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Did two former Atlanta Braves players get snubbed by Stephen A. Smith?

By John Le

KISSIMMEE, FL- FEBRUARY 27: Left fielder Chipper Jones #10 of the Atlanta Braves high fives teammate center fielder Andruw Jones #25 after hitting a homerun against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during their exhibition game at Cracker Jack Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on February 27, 2003 in Kissimmee, Florida. The game was called in fourth inning due to the weather and ended in a 3-3 tie. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
KISSIMMEE, FL- FEBRUARY 27: Left fielder Chipper Jones #10 of the Atlanta Braves high fives teammate center fielder Andruw Jones #25 after hitting a homerun against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during their exhibition game at Cracker Jack Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on February 27, 2003 in Kissimmee, Florida. The game was called in fourth inning due to the weather and ended in a 3-3 tie. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO - OCTOBER 22: Deion Sanders #24 of the Atlanta Braves runs the bases during Game five of the 1992 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Skydome on October 22, 1992 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Braves defeated the Blue Jays 7-2. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
TORONTO - OCTOBER 22: Deion Sanders #24 of the Atlanta Braves runs the bases during Game five of the 1992 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Skydome on October 22, 1992 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Braves defeated the Blue Jays 7-2. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /

Not The Only Man To Play 2 Sports

Deion Sanders is a 2 time Super Bowl champ but with other teams. His case comes in the form of historic accomplishment. Sanders is the only person to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.

He’s also the only one to hit an MLB home run and score an NFL touchdown in the same week, while at one point putting on a uniform for both the Falcons and Braves in the same day. Though he didn’t play for the Braves that day, it’s still a major feat. But is it enough to give him a spot?

Though Sanders played for the Falcons and Braves at the same time, he wasn’t the only one to put on uniforms for both teams.

Brian Jordan played for the Falcons 1989 to 1991 before switching over to MLB. Jordan didn’t have a long career in the NFL as a defensive back but was much more successful as a baseball outfielder; almost a perfect opposite to Deion Sanders.

Jordan played for multiple teams in the MLB but did spend 5 seasons with the Braves while hitting .275 and garnering an All-Star appearance in 1999.

Also, even though Sanders was one of the strongest pass defenders ever in football, he was not that good as a tackler.

So how much of an impact Sanders was for Atlanta is up for discussion.

Set Records But Never Took Falcons To Super Bowl

Like Wilkins, Michael Vick never won a championship – in his case, a Super Bowl. In fact, he never took the Atlanta Falcons to the big game when he was their star quarterback. He also had to leave the team for the wrong reason.

However like Sanders, he makes his case around records and accomplishments. Vick is often credited as the pioneer of mobile quarterbacks. He thinks so as well. As a 3 time Pro Bowler, he also holds the records for the most career rushing yards by a QB and the most rushing yards by a QB in a season.

His rushing skills and success with Falcons made him a fan favorite and to this day is often compared to current Falcons QB, Matt Ryan.

Now Ryan isn’t really as physically gifted as Vick, but when it comes to accomplishment and reputation, Ryan has shown time and time why he’s better.

Ryan is known for his competitive nature while also being a humble athlete. He also took the team to a SB (which we won’t discuss) and has set the records for:

  • Most regular season wins by a QB in his first 5 seasons: 56 (tied with Russell Wilson)
  • Fastest player to pass for 40,000 yards
  • Most passing yards in first 10 years in NFL history
  • Most consecutive NFL games with 200 plus passing yards

So if it comes to accomplishments and being one of the faces of Atlanta sports, Matt Ryan truly belongs there… at least over Vick.

Now to bring it back to the Atlanta Braves…

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