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Atlanta Falcons
Current season
Atlanta Falcons logo
Atlanta Falcons wordmark
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Atlanta Falcons uniforms
Uniforms
General information
EstablishedJune 30, 1965; 60 years ago (1965-06-30)[1]
StadiumMercedes-Benz Stadium,
Atlanta, Georgia
HeadquarteredFlowery Branch, Georgia[2]
ColorsBlack, red, silver, white[3][4][5]
       
MascotFreddie Falcon
Websiteatlantafalcons.com
Personnel
OwnerArthur Blank
CEORich McKay
PresidentGreg Beadles
General managerTerry Fontenot
Head coachRaheem Morris
Nicknames
  • The Dirty Birds
  • Grits Blitz (1977 defense)
Team history
  • Atlanta Falcons (1966–present)
Home fields
League / conference affiliations
National Football League (1966–present)
Championships
League championships: 0
Conference championships: 2
Division championships: 6
Playoff appearances (14)
Owners

The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The Falcons were founded on June 30, 1965, and joined the NFL in 1966[6] as an expansion team, after the NFL offered then-owner Rankin Smith a franchise to keep him from joining the rival American Football League (AFL).

In their 59 years of existence, the Falcons have compiled a record of 398–512–6 (398–512–6 in the regular season and 10–14 in the playoffs), winning division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016. The Falcons have appeared in two Super Bowls, the first during the 1998 season in Super Bowl XXXIII, where they lost to the Denver Broncos 34–19,[7] and the second 18 years later, a 34–28 overtime loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. They are the oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships.[8]

The Falcons' current home field is Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened for the 2017 season; the team's headquarters and practice facilities are located at a 50-acre (20 ha) site in Flowery Branch,[9] northeast of Atlanta in Hall County.

History

[edit]
Further information: History of the Atlanta Falcons

Professional football comes to Atlanta (1962)

[edit]

Professional football first came to Atlanta in 1962, when the American Football League (AFL) staged two preseason contests, with one featuring the Denver Broncos vs. the Houston Oilers and the second pitting the Dallas Texans against the Oakland Raiders. Two years later, the AFL held another exhibition, this time with the New York Jets taking on the San Diego Chargers.

In 1965, after the Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium (then known simply as Atlanta Stadium) was built, the city of Atlanta felt the time was right to start pursuing professional football.[10] One independent group which had been active in NFL exhibition promotions in Atlanta applied for franchises in both the AFL and NFL, acting entirely on its own with no guarantee of stadium rights. Another group reported it had deposited earnest money for a team in the AFL.[11]

With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen (Cox Broadcasting) worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on June 8, contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city officials.[12][13] NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who had been moving slowly in Atlanta matters, was spurred by the AFL interest and headed on the next plane down to Atlanta to block the rival league's claim on the city of Atlanta.[6][10][13] He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues;[14] by June 30, the city picked Rankin Smith and the NFL.[10][15]

The AFL's original expansion plans in June 1965 were for two new teams in 1966,[16][17] in Atlanta and Philadelphia.[18] It later evolved into the Miami Dolphins in 1966 and the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. The NFL had planned to add two teams in 1967; the competition with the AFL for Atlanta forced the first to be added a year early in 1966. The odd number of teams (15) resulted in one idle team (bye) each week, with each team playing 14 games over 15 weeks (similar to 1960: 12 games over 13 weeks). The second expansion team, the New Orleans Saints, joined the NFL as planned in 1967 as its sixteenth franchise.

The Atlanta Falcons franchise began when it was approved to begin play in 1966 by a unanimous vote of the NFL club owners on June 21, 1965.[19] Rozelle granted ownership nine days later on June 30 to 40-year-old Rankin Smith Sr., an executive vice president of Life Insurance Company of Georgia. He paid $8.5 million, the highest price in NFL history at the time for a franchise.[6] Rozelle and Smith made the deal in about five minutes and the Atlanta Falcons brought the largest and most popular sport to the city of Atlanta.

