The Whisperer Remembers ... Aundray Bruce.

The 1988 NFL Draft produced some of the greatest players in NFL history. Names like Michael Irvin, Sterling Sharpe, Tim Brown, Ironhead Heyward and Chris Spielman are but a few of the legends who punched the NFL clock that day. That incoming rookie class was one for the ages as all of the aforementioned and so many more left their indelible mark in the annals of pro football history. All were selected in the first round, and all were selected behind this mountain of a man from Auburn University.

A true freak of nature, standing 6’5 weighing in at 270 pounds, possessing the speed and quickness of a slot receiver and enough strength to trouble even the best offensive tackle, his was the first name heard in that historic draft. The Atlanta Falcons did the honors and when he arrived in the ATL he set out to prove why they and every other front office in the league thought so highly of him.

He didn’t disappoint.

It made no difference who you put in his way, an All-Pro tackle, a back who chipped him on the way out to their route, a burly tight end to act as the second line of defense, this man simply couldn’t be stopped. A so-called “tweener” with enough speed to play outside and the requisite nastiness to mix it up inside, he troubled offenses with his complex mix skills, the likes of which the league had never encountered before or since.

Whisperer Nation, let us all stand to our feet, rush to one another, mix it up when we get there, but let nothing stop you from completing your task as we celebrate and remember the unmatched physical gifts of former Atlanta Falcons linebacker/defensive end … Aundray Bruce.