FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Former Falcons linebacker Buddy Curry will be inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame on Feb. 8.

"I am truly blessed being drafted by Atlanta and the opportunity to play eight years for the Falcons," Curry said. "I consider it an honor to be an inductee when there are so many great athletes in this city. It's a true honor."

The Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame honors the most accomplished sports figures that have played or worked in the city. Curry joins Ernie Johnson Jr., Curtis Lovejoy and Dave Hunter as the Class of 2019. Tommy Nobis (2005), Steve Bartkowski (2008) and Deion Sanders (2013) are a few of the most notable Falcons to have been inducted in the Hall of Fame. 

Curry played in 109 games for the Falcons during his eight-year career (1980-1987). He enjoyed success early on in his career as he was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and was a two-time All-Pro selection. He was Atlanta's leading tackler six out of the eight seasons he played.

Where Curry has made his biggest impact has been off the field, though. Curry has made a significant contribution to teaching and growing the game of football.

In 2002, Curry founded Kids & Pros, a non-profit corporation that connects retired NFL players to children, ages of 7 to 13, to help teach the fundamentals of the game.

Curry has also been certified as a master trainer with USA Football that allows him to train other coaches on the "Heads Up Football" comprehensive program to ensure the game of football is being instructed in the right way with safety in mind, first and foremost.