The Atlanta expansion team became the 15th NFL franchise, and they were awarded the first overall pick in the 1966 NFL draft as well as the final pick in each of the first five rounds.[20] They selected consensus All-American linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas, making him the first-ever Falcon. The league also held the expansion draft six weeks later in which Atlanta selected unprotected players from the 14 existing franchises. Although the Falcons selected many good players in those drafts, they still were not able to win right away.[6]

The Atlanta team received its nickname on August 29, 1965. Miss Julia Elliott, a school teacher from Griffin, was singled out from many people who suggested "Falcons" as the nickname for the new franchise.[21] She wrote: "the Falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight. It never drops its prey. It is deadly and has a great sporting tradition."[22][23]

Smith family era (1966–2001)

[edit]

The Falcons' inaugural season was in 1966, and their first preseason game was on August 1, a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Under head coach Norb Hecker, Atlanta lost their first nine regular-season games in 1966; their first victory came on the road against the struggling New York Giants on November 20 in Yankee Stadium. Two weeks later, Atlanta won at Minnesota, and beat St. Louis in Atlanta the next week for their first home win.[24] The team finished with a 1–12–1 record the next year, with the only win coming in Week 7 in a 21–20 win over the Minnesota Vikings in 1967.[25] After a 0–3 start to the 1968 season, Hecker was dismissed.[26] Norm Van Brocklin finished out the season as head coach with a 2–9 record.[27] Van Brocklin continued to coach the team the next season. The team improved to a 6–8 record in 1969.[28]

The Falcons had their first Monday Night Football game in Atlanta during the 1970 season, a 20–7 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The team went 4–8–2 in 1970.[29] The only two winning seasons in their first 12 years were 1971 (7–6–1) and 1973 (9–5).

The Falcons' defense taking on Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway during a 1985 game.

In the 1978 season, the 9–7 Falcons qualified for the playoffs for the first time and won the Wild Card game against the Eagles 14–13.[30][31] The following week, they lost to the Dallas Cowboys 27–20 in the Divisional Playoffs.[32] The 1979 team regressed to a 6–10 record.[33]

In the 1980 season, after a nine-game winning streak, the Falcons posted a franchise then-best record of 12–4 and captured their first NFC West division title. The next week, their dream season ended at home with a loss to the Cowboys 30–27 in the divisional playoffs. In the strike-shortened 1982 season, the 5–4 Falcons made the playoffs but lost to the Minnesota Vikings, 30–24.[34] Falcons coach Leeman Bennett was fired after the loss.[35] The team then had losing seasons for the next eight years. Dan Henning was hired prior to the 1983 season.[36]

In the 1989 NFL draft, the Falcons selected cornerback Deion Sanders in the first round, who helped them for the next four years, setting many records for the franchise.[37] "Neon Deion" (a.k.a. "Prime Time") had a flashy appeal and helped bring media attention to one of the league's most anonymous franchises. Sanders was also famous for playing on major league baseball teams (New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves) while simultaneously playing in the NFL.

The Falcons playing against the Los Angeles Rams during a 1991 away game.

After defeating the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card game, the Falcons' 1991 season ended in a divisional playoff loss to the Washington Redskins. In the 1991 NFL draft, the Falcons selected quarterback Brett Favre as the 33rd overall pick. During his rookie season, he played in two games where he amassed a record of four passing attempts with no receptions and two interceptions. The following February, Favre was traded to the Green Bay Packers.[38]

In 1992, the Atlanta Falcons opened a new chapter in their history moving into the newly constructed Georgia Dome, where the team has defeated all 31 other NFL teams at least once during its time there.[39]

Dan Reeves years (1997–2003)

[edit]

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.[40][41] 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 championship.[42] On January 17, 1999, the Falcons upset the top-seeded Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in the NFC Championship Game 30–27, in an exciting overtime victory. However, in their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, they lost 34–19 to the defending champion Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII.

