Braatz attended Mary D. Bradford High School, where he was a teammate of future Pro Bowl player Alan Ameche.
Braatz’ input and direction of acquisitions enabled the Falcons to become not only competitive but also a viable contender for yearly playoff appearances, a feat accomplished three times since 1978.
In addition to heading the scouting department, Braatz was also actively involved in player contract negotiations and personnel moves.
“I think Tom has proven over the years that he is a knowledgeable football man, and has earned the respect of people throughout the NFL,” said Falcon owner Rankin Smith upon promoting Braatz.
During his time with the Falcons, the team drafted or acquired 24 players who played in 68 Pro Bowls, including Tommy Nobis, Jim Mitchell, Claude Humphrey, Jeff Van Note, William Andrews, Gerald Riggs, Steve Bartkowski, Junior Miller, Mike Kenn, Bill Fralic, R.C.
The group also includes some lesser known Pro Bowlers such as George Kunz, John James, Scott Case and Jim “Cannonball” Butler.
During his tenure, Braatz drafted key players such as Sterling Sharpe, Leroy Butler, Chuck Cecil, Don Majkowski and Bryce Paup, among others.
During his tenure, he was responsible for the scouting of college players and Miami's preparation for the NFL draft, and in that role, he worked closely with Dolphins Head Coach's Don Shula, Jimmy Johnson and Dave Wannstedt and the rest of the team's football staff.
McDuffie and Chris Chambers, linebackers Zach Thomas and Derrick Rodgers, defensive linemen Daryl Gardener, Jason Taylor, Kenny Mixon and Lorenzo Bromell, and cornerbacks Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain.