Established
1966
City
Atlanta
League History
1966 – Present / National Football League
Team History
1966 - Present / Atlanta Falcons
Nickname
Falcons - The Atlanta Falcons are one of the most iconic teams in the NFL, and their nickname has a long and storied history. The team was founded in 1966 as part of the National Football League's expansion into Georgia. Initially, they were known as the Atlanta Fire Birds - a reference to Georgia’s state bird (the brown thrasher) and its burning hot summers.
Like many teams, they held a naming contest when the Falcons were founded in 1966. Thirteen hundred people combined to suggest more than 500 names, including Peaches, Vibrants, Lancers, Confederates, Firebirds, and Thrashers. Several people entered the name Falcons, but the winning entry was awarded to Julia Elliot for describing the Falcon as “proud, dignified, and it never drops its prey. It is deadly and has great sporting tradition.”
Atlanta Falcons Origin
In 1971, owner Rankin Smith decided it was time for a change; he wanted something more dignified than “Fire Birds,” so he commissioned an internal contest among employees to develop new name ideas. Out of over 200 submissions, "Falcons" emerged victorious due to its strong ties with local culture – Georgians had practiced falconry since colonial times –and because it could easily be shortened down to "FALC."
Since then, Falcons fans have proudly embraced their nickname, from tailgates at Mercedes-Benz Stadium decked out in red & black feathers on game days all year round through inspiring fan chants like “Rise!” during halftime shows or post-game celebrations after big wins—it's clear that this is one team whose spirit will never die! So next time you hear someone mention ‘the Dirty Bird' or 'Rise,' you'll know exactly what they're talking about: The Mighty Atlanta Falcons!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
Stadium
2017 - Present / Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1992 - 2016 / Georgia Dome
1976 - 1991 / Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
1966 - 1976 / Atlanta Stadium
Owner
2002 - Present / Arthur Blank
1997 - 2002 / Taylor Smith
1966 - 1997 / Rankin M. Smith, Sr.
- 1966
- 1992
- 1997
- 2002
- 2017
-
Atlanta Falcons Team Formation
On June 30, 1965, the Atlanta Falcons were born. The NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle granted ownership to Rankin M. Smith, Sr., the executive vice president of Life Insurance Company of Georgia. The name Falcons was suggested by Julia Elliott (1909–1990) a high school teacher from Griffin, Georgia who won a contest in 1965. Though 40 other contestants had also suggested ... -
New Georgia Dome Stadium
In 1992, the Falcons would move from the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium to the Georgia Dome and finish with a 6–10 record. In the off-season, the team traded Brett Favre to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a first-round draft pick. Atlanta would regret this decision as Favre went on to fame and glory with his new team. -
Dan Reeves era
In 1998, under recently acquired head coach Dan Reeves, quarterback Chris Chandler and running back Jamal Anderson the “Dirty Bird” Falcons had their greatest season to date. On November 8, they beat the New England Patriots 41–10, ending a streak of 22 losses at cold-weather sites. The team finished with a franchise-best 14–2 regular-season record and the NFC West division ... -
Arthur Blank New Owner
Smith continued to manage the day-to-day operations of the team until 1990 when he turned control of the team over to his son Taylor Smith. The team was sold to Arthur M. Blank in 2002 for $545 million. In February 2002, Blank purchased the Atlanta Falcons franchise in the National Football League from owner Taylor Smith, the son of team ... -
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Opens in 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an under-construction retractable-roof, multi-purpose stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, that will serve as the home of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) and Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). It is intended to replace the Georgia Dome, which has been the Falcons’ home stadium since 1992. The total cost is estimated at $1.5 ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Meet the Atlanta Falcons' Legendary Mount Rushmore: 4 All-Time Greats!
Welcome to 'Meet the Atlanta Falcons' Legendary Mount Rushmore: 4 All-Time Greats!', a video tribute to the outstanding athletes who have defined the Falcons' legacy. We unravel the extraordinary careers of Julio Jones, whose breathtaking catches and relentless drive have shattered franchise records, and Matt Ryan, the resilient quarterback whose leadership and precision have guided the team to numerous playoff berths.
Atlanta Falcons History
The Atlanta Falcons, home to some of the NFL's greatest players, are a professional football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the league’s NFC South division.
The Atlanta Falcons history began in 1965 as an NFL expansion team. Their debut season ended with a 3–11 record, showing the challenges of a new franchise. Despite those early struggles, the Atlanta Falcons history reflects growth and success. Since 1978, they’ve had only six losing seasons, while earning 16 playoff appearances and two Super Bowl trips—XXXIII in 1999 and LI in 2017.
In the early years, head coach Norb Hecker delivered three winning seasons from 1966 to 1968. However, real progress came when General Manager Pat Peppler hired Norm Van Brocklin as head coach. In 1971, Van Brocklin built one of the most impressive draft classes in NFL history. It included RB Gerald Riggs, G Bill Fralic, and LB Al Richardson—future Hall of Famers who anchored the legendary “Gritz Blitz” defense. That unit powered Atlanta to back-to-back NFC West titles and a Super Bowl XIII appearance against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Atlanta Falcons Achievements
Moving forward in the Atlanta Falcons history, head coach Dan Quinn revitalized the team. He guided them to multiple playoff appearances starting in 2015 and a memorable Super Bowl LI run in 2017 against the New England Patriots.
Stars such as quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones, defensive end Vic Beasley Jr., and cornerback Desmond Trufant defined this era. Under owner Arthur Blank’s leadership, the Atlanta Falcons history continues to grow, promising more exciting moments for fans.
The Atlanta Falcons origin began in 1966 under owner Rankin Smith, marking a historic moment for the city. Over time, the Atlanta Falcons QB history has featured standout names. Matt Ryan led the team to a Super Bowl appearance, while Michael Vick became famous for his electrifying playing style. With two Super Bowl appearances and a rich legacy, the Falcons remain one of the NFL’s most captivating franchises.
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Retired Number
10 / Steve Bartkowski
31 / William Andrews
57 / Jeff Van Note
60 / Tommy Nobis
*Blue is this team’s history