In the second game of the Falcons 1999 season, running back Jamal Anderson, who had been a key player in the Falcons' 1998 success, suffered a season-ending knee injury. The Falcons finished the season with a very disappointing 5–11 regular-season record.[43] In 2000, the Falcons suffered through another horrendous season finishing 4–12 and once again missing the playoffs.[44]

In the 2001 NFL draft, the Falcons orchestrated a trade with the San Diego Chargers, acquiring the first overall pick (which was used on quarterback Michael Vick) in exchange for wide receiver-return specialist Tim Dwight and the fifth overall pick (used on running back LaDainian Tomlinson).[45]

The Falcons finished the 2001 season with a record of 7–9 and missed the playoffs.[46] Jessie Tuggle retired following 14 seasons in Atlanta.[47]

Arthur Blank era (2002–present)

[edit]

On December 6, 2001, billionaire Home Depot co-founder Arthur M. Blank reached a preliminary agreement with the Falcons' Taylor Smith to purchase the team for a reported $545 million.[48] In a special meeting prior to Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 2, 2002, NFL owners voted unanimously to approve the deal.[49]

The 2002 season saw the Falcons return to the playoffs with a regular-season record of 9–6–1, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers.[50] It was Vick's first year as the starter, and the team, with newly acquired running back Warrick Dunn, delivered the Green Bay Packers their first home playoff loss ever with a 27–7 result in the Wild Card Round.[51] A 20–6 loss to the Donovan McNabb-led Philadelphia Eagles the following week, however, ended the Falcons' season.[52]

On March 19, 2003, the Falcons presented their new logo.[53][6] During the 2003 preseason Vick broke his leg and missed the first 12 games of the season. After losing 7 straight games, the decision was made to fire head coach Dan Reeves.[54] Wade Phillips acted as interim coach for the final three games.[55] Although the Falcons won 3 of their last 4 games after the return of Vick, they ended up with a 5–11 record that year.[56]

Jim Mora years (2004–2006)

[edit]

In 2004, a new head coach, Jim L. Mora, was hired and Vick returned for the full season. The Falcons went 11–5, winning their third division title and earning a first-round bye into the playoffs. In the divisional playoffs, the Falcons defeated the St. Louis Rams, 47–17, in the Georgia Dome, advancing to the NFC Championship Game, which they lost to the Eagles, 27–10.[57][58][59]

The Falcons again fell short of achieving back-to-back winning seasons in 2005, going 8–8.[60] In 2006, Michael Vick became the first quarterback in league history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, with 1,039.[61] After finishing the season 7–9, however, coach Jim Mora was dismissed.[62]

Bobby Petrino

[edit]

Bobby Petrino, the University of Louisville's football coach, replaced Mora.[63] Before the 2007 season began, Vick was suspended indefinitely by the NFL after pleading guilty to charges involving dog fighting in the state of Virginia.[64] On December 10, 2007, Vick received a 23-month prison sentence and was officially cut from the Atlanta roster.[65]

For the 2007 season, the Falcons were forced to start Joey Harrington at quarterback.[66] On December 11, 13 games into his first NFL season as head coach, Bobby Petrino resigned without notice to coach at the University of Arkansas, leaving the beleaguered players only a note in the locker room.[67] Secondary Coach Emmitt Thomas was named interim coach for the final three games of the season on December 12. The Falcons ended the year with a dismal 4–12 record.[68]

After the tumultuous and disappointing 2007 season, the Falcons made a number of moves, hiring a new general manager and head coach, drafting a new starting quarterback, and signing a starting running back.

Mike Smith years (2008–2014)

[edit]

On January 13, 2008, the Falcons named former Patriots director of college football scouting Thomas Dimitroff General Manager.[69] On January 23, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coach and former linebackers coach for the 2000 Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens Mike Smith was named the Falcons' new head coach.[70] Chargers back-up running back Michael Turner agreed to a 6-year, $30 million deal on March 2.[71] On April 26, Matt Ryan (quarterback from Boston College) was drafted third overall in the 2008 NFL draft by the Falcons.[72]

The Falcons finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 11–5, and the #5 seed in the playoffs.[73] On December 21, 2008, Atlanta beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–17 to clinch a wild card spot, earning a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Falcons would go on to lose in the wild-card round of the 2008 NFL playoffs to the eventual NFC champion Arizona Cardinals, 30–24.[74]

Matt Ryan started all 16 games in his rookie season and was named the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year.[75] First-year head coach Mike Smith was named 2008 NFL Coach of the Year.[76]

Although they failed to make the playoffs in 2009 the team rallied to win their final three regular-season games to record back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20–10 in the final game of the season to improve their record to 9–7.[77]

In 2010, with a regular-season record of 13–3, the Falcons secured a third straight winning season, their fourth overall divisional title, and the top overall seed in the NFC playoffs; however, the Falcons were overpowered by the eventual Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs 48–21.[78][79] The Falcons scored 414 points – the fifth-most in franchise history.[7] The team sent an NFL-high and franchise-best nine players to the 2011 Pro Bowl.[80]

The Falcons made a surprise trade up with the Cleveland Browns in the 2011 NFL draft to select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones sixth overall. In exchange, the Falcons gave up their first-, second- and fourth-round draft picks in 2011, and their first and fourth draft picks in 2012.[81] Jones, along with teammates Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White, have since been dubbed Atlanta's "Big Three" (based on their total number of reception yards).[82] On August 30, 2011, Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King, who correctly predicted the 2011 Super Bowl, made his predictions for the 2011 season and picked the Falcons to defeat the San Diego Chargers in the 2012 Super Bowl.[83] The Falcons finished the season at 10–6, securing the fifth seed after a Week 17 beatdown of Tampa Bay in which the Falcons pulled their starters after leading 42–0 just 23 minutes into the game.[84]

The Falcons then went on to play the New York Giants in a 2011 NFC Wild Card Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The first half was a defensive struggle, with the first points coming off of a safety by the Falcons, giving Atlanta a 2–0 lead. In the second quarter, though, Eli Manning connected with Hakeem Nicks for a short touchdown pass to make it 7–2 Giants heading into the second half. Then the Giants took control, as Manning threw for two more touchdown passes to Mario Manningham and Nicks and the defense completed its shutout of the Falcons to give the New York Giants the win, 24–2, and the Falcons their third straight playoff loss with Matt Ryan and Mike Smith.[85] After the season, defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder accepted a coaching job at Auburn University, and the offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey took the head coaching job in Jacksonville.[86]

Atlanta exploded out of the gate, going a franchise-best 8–0 and remaining the last unbeaten team in the NFL that year.[87] Their hopes to get an undefeated season came to an end with a 27–31 loss to the division rival Saints. Julio Jones had a remarkable second year, grabbing 10 touchdowns and 1,198 yards. The Falcons finished the season 13–3, and clinched the number one seed in the NFC playoffs.[88][89]

The Falcons played the Seattle Seahawks in their first playoff game. Although they went down 28–27 with only 31 seconds left on the clock, Matt Ryan led the team to their first playoff victory, 30–28.[90] It was the only playoff victory in the Mike Smith era.

The Atlanta Falcons then advanced to face the San Francisco 49ers. The Falcons seized control of the game early with a Matt Bryant field goal, a trio of Matt Ryan touchdown passes caught by Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez coupled with outstanding defensive play. By the end of the half, the score was 24–14. The tides of the game began to shift in the second half as the 49ers rallied back with a pair of Frank Gore touchdown runs. Atlanta's offense attempted to reply but were ultimately shut down by the 49er defense. A few series later, late in the 4th quarter with little time remaining, Atlanta found themselves in a 4th and 4 situation at the 10-yard line. The Falcons needed just 10 more yards to secure victory and advance to their first Super Bowl berth in 14 years. Matt Ryan fired a pass to Roddy White which was ultimately broken up by inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, resulting in a 28–24 defeat.[91]

