The Atlanta Falcons, founded in 1965, compete in the NFL. They have won division championships and appeared in two Super Bowls.
Professional football first came to Atlanta in 1962 with AFL preseason contests, leading to the city's eventual pursuit of a professional football team.
The NFL club owners unanimously approved the Atlanta Falcons franchise to begin play in 1966 on June 21, 1965. This marked the official establishment of the Atlanta Falcons as the 15th NFL franchise.
On June 30, 1965, the National Football League awarded its 15th franchise to Atlanta, marking a significant day in the city's sports history. The franchise was awarded to Rankin M. Smith for $8.5 million after a long struggle to obtain a professional football team.
Miss Julia Elliott suggested the nickname 'Falcons' for the Atlanta team, describing the bird as proud, dignified, courageous, and deadly. The nickname was officially chosen on August 29, 1965.
On November 27, 1965, the Atlanta Falcons participated in their first NFL draft and selected linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas as their first pick. Nobis signed a contract with the Falcons on December 14, 1965.
In the 1966 NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected consensus All-American linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas. Nobis became the first-ever Falcon and a key player for the team.
On June 8, local businessmen from Cox Broadcasting were awarded an AFL franchise, contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city officials. This event sparked NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle's intervention to secure Atlanta for the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons played their first NFL game (preseason) on August 1, 1966, against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Atlanta Stadium. The Falcons lost the game in front of a crowd of 26,072.
On November 20, 1966, the Atlanta Falcons secured their first victory by defeating the New York Giants 27-16. This win came after the team had lost their first nine games in their inaugural season.
Rankin M. Smith Sr. drafted Tommy Nobis, LB, University of Texas with the first pick of the 1966 NFL Draft held on November 27, 1965, making him the first ever Falcon. Nobis went on to win the NFL Rookie of the Year Award.
In 1967, the New Orleans Saints joined the NFL as its sixteenth franchise. This expansion was part of the NFL's growth strategy in response to the competition with the AFL.
After a poor start to the 1968 season, Norm Van Brocklin took over as head coach of the Falcons, previously coaching the Minnesota Vikings. Two weeks later, the Falcons secured a victory against New York in a match-up against Van Brocklin's former quarterback, Fran Tarkenton.
In a game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Falcons clinched their first season opener victory in 1969. Rookie tight end Jim Mitchell played a key role by scoring two touchdowns, and the team set a rushing record.
During a game against the Saints, Harmon Wages displayed a remarkable performance by throwing, catching, and running for touchdowns. The Falcons achieved a convincing 45-17 win, showcasing their improvement in the 1969 season.
The Falcons played their inaugural Monday Night Football game in Atlanta against the Miami Dolphins in 1970, resulting in a 20-7 loss. Despite the defeat, the game attracted a massive TV audience of 30 million viewers.
In a match against the Green Bay Packers, the Falcons secured their first victory in a nationally televised game in 1971. This win contributed to the Falcons' first winning season in franchise history.
Facing the New Orleans Saints in their final game of the season, the Falcons needed a victory to secure their first winning record. With a 24-20 win, the Falcons finished with a then-franchise best record of 7-6-1.
The Atlanta Falcons had a record of 7 wins and 7 losses in the 1972 NFL season. Players like Van Brocklin, Malone, Berry, and Hampton contributed to the team's performance.
In the opening game of the 1973 season, the Falcons achieved a resounding 62-7 victory against New Orleans, setting 35 team records in the process. Despite a strong start, the Falcons faced challenges in subsequent games.
In a notable victory during the 1973 season, the Falcons triumphed over the undefeated Vikings with a score of 20-14 in front of a national television audience. This win contributed to the Falcons' impressive 9-5 record for the season.
The Atlanta Falcons played against the New Orleans Saints on November 4, 1974. The Falcons scored 26 points while the Saints scored 15 points.
In 1975, the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Steve Bartkowski from the University of California as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Due to the abysmal season in 1976, Atlanta Falcons' coach Marion Campbell resigned from his position.
In 1977, the Atlanta Falcons' 'Grits Blitz' defense, led by Jerry Glanville, set an NFL record for the fewest points allowed in a 14-game season, with 129.
In 1978, the Atlanta Falcons finished the season with a 9-7 record, qualifying for the postseason for the first time in franchise history.
In 1979, Atlanta Falcons players William Andrews, Wallace Francis, and Steve Bartkowski broke records for rushing yards, receiving yards, and passing yards respectively.
In 1980, the Atlanta Falcons suffered a devastating loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Playoffs, which is considered one of the most devastating losses in Atlanta sports history.
