Jessie Tuggle Biography

Jessie Lloyd Tuggle Jr., born April 4, 1965, played his entire NFL career as a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons from 1987 to 2000. He played college football for the Valdosta State Blazers, where he developed his professional foundation. Despite being considered too small at five-foot-ten and 180 pounds, he overcame early doubts to pursue his football ambitions. He accepted an offer from Valdosta State University and served as a four-year starter at linebacker from 1983 to 1986. In 2007, he was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions. The 1998 season marked a career high, as he played in Super Bowl XXXIII and earned a Pro Bowl selection. Jessie Tuggle recorded 1,293 tackles between 1990 and 1999, a record in that decade.