Following the success of the previous season, the Falcons were an expected Super Bowl contender. However, injuries hampered the team's performance and the team finished the season 4–12.[92] With that, the streak of consecutive winning seasons came to an end and Mike Smith had his first losing season as a head coach. Tony Gonzalez, in his final season in the NFL, was selected to the 2014 Pro Bowl as a starter representing Team Rice. Following the conclusion of the 2012 season, director of player personnel Les Snead departed the team to join the St. Louis Rams and Dave Caldwell, assistant to general manager Thomas Dimitroff, left the team to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. Scott Pioli, former GM of the Kansas City Chiefs, was announced as the Falcons' new assistant GM. Mike Smith was given a one-year extension on his contract as head coach. The Falcons had the 6th overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft with which they selected Jake Matthews, who played as offensive tackle for Texas A&M.[93]

Despite having another rough season, the Falcons still had an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs at the end of the regular season. The Falcons hosted the Carolina Panthers in their regular season finale, with the winners clinching the NFC South division. Unfortunately, the Falcons lost in a 34–3 blowout as Matt Ryan threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns and got sacked six times. The Falcons finished the season 6–10, marking the second consecutive losing season for the team.[94] The following day, Mike Smith was fired after seven seasons as head coach.[95] The Falcons would soon hire Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as the team's 16th head coach.[96] The Falcons had the 8th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft with which they selected Vic Beasley, a defensive end from Clemson University.[97]

Dan Quinn years (2015–2020)

[edit]
Dan Quinn

In February 2015, the team was investigated by the NFL for alleged use of artificial crowd noise in the Georgia Dome.[98] The Falcons lost a 2016 NFL draft selection as a result of the league's investigation.[99]

Dan Quinn's first season saw a 5–0 start, the team's best start in four years. They would then struggle throughout the rest of the season by losing 8 of their last 11 games, resulting in an 8–8 record in the 2015 season.[100] They did, however, give the Panthers their only regular-season loss. The Falcons used their first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft on safety Keanu Neal from the University of Florida.[101]

In the Falcons' 25th and final season in the Georgia Dome, Atlanta lost their week 1 game to the Buccaneers 24–31. The Falcons would then win their next four including one over the Panthers, when the franchise set new records: Matt Ryan threw for 503 yards, and Julio Jones caught 12 passes for 300 yards.[102] Beating the San Francisco 49ers 41–13 in Week 15, the Falcons improved to 9–5 and secured their first winning season since 2012. One week later, the Falcons defeated the Panthers in Charlotte, North Carolina, and clinched their first NFC South division title since 2012. In their last regular-season game at the Georgia Dome, the Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints, and secured an 11–5 record and a first-round bye.[103]

In the divisional round of the playoffs, Atlanta defeated the Seahawks 36–20 in the Georgia Dome, and hosted their last game at the Georgia Dome against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game on January 22, 2017.[104] The Falcons defeated the Packers 44–21 to advance to Super Bowl LI as the NFC champions.[105] Atlanta was up 28–3 late in the third quarter, and the New England Patriots scored 31 unanswered points, with the last 6 in the first-ever overtime in the Super Bowl. The Patriots' 25-point comeback was the largest in Super Bowl history.[106]

In 2016, the Falcons scored 540 points in the regular season, the seventh-most in NFL history, tied with the Greatest Show on Turf (the 2000 St. Louis Rams).[107] However, the Falcons defense gave up 406 points, 27th in the league.[108]

The Falcons moved into their new home, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this season.[109] Their first game ever played at the new stadium was a preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The first regular-season game at the new stadium was a rematch of the 2016–17 NFC Championship, with Atlanta defeating Green Bay 34–23.[110] Their first loss of the season was a 23–17 home defeat to the Buffalo Bills in week 4.[111] The team returned to the playoffs with a 10–6 record (albeit with a third-place finish in the NFC South). The Falcons defeated the Los Angeles Rams 26–13 in the Wild Card round, but their 2017 season came to an end a week later in the Divisional Playoff round at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 15–10.[112][113] The 2018 and 2019 seasons saw the Falcons go 7–9 and miss the postseason both years.[114][115]

