Gerald Riggs becomes the ninth inductee into the Falcons Ring of Honor and joins RB William Andrews, QB Steve Bartkowski, T Mike Kenn, DE Claude Humphrey, LB Tommy Nobis, CB Deion Sanders, LB Jessie Tuggle and C Jeff Van Note as the newest member of the prestigious group.
“I was surprised and thrilled when Mr. Blank called me to give me the news. To be drafted by the Falcons and spend most of my career here, and then now to be recognized as one of the all-time greats in team history, is truly an honor and a blessing,” said Riggs.”
Riggs was a three-time Pro Bowler in his seven seasons in Atlanta and is the franchise’s all-time rushing leader with 6,631 rushing yards.
“Gerald Riggs is without question one of the greatest players in the history of our franchise,” said Falcons Owner & Chairman Arthur Blank. “He was one of the finest players of his time and left an indelible mark on this club as our all-time leading rusher.”
In 1984, Riggs rushed for 1,486 yards and set a club record with 13 touchdowns that year. In 1985, he finished second in the League in rushing and set a franchise record with 1,719 yards rushing that held for 13 seasons. Riggs averaged 107.4 yards per game in 1985 and set a Falcons record with 397 carries. Riggs is one of four backs in franchise history to rush for 1,000 or more yards in three straight seasons. Riggs also ranks 10th on the Falcons all-time scoring list with 288 points.
The induction will take place at halftime of the Falcons Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets on October 7.
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