ATL Standard

Hall of Famer and Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor member Claude Humphrey, 77, died Dec. 3, the Atlanta Falcons said in a statement. 

"We are saddened by the passing of Claude Humphrey and send our prayers out for his family and friends in this difficult time," Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank said on the team's website. "Claude made an indelible impression on so many from Memphis to the Falcons and across the NFL with his leadership and tenacious approach on the field. His Falcons legacy was cemented as a forever memory with induction into our Ring of Honor and he will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace."

Humphrey played 13 NFL seasons and was inducted into the Hall in 2014 after being named to the team's Ring of Honor in 2008. 

"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Claude Humphrey," Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement, ESPN reported. "Known as a hard worker and a reliable teammate, Humphrey was always willing to help the team out wherever needed and knew success was achieved collectively. His humble spirit guided him on and off the field." 

Humphrey played 10 seasons with the Falcons, earning All-NFL or All-Pro honors eight times and making six Pro Bowl appearances.

Although it didn't become an official NFL statistic until after he retired, Humphrey is credited with 130 career sacks and led his team in sacks in nine of his 13 seasons in the National Football League.

The cause of Humphrey's death was not disclosed.