In their first game with new uniforms, the Falcons lost to the Seattle Seahawks at home 38–25.[116] The Falcons then suffered comebacks made by both the Cowboys on the road (39–40) and then back in Atlanta against the Bears (26–30).[117][118] On October 11, after the team suffered a 23–16 loss at home against the Carolina Panthers and fell to 0–5, the Falcons announced the firings of Quinn and Dimitroff.[119] Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris took over for the rest of the season, leading the team to a 4–12 record.[120] Morris was not retained after the season, and soon joined the Los Angeles Rams as their defensive coordinator.[121]

Arthur Smith years (2021–2024)

[edit]

On January 15, 2021, the Falcons announced that Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith had been named the 18th head coach in franchise history.[122] Four days later, New Orleans Saints executive Terry Fontenot was named the Falcons' new general manager.[123] Tight end Kyle Pitts was selected with the 4th pick of the 2021 draft, and longtime star receiver Julio Jones was traded to the Titans, after publicly requesting a trade from Atlanta.[124][125] The Falcons improved on their record from the prior year, finishing the season with a 7–10 record.[126]

On March 21, 2022, the Falcons traded longtime star quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts.[127] During the 2022 season, the team finished last place in the NFC South with a 7–10 record.[128]

The Falcons entered the 2023 seasons with heightened expectations after drafting Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick of the 2023 draft and making significant improvements in free agency, including signing Jessie Bates and Calais Campbell to improve their defense.[129] However, the team finished with a 7–10 record for the third consecutive season, although they had been in contention for a playoff spot until the final day of the season before a 48–17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on January 7, 2024.[130] The following day, Smith was fired after three years as head coach.[131]

Raheem Morris years (2024–present)

[edit]

On January 25, 2024, the Falcons announced Raheem Morris's return to the organization, this time as the 19th head coach in Falcons history.[132] During the early months of his tenure, Morris faced scrutiny and criticism for his questionable player selection decisions.[133]

Stadiums

[edit]
Main article: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Falcons have called three stadiums home in their 59 years of existence, and its third home in their history opened in the late summer of 2017. The first was the Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, sharing with the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team until 1991. In 1992, the Georgia Dome was built, and the Falcons played there from its opening to the 2016 season. The Dome has been frequently used for college football, including Georgia State football and college bowl games such as the Peach Bowl.

In an effort to replace the aging Georgia Dome and potentially host a future Super Bowl, team owner Arthur Blank proposed a deal with the city of Atlanta to build a new state-of-the-art stadium not far from where the Georgia Dome is located. Blank will contribute $800 million and the city of Atlanta will contribute an additional $200 million via bonds backed by the city's hotel/motel tax towards the construction of a retractable roof stadium. Blank will contribute additional money for cost overruns if it is needed. The team will provide up to $50 million towards infrastructure costs that weren't included in the construction budget and to retire the remaining debt on the Georgia Dome. In addition, Blank's foundation and the city will each provide $15 million for development in surrounding neighborhoods. Though the total cost of the stadium was initially estimated to be around $1 billion,[134] the total cost was revised to $1.5 billion according to Blank.[135] In March 2013, the Atlanta City Council voted 11–4 in favor of building the stadium.[136] The retractable roof Mercedes-Benz Stadium broke ground in May 2014, and became the third home stadium for the Falcons and the first for the new Atlanta United FC Major League Soccer club upon opening in 2017.[137]

Logo and uniforms

[edit]
Falcons uniform: 1971–1989
Falcons uniform: 1997–2002
Falcons uniform: 2016–19, including the throwback edition

The Atlanta Falcons' colors are black, red, silver and white.[138] When the team began play in 1966, the Falcons wore red helmets with a black falcon crest logo. In the center of the helmet was a center black stripe surrounded by two gold stripes and two white stripes. These colors represented the two college rival schools in the state of Georgia; rival schools Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (white and gold) and the Georgia Bulldogs (red and black). Although the gold was removed after several seasons, the white remains to this day. They wore white pants and either black or white jerseys. At first, the falcon crest logo was also put on the jersey sleeves, but it was replaced by a red and white stripe pattern four years later. They switched from black to red jerseys in 1971, and the club began to wear silver pants in 1978. The facemasks on the helmets were initially gray, becoming white in 1978, and then black in 1984; the team wore black face masks until its 2020 redesign.