The 1981 season for the Atlanta Falcons was plagued with injuries, leading to the loss of key starters and a 7-9 record.
In the strike-shortened 1982 season, the Atlanta Falcons finished 5-4 and returned to the playoffs, but lost to the Minnesota Vikings in the first round.
In 1983, the Atlanta Falcons had a season consisting of 16 games. The team finished 4th out of 4 teams in their division with a record of 7 wins and 9 losses.
The Atlanta Falcons had a season in 1984 where they played a total of 16 games. The team had a record of 4 wins and 12 losses, finishing 4th out of 4 teams in their division.
In 1985, the Atlanta Falcons finished 4th out of 28 teams in the NFL standings.
In 1986, the Atlanta Falcons finished 3rd out of 28 teams in the NFL standings.
In the 1987 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons finished with a record of 3 wins and 12 losses, ranking 4th out of 4 teams in their division. Key players included Campbell, Fralic, Riggs, and Dixon.
The Atlanta Falcons' 1988 NFL season resulted in a record of 5 wins and 11 losses, finishing 4th out of 4 teams in their division. Players like Campbell, Case, Miller, and Settle contributed to the team's performance.
In the 1989 NFL draft, the Falcons selected cornerback Deion Sanders in the first round. Sanders, also known as 'Neon Deion' or 'Prime Time,' set records for the franchise and brought media attention to the team.
The Atlanta Falcons' NFL season in 1990 where they finished 4th out of 4 teams in their division. Players like Glanville, Rison, and Miller were part of the team.
In the 1991 NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Brett Favre as the 33rd overall pick. He later played two games during his rookie season before being traded to the Green Bay Packers.
The Georgia Dome was opened in 1992 and served as the home stadium for the Atlanta Falcons from its opening until the 2016 season. It was also frequently used for college football games and bowl games.
In 1993, the Atlanta Falcons had a season in the NFL where they finished 3rd out of 4 teams in their division. Coached by Jerry Glanville, the team had notable players like Deion Sanders, Bobby Hebert, Eric Pegram, and Andre Rison.
In 1994, the Atlanta Falcons finished 3rd out of 4 teams in their division. Key players were Jones, George, Heyward, and Mathis.
In 1995, the Atlanta Falcons finished 2nd out of 5 teams in their division but lost in the Wild Card round. Top players included Jones, Metcalf, George, and Heyward.
During the 1996 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons finished 4th out of 5 teams with a record of 3 wins and 13 losses. Notable players for the team included Bobby Hebert, Jamal Anderson, and Bert Emanuel.
In the 1997 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons ranked 3rd out of 5 with a record of 7 wins and 9 losses. The team was led by head coach Dan Reeves and key players like Chris Chandler, Jamal Anderson, and Bert Emanuel.
The Falcons defeated the Patriots 41-10 at Foxboro Stadium, snapping a streak of 22 consecutive losses at cold-weather sites in November and December. TE O. J. Santiago introduced the famous 'Dirty Bird' dance in this game.
Atlanta earned a 31-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers before a packed Georgia Dome, a team from whom the Falcons had received embarrassing losses throughout their history.
The Falcons faced the league's most feared offense, the top-seeded Minnesota Vikings, in the NFC Championship game. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Falcons managed to keep the game close.
The Atlanta Falcons faced the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII. The media attention leading up to the game was focused on the Broncos' retiring quarterback John Elway, former Denver coach Dan Reeves, and Falcons' cornerback Ray Buchanan's playful guarantees.
During the 2000 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons finished with a record of 4 wins and 12 losses, ranking 5th out of 5 teams in their division. The team was led by coach Dan Reeves and notable players like Chris Chandler, Jamal Anderson, and Shawn Jefferson.
On December 6, 2001, Arthur M. Blank reached a preliminary agreement with the Falcons' Taylor Smith to purchase the team.
In a special meeting prior to Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 2, 2002, NFL owners voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the Falcons by Arthur Blank.
On March 19, 2003, the Falcons presented their new logo.
On December 12, 2004, T. J. Duckett scored 4 touchdowns in a single game.
On December 18, 2004, Michael Vick played like Superman to lead the Falcons to victory over the Panthers, securing the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
On November 24, 2005, the Falcons played on Thanksgiving Day for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Detroit Lions 27–7.
The Falcons suffered a loss to the New Orleans Saints with a score of 31-13, causing their record to drop to 5-6 and continuing their losing streak to 4 games.
The Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, keeping hopes alive for a playoff berth. However, they then lost their next two games against the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers.
