The linebacker, a five-time Pro Bowler, had a tough time dealing with joining the Dallas Cowboys after playing all 11 seasons of his NFL career with the Falcons. He also played locally at East Coweta High School before going on to star at Georgia Tech.

"I promised my wife I would not get emotional," Brooking said, as he started to tear up.

When the Falcons and Brooking couldn't come to a deal, it became clear that the team's leading tackler for the past eight seasons would move on. Dallas was a logical landing place because they are coached by former Falcons defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

Brooking was the 12th player taken in the 1998 NFL draft, and he was a rookie on the Falcons team that made the franchise's only trip to the Super Bowl. He was the last link to that team.

Brooking also played on the team that reached the NFC championship game after the 2004 season.

Some of Brooking's highlights included:

*Last season's turnaround.

"Being a part of setting that foundation is a memory that I will always take with me," Brooking said.

*His rookie season.

"What a great experience that was to come in to the league (and go to the Super Bowl)," Brooking said. "I grew up in Atlanta, (and) the Falcons were bad for a very long time. That year was surreal for me."

*Playing with Jessie Tuggle.

"He was Mr. Falcon," Brooking said. "I got to play with him."

*Winning the NFC championship in Minnesota.

"I'll never forget that game," Brooking said. "It was one of my better games my rookie year as well. That was a lot of fun for several reasons. ... You never forget those moments."

--In an unscientific AJC.Com poll, fans were asked, "Who is the best linebacker in Falcons history?

The choices were Tommy Nobis, Jessie Tuggle, Keith Brooking or Someone Else.

Tuggle was the winner with 55.8 percent of the votes, followed by Nobis with 27.3, Brooking 15.6 and Someone Else 1.3.

--The Falcons re-signed Tony Gilbert and Jason Snelling.

Gilbert, a 29-year-old linebacker who starred at the University of Georgia, was an unrestricted free agent. Snelling, a third-year running back out of Virginia, was an exclusive rights free agent. He was used primarily as a blocking back in 2008.

The Falcons also signed cornerback Brent Grimes and defensive back Antoine Harris.

--Free agent visitors to Atlanta included tight end L.J. Smith and center Brett Romberg.

Smith played last season with the Philadelphia Eagles and Romberg with the St. Louis Rams.

Smith, who is 6-feet-3 and 258 pounds, played six seasons with the Eagles and caught 231 passes, 18 for touchdowns. The Falcons are in the market for a pass-catching tight end.

They recently re-signed Justin Peele, but he is more of a blocking tight end.

Romberg (6-2, 298) likely would be a backup to starter Todd McClure.

Also, defensive end Mike Montgomery, formerly of the Green Bay Packers, was set to visit, but his trip was canceled when the Falcons re-signed defensive end Chauncey Davis.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're sorry it didn't work out the way we'd hoped. For us, it's like saying good-bye to a member of the family." -- Falcons owner Arthur Blank on the team not re-signing 11-year veteran linebacker Keith Brooking.