Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons: A Legacy of Football in Georgia

Imagine a team that has been a cornerstone of professional football for over half a century. The Atlanta Falcons, founded on June 30, 1965, have seen it all—from the early struggles to the glory days and beyond. Let’s dive into their rich history and explore what makes them such an integral part of Atlanta’s sports culture.

The Birth of a Franchise

Professional football first came to Atlanta in 1962, but it wasn’t until June 30, 1965, that the Falcons were officially born. The city chose Rankin Smith and the NFL over the AFL, setting the stage for what would become a storied franchise.

Rankin Smith Sr., at just 40 years old, became the owner of this new team, paying $8.5 million for the franchise—quite a hefty sum back then! The Falcons received their nickname on August 29, 1965, when Miss Julia Elliott suggested ‘Falcons’ as the name for the new franchise.

The Early Years

Under head coach Norb Hecker, the Atlanta team faced a tough start. They lost their first nine regular-season games in 1966 before finally winning on November 20 against the New York Giants. The next year, they finished with just one win, but the seeds of future success were being planted.

By 1980, the Falcons had their first division title and a record that would stand as their best for years to come. However, it wasn’t until Dan Reeves led them to a franchise-best season in 1997 that they tasted Super Bowl glory, only to lose to the New England Patriots.

The Modern Era

Arthur Blank purchased the team in 2002 for $545 million and brought in key players like Michael Vick. In 2010, with a record of 13–3, they secured their third straight winning season but lost to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

Mike Smith was named head coach in 2011, and under his leadership, the Falcons made several key moves. They drafted Julio Jones sixth overall and won a division title. However, injuries and poor performance led to a disappointing 4–12 record in 2012, ending their streak of consecutive winning seasons.

Recent Developments

In 2015, Dan Quinn was hired as head coach, leading the team to a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Falcons won their division title and defeated the Packers in the NFC Championship Game. However, they lost to the Patriots in Super Bowl LI after being up by 15 points late in the third quarter.

The team moved into their new home, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in 2017, which opened with a preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals. They have since hosted several playoff games and continue to compete fiercely against rivals like the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Current Challenges

In recent years, the Falcons have faced challenges, including a disappointing 2018 season and a last-place finish in the NFC South in 2022. Raheem Morris became head coach in 2024 but has faced criticism for player selection decisions.

Stadiums and Traditions

The Falcons have called three stadiums home, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium opening in 2017 as their current venue. The team’s colors are black, red, silver, and white, with a powerful falcon silhouette that has evolved over the years.

Wes Durham is the play-by-play announcer, and Dave Archer is the color commentator for the Falcons. Regular season games air on Fox’s WAGA, while AFC games air on WANF. Sunday night games are televised on WXIA.

The Future of the Atlanta Falcons

As the Atlanta Falcons continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: they will always be a part of Georgia’s sports legacy. With new challenges and opportunities ahead, the team is poised for another exciting chapter in their storied history.

The Atlanta Falcons have a rich and storied history, filled with triumphs and challenges. As they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional football, one thing is certain: their legacy in Georgia will endure.