The Falcons' last game of the season was a meaningless loss to a second-string Philadelphia Eagles team, sealing their record for the season at a losing 7-9.
On January 1, 2007, the Falcons fired their head coach, Jim L. Mora, after finishing the season with a 7-9 record. He was replaced by Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino on January 7.
On August 20, 2007, Michael Vick pleaded guilty to federal dog fighting charges. The NFL suspended him indefinitely on the same day, and the Falcons were trying to recover part of his signing bonus.
On December 10, 2007, Michael Vick received a 23-month prison sentence and was officially cut from the Atlanta Falcons roster after being suspended indefinitely by the NFL due to charges involving dog fighting.
Bobby Petrino resigned as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons on December 11, 2007, just 13 games into his first NFL season, without notice to coach at the University of Arkansas, leaving the team in turmoil.
Following Bobby Petrino's sudden resignation, Emmitt Thomas was named interim coach for the Atlanta Falcons for the final three games of the 2007 season on December 12.
The Falcons finished their troubled 2007 season with a 44-41 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, ending the year with a 4-12 record.
On January 13, 2008, the Atlanta Falcons appointed Thomas Dimitroff, former Patriots director of college football scouting, as their new General Manager.
On January 23, 2008, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coach Mike Smith was appointed as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
On March 2, 2008, Chargers back-up running back Michael Turner agreed to a 6-year, $30 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, becoming a key player for the team.
Matt Ryan, quarterback from Boston College, was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2008 NFL draft on April 26, marking a significant addition to the team.
Michael Turner scored 4 touchdowns on November 23, 2008.
On December 21, 2008, the Atlanta Falcons defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24–17, securing a wild card spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
During the 2009 season, the Atlanta Falcons wore 1966 throwback uniforms for two home games against the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning both games.
The Falcons lost their 2010 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In a closely fought game, the Falcons defeated the defending champion New Orleans Saints 27-24 with two minutes left in overtime.
The Falcons won a key division match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9, putting them at 6-2 and leading the NFC South.
In the 2010 Thursday Night Football opener, the Falcons wore throwback uniforms and defeated the Baltimore Ravens 26-21.
The Falcons defeated the Carolina Panthers 31-10 in Week 17, clinching the NFC South Division title and securing the number one seed in the NFC for the playoffs.
On August 30, 2011, Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King predicted the Atlanta Falcons to defeat the San Diego Chargers in the 2012 Super Bowl. This prediction was made before the start of the 2011 NFL season.
The Atlanta Falcons started the season with a franchise-best 8-0 record, remaining the last unbeaten team in the NFL that year. Their hopes for an undefeated season were dashed with a 27-31 loss to the division rival Saints.
In the NFC Championship game, the Atlanta Falcons faced the San Francisco 49ers. Despite a strong start by the Falcons, the 49ers rallied back in the second half, leading to a heartbreaking 28-24 defeat for Atlanta and denying them a Super Bowl berth.
The construction of the retractable roof Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the new home stadium for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, began in May 2014.
After firing Mike Smith, the Falcons hired Dan Quinn from the Seattle Seahawks as the team's 16th head coach.
On September 13, 2016, the Atlanta Falcons revealed an all-red Color Rush uniform. However, they were unable to wear it until the 2017 season due to similarity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' uniform.
On January 22, 2017, the Atlanta Falcons defeated the Green Bay Packers 44–21 in the NFC Championship Game, advancing to Super Bowl LI as the NFC champions.
Adrian Clayborn set a record by achieving 6 sacks in a game on November 13, 2017.
The Falcons faced a challenging 2018 season with defensive injuries, finishing with a 7-9 record and missing the playoffs despite high expectations.
In the season finale against the Buccaneers in 2019, the Falcons finished the game with a pick-six seven seconds into overtime, marking the shortest overtime in NFL history.
In their first game with new uniforms, the Falcons lost to the Seattle Seahawks at home 38–25.
The Falcons suffered a comeback made by the Cowboys on the road, losing 39–40.
The Falcons suffered another comeback, this time against the Bears in Atlanta, losing 26–30.
After a 23–16 loss at home against the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons fell to 0–5 and announced the firings of Quinn and Dimitroff.
Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was named the 18th head coach in Falcons history.
New Orleans Saints executive Terry Fontenot was named the Falcons' new general manager.
The Atlanta Falcons played against the Washington Football Team on the 3rd of October 2021, securing their 3rd win out of 4 games in the NFL season.
The Falcons traded longtime star quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Falcons suffered a 48–17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, missing out on a playoff spot.
Raheem Morris returned to the Falcons as the 19th head coach in franchise history.