Our History

The vision for Tommy Nobis Center began in 1975 when Bobbie Knopf, Chair of the Department of Special Education at Northside High School in Atlanta, and Joyce Slaughter, a parent advocate, recognized the limited opportunities available for students with disabilities after high school. Together, they initiated a community needs assessment to explore solutions that would better support young adults transitioning into adulthood and employment.

Following the assessment, an advisory board was formed to establish an organization focused on vocational training and employment support. Because of Tommy Nobis’ dedication to the Special Olympics and advocacy for people with disabilities, the Atlanta Falcons All Pro Linebacker was approached to become involved with the initiative. He agreed to lend his name and support to the organization which became Tommy Nobis Center.

Tommy Nobis Center was officially founded in 1977 with the hiring of Connie Kirk, who would serve as President & CEO for nearly four decades. During this time, the organization partnered with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to provide vocational evaluations, work adjustment services, job placement, coaching, and individualized employment support for people with disabilities throughout Metro Atlanta.

As the organization grew during the 1980s and 1990s, Tommy Nobis Center expanded its mission to include direct employment opportunities and workforce development services. In 1992, the organization moved into a 52,000-square-foot facility in Marietta, Georgia, made possible through generous public and private support. In 1993, Nobis Enterprises was established as the organization’s federal contracting division and AbilityOne nonprofit agency, creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

In 2015, Dave Ward was named President & CEO following Connie Kirk’s retirement, continuing the organization’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and workforce development.

In September 2024, Tommy Nobis Center relocated to its new fully renovated, state-of-the-art headquarters at 240 Interstate North Parkway in Atlanta, directly across I-75 from Truist Park. Fully funded through public and private donations, the new education and training center sits on 1.7 acres in the heart of a thriving business corridor and was intentionally designed to reflect the organization’s mission while expanding classroom space, hands-on training opportunities, and employment readiness programs to meet the growing needs of the community.

About Tommy Nobis

Tommy Nobis was one of the most prolific linebackers in the history of the NFL. Below is a recap of his incredible career and life after football.

Career Recap:

• Tommy was the first ever player drafted by the Atlanta Falcons organization in the inaugural 1966 season and quickly became the first ever Falcon voted to the Pro Bowl.
• “Mr. Falcon” led the team in tackles in nine of his 11 seasons, earning five trips to the Pro Bowl.
• After his 46th consecutive NFL game, he underwent knee surgery in 1969 and on the other knee in 1971. Known for his toughness, Nobis came back from both surgeries to earn another Pro Bowl spot in 1972.
• In a poll conducted in 1970 by ABC to pick the best athlete of the decade of the 1960’s, running back O.J. Simpson was number one, and Tommy Nobis was number two in the entire country.
• Tommy had an astronomical 294 total combined tackles as a rookie, still the team’s club record.
• Tommy also intercepted 11 passes during his professional career, returning two for touchdowns, and getting fined $100 each time for throwing the ball into the stands.
• His uniform #60 was the first one the Falcons ever retired, and the number has only been worn by him during the team’s entire history.

Awards:

• Five-time Pro Bowler: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970 and 1972.
• NFL Rookie of the Year in 1966.
• Voted into the Hall of Fame of the National Collegiate Football Foundation, the State of Texas Hall of Fame and the State of Georgia Hall of Fame.
• Named to Sports Illustrated’s All-Century Team (1869-1969).
• Named to CBS Sports All-Time All-America First Team of the best players in college football history.

College Career:

• As the most outstanding lineman in college football, he won both the Outland and Maxwell trophies at the University of Texas.
• Tommy played both offensive guard and linebacker for Darrel Royal on the Texas Longhorns team that won the 1963 national championship over Roger Staubach and Navy. In 1964, the 10-1 Longhorns beat Joe Namath and Alabama in the Orange Bowl.

With the same passion he devoted to football, Tommy dedicated his post-retirement life to helping people with disabilities find meaningful employment. He passed away on December 13, 2017, but his legacy lives on through the ongoing impact of Tommy Nobis Center.