A prototype white helmet was developed for the team prior to the 1974 season, but was never worn.

In 1990, the uniform design changed to black helmets, silver pants, and either black or white jerseys.[139] The numbers on the white jerseys were black, but were changed to red in 1997. (The red numerals could be seen on the away jerseys briefly in 1990.)

Both the logo and uniforms changed in 2003. The logo was redesigned with red and silver accents to depict a more powerful, aggressive falcon, which now more closely resembles the capital letter F.[53][140]

Although the Falcons still wore black helmets, the new uniforms featured jerseys and pants with red trim down the sides. The uniform design consisted of either black or white jerseys, and either black or white pants. During that same year, a red alternate jersey with black trim was also introduced. The Falcons also started wearing black cleats with these uniforms.[141]

In 2004, the red jerseys became the primary jerseys, and the black ones became the alternate, both worn with white pants. In select road games, the Falcons wear black pants with white jerseys. The Falcons wore an all-black combination for home games against their archrivals, the New Orleans Saints, winning the first two contests (24–21 in 2004 and 36–17 in 2005), but losing 31–13 in 2006. The Falcons wore the all-black combination against the New Orleans Saints for four straight seasons starting in 2004, With the last time being in 2007, losing 34–14. They wore the combination again in 2006, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. The Falcons won that game, 14–3. The Falcons also wore their all-black uniform in 2007 against the New York Giants, and in 2008 against the Carolina Panthers and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (for the second time). After that, the black pants and uniforms were retired and the white pants were now used full-time with the regular uniforms.

In the 1980s, the Falcons wore their white uniforms at home most of the time because of the heat. When the Falcons started playing in a dome, the team switched to their dark uniforms for home games but have worn their white uniforms at home a few times since switching to the dome. It was announced at the 2009 state of the franchise meeting that the Falcons would wear 1966 throwback uniforms for a couple games during the 2009 season. The Atlanta Falcons wore 1966 throwback jerseys for two home games in 2009 – against the Carolina Panthers on September 20 and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 29. The Falcons won both of those games. They donned the throwbacks again for 2 games in 2010, against Baltimore and San Francisco, winning both of those games as well. The throwbacks were used twice in 2011 and 2012; both times were against the Panthers and Saints. However, the throwbacks were retired following a 2013 NFL rule requiring only one helmet shell per team.

The Falcons unveiled an all-red Color Rush uniform on September 13, 2016; however, due to the fact that the Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had similar all-red Color Rush uniforms, the Falcons were unable to wear their Color Rush uniform until the 2017 season.[142][143]

Also in 2016, the Falcons unveiled a mixed throwback uniform set. The uniform tops, pants and socks closely resembled their 1960s kits. From 2016 to 2021, due to the NFL's one-shell rule, the Falcons wore the black helmets with the original logo decal similar to the design they wore in the 1990s. However, starting in 2022, with the NFL now reinstating the use of alternate helmets, the Falcons brought back the original red helmets to pair with their throwback uniforms.[144]

It was revealed in January 2020 that the Falcons will change uniforms for the 2020 NFL season.[145] The ensuing design featured the return to black as the primary home uniform color for the first time since 2003. Both the primary home and road uniforms featured the "ATL" abbreviation in red above either white or black numbers with red drop shadows. The white and black tops are usually paired with either white or black pants. The alternate uniform featured a red/black gradient design and also featured the "ATL" abbreviation in white above white numbers with black drop shadows. Black pants are only used with this uniform. All three uniforms feature red side stripes. The current throwback uniform was also retained. In addition, the Falcons switched to matte helmets with the enlarged falcon logo and gray facemasks.[146] The red/black gradient alternates only lasted three seasons before it was removed from the uniform rotation in 2023.[147]

Rivalries

[edit]

Divisional

[edit]

