About the Guest(s):
Jeff Van Note: Jeff Van Note is a former American football player who had a successful career in both college and the NFL. He played high school football at St. Joe Prep in Bardstown, Kentucky, where he excelled as a quarterback, running back, and defensive back. Van Note went on to play college football at the University of Kentucky, where he made a name for himself as a defensive end. After college, he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 11th round of the NFL draft. Van Note played 18 seasons in the NFL, all with the Falcons, where he transitioned to the position of center. He is known for his durability, missing only four games in his entire career. Van Note is considered one of the greatest players in Falcons history and was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor in 2006.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of "Kentucky Sports Memories," host Gary Fogle interviews former UK football great Jeff Van Note. They discuss Van Note's early career in high school, his time at the University of Kentucky, his transition to the NFL, and his thoughts on the current state of college sports. Van Note shares his experiences playing multiple positions in high school and college, his admiration for his college coach Charlie Bradshaw, and his unexpected transition to the position of center in the NFL. He also reflects on his long career with the Atlanta Falcons and his continued support for the University of Kentucky football team.
Key Takeaways:
Jeff Van Note had a versatile athletic career, playing football, basketball, baseball, and high jumping in track during his high school years.
While he enjoyed playing basketball the most, Van Note's football skills attracted the attention of college recruiters.
Van Note played multiple positions in high school, including quarterback, running back, and defensive back, before finding success as a defensive end at the University of Kentucky.
Despite being drafted in the 11th round of the NFL draft, Van Note made the Atlanta Falcons' team and went on to have a remarkable 18-year career as a center.
Van Note supports recent changes in college sports, such as the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, as they benefit the athletes.
Notable Quotes:
"I enjoyed [Charlie Bradshaw's] approach. It was fairly stern and disciplined, and it gave me an opportunity to play some other... I had teammates who didn't fare as well and believed in it, and plus, there were a lot of guys who left that program while I was there. But for me, coach Bradshaw was fine. I enjoyed playing for him." - Jeff Van Note
"Well, yeah, I called my wife and said, well, I'll probably be home in a week... But we had about four or five guys playing center, and I played the best I could, but Norm called me into his office and said, listen, I'm going to cut you, but I'm going to send you to Huntsville, Alabama, to play for the Alabama Hawks and in the Continental League, the intercontinental League, I guess it was, and then come back to camp again next year. And that's what, that's what I did." - Jeff Van Note
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