Todd McClure announced his retirement March 25, ending a 13-year career for the team’s starting center in 2012. McClure was a seventh-round pick in the 1999 draft and his career was temporarily halted before it got started as McClure suffered a torn ACL during training camp his rookie year, sidelining him for the season. The following year, McClure earned the starting center spot and would keep it for the next 12 seasons, missing only one game. He holds the franchise record with 148 consecutive starts.
BIG HONOR …
Following McClure’s announcement, owner Arthur Blank indicated that there will be an invitation to join the team’s Ring of Honor in McClure’s future.
“You deserve to be in that Ring of Honor and we will get you there as soon as we can,” said Blank.
Only eight former Falcons players have earned banners in the Ring of Honor. The greats include William Andrews, Jessie Tuggle, Mike Kenn, Claude Humphrey, Steve Bartkowski, Jeff Van Note, Deion Sanders and Tommy Nobis.
The defense made headlines the next day by signing 31-year-old defensive end Osi Umenyiora. The former Giant will be used to help improve a pass rush that ranked No. 28 in the league last season. Umenyiora helped the Giants win the 2011 Super Bowl and earned All-Pro honors in 2010.
FREE AT LAST …
Wednesday, the Falcons added much needed depth to the linebacker position by signing Brian Banks. The 27-year old was exonerated last year after being falsely accused in a California rape case and serving more than five years. Banks had tryouts for Seattle, San Diego and Kansas City last year but failed to make a roster. Banks’ frame convinced general manager Thomas Dimitroff that he could be able to contribute to this team.
“He has worked extremely hard for this chance over the last year and he has shown us that he is prepared for this opportunity,” said Dimitroff.
The NFL Draft begins April 25 and history indicates the Falcons could maximize their large quantity of picks to make a trade. The current roster would not allow them to draft and sign 11 players, making a trade likely if the team feels an end is available. Cornerback is also a position of need as Brent Grimes was not re-signed.
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