Andre Rison

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Rison's arrival in Atlanta came via a blockbuster trade on April 20, 1990. The Colts sent Rison, Chris Hinton, a fifth-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, and their first-round pick in the 1991 NFL Draft to the Falcons for the first overall pick and a fourth-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft. The Colts used that first overall pick to select Jeff George. Rison's next season marked the first of five very productive campaigns with the Falcons. During these years, he finished near the top of most receiving categories and led all NFL players with 15 receiving touchdowns in 1993. Rison was only the fifth receiver in NFL history to score 60 touchdowns in his first six seasons. He also led the NFL in most receptions in his first five seasons and was second in the NFL for most receptions in six seasons.

In Their Own Story

The 1993 season was a defining one for Rison in Atlanta. He led all NFL players with 15 receiving touchdowns, cementing his reputation as one of the league's most dangerous deep threats. His ability to stretch defenses vertically created opportunities for the entire offense. Rison's production during his five seasons with the Falcons placed him among the NFL's elite receivers. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times from 1990 to 1993, a stretch that showcased his consistent dominance. After the 1994 season, Rison signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns, ending his tenure in Atlanta.

Reader's Guide

Andre Rison played for the Atlanta Falcons from 1990 to 1994 after being acquired in a trade from the Indianapolis Colts. During his five seasons with the team, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection (1990-1993). In 1993, he led the NFL with 15 receiving touchdowns. Rison was only the fifth receiver in NFL history to score 60 touchdowns in his first six seasons. He led the NFL in most receptions in his first five seasons and was second in the NFL for most receptions in six seasons. After the 1994 season, he left the Falcons as a free agent, signing a five-year, $17 million contract with the Cleveland Browns.

Did You Know?

• Rison was acquired by the Falcons in a trade on April 20, 1990, that sent him, Chris Hinton, a fifth-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, and a first-round pick in the 1991 NFL Draft to Atlanta for the first overall pick and a fourth-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft.
• He led all NFL players with 15 receiving touchdowns in 1993.
• Rison was only the fifth receiver in NFL history to score 60 touchdowns in his first six seasons.
• He led the NFL in most receptions in his first five seasons and was second in the NFL for most receptions in six seasons.
• After the 1994 season, Rison signed a five-year, $17 million free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns, which was at the time the most lucrative wide receiver deal ever signed.