Randy Johnson, the Falcons' first starting quarterback, was found dead Thursday in Brevard, N.C., according to the Brevard Police Department.

Johnson, who was living in a cottage in Brevard, died of natural causes, according to police. They were notified about the body by the landlord.

Johnson, 65, was estranged from his former teammates and family, and police are still looking to locate his next of kin.

The second of two first-round picks of the Falcons in 1966 (along with Tommy Nobis), Johnson played in Atlanta from 1966-70 before going on to play with the New York Giants, Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers. He also played a season with the Hawaiians in the World Football League.

Johnson lived in Snellville for a while after retirement before moving to Florida, in the Naples area. He later moved to Brevard.

"He was a nice man," former Falcons center Jeff Van Note said. "I admired his toughness."

If anyone has information that would help the Brevard police contact Johnson's next of kin, they can call Lt. Steve Woodson at 828-883-2411.

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