August 25, and ends on Sunday, September 17. In addition, fans will be given the opportunity to vote at the Georgia Dome during the Falcons-Jaguars preseason game next Thursday, August 31. All votes will be tabulated, and the Falcons will announce a new Ring of Honor inductee on Monday, September 18. The induction and celebration of the newest member of the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor will take place at halftime during the Falcons-Cardinals game at the Georgia Dome on October 1.

The Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor pays tribute to retired players who made significant contributions to the Falcons during their playing careers. During the 2003 season, long-time Falcons season ticket holders nominated a group of players they thought should be inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor. The nine players receiving the highest number of nominations were then placed on a ballot for all of fans to cast their votes.

The Falcons are proud to provide its fans with the opportunity to honor past gridiron heroes and, by doing so, become part of the legacy of the Atlanta Falcons.