​Former Kentucky football player Jeff Van Note has died at the age of 80.n Van Note played defensive end for the Wildcats from 1965 to 1968 before being selected in the 11th round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, where he was then moved to center.n “We mourn the loss of a true Falcons legend,” Atlanta Falcons owner and chairman Arthur M. Blank said. “Jeff Van Note dedicated 18 seasons to this franchise and became one of the most respected and beloved players in our history. He embodied toughness, resilience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his team, qualities that earned him the admiration of generations of Falcons fans.”n Van Note was a six-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro voted on by the Associated Press. The Hackensack, New Jersey, native started in 225 professional games, while appearing in 246. Van Note was in the league for 18 seasons.n Following his playing career, he was a color commentator for the Falcons and the Wildcats. Van Note was inducted into the Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2000, the Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2005 and the Falcons Ring of Honor in 2006.n n Reach sports trending writer Alaina Morris at amorris@gannett.com and follow her on X at @alainammorris.n This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky football, Falcons legend Jeff Van Note dies at 80