New Orleans Saints

[edit]
Main article: Falcons–Saints rivalry

The Falcons have shared a heated divisional rivalry with the New Orleans Saints (first the NFC West, and now the NFC South). The two teams were often basement-dwellers in the division; but the rivalry grew as a means of pride between the two cities, as they were the only two NFL teams in the Deep South for multiple decades. The series is the oldest and most iconic rivalry in the NFC South as the two teams have long harbored bad blood against one another.[148] The series is currently tied at 55–55, including the most recent loss to the Saints on January 7, 2024, when the Falcons lost 48–17.[149]

Carolina Panthers

[edit]
Main article: Falcons–Panthers rivalry

In addition, the Falcons share a similar, rivalry with the Carolina Panthers, with both teams having been in the NFC West from the Panthers' founding in 1995 to the NFL realignment in 2002. Similar to their rivalry with the Saints, the Falcons have often endured several competitive divisional battles with the Panthers for lead of the NFC South, though the two have yet to meet in the postseason. The series is also known as the "I-85 Rivalry"[150] due to Atlanta and Charlotte being only four hours apart on Interstate 85.[151][152] The Falcons lead the series 36–22.[153]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[edit]
Main article: Buccaneers-Falcons rivalry

The Falcons share a less-intense divisional rivalry with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since the NFL realignment in 2002. The two had been regional opponents but very little had linked any further animosity towards the two as the Buccaneers played in the former NFC Central before the realignment.[154][155][156] The two teams would find themselves competing over staff and players alike, particularly during the 2000s after the Falcons had lured general manager Rich McKay after winning Super Bowl XXXVII the season prior.[157] McKay's ties with Tampa extend into his family as his father John McKay was head coach of the Buccaneers for nine seasons.[158][159][160][161]

Conference

[edit]

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

The Eagles lead the Falcons 21–15–1, with a 3–1 lead in playoff games.[162] The rivalry first emerged after the Falcons upset the Eagles 14–13 in the 1978 Wild Card Round,[163] and only intensified further in the 2000s thanks to the rivalry between prominent dual-threat quarterbacks Donovan McNabb, and Michael Vick. Recently, the Falcons lost to the Eagles in the 2017 divisional round.[164][165][166] The Falcons managed a win against Philly in week 2 en route to Philly's eventual Super Bowl LIX victory.

Green Bay Packers

[edit]

The Falcons have also shared a playoff rivalry with the Green Bay Packers as much of the connections between the two teams stems from Atlanta trading future hall-of-fame quarterback Brett Favre to the Green Bay on February 11, 1992, in exchange for a first-round pick.[167][168] The two teams have met four times in the postseason, most recently during the 2016–17 NFC Championship as it would also be the final game played at the Georgia Dome.[169][170][171] The Packers lead the all-time series 19–16, while both teams are tied in the postseason 2–2.[172]

Statistics

[edit]

Season-by-season records

[edit]
Main article: List of Atlanta Falcons seasons

Record vs. opponents

[edit]

Includes postseason records[173]

Source:[174]

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

Team W L T Percent Last result Last date Last locale Postseason
St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals 16 16 0 .500 W 20-19 January 1, 2023 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 0–1 postseason
Baltimore Ravens 2 4 0 .333 L 16–26 December 2, 2018 Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Buffalo Bills 8 6 0 .571 W 24–14 October 14, 2025 Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Carolina Panthers 38 20 0 .655 W 38–20 October 14, 2024 Bank of America Stadium
Chicago Bears 14 15 0 .483 W 27–24 November 20, 2022 Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Cincinnati Bengals 5 9 0 .357 L 36–37 September 30, 2018 Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Cleveland Browns 4 12 0 .250 W 23–20 November 11, 2022 Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Dallas Cowboys 12 17 0 .414 W 27-21 November 3, 2024 AT&T Stadium 0–2 postseason
Denver Broncos 7 8 0 .467 W 34–27 November 8, 2020 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 0–1 postseason
Detroit Lions 14 25 0 .359 W 20–16 December 26, 2021 Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Green Bay Packers 15 17 0 .469 W 25–24 September 17, 2023 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 2–2 postseason
Houston Texans 2 3 0 .400 L 32–53 October 6, 2019 NRG Stadium
Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts 2 15 0 .118 L 24–27 September 22, 2019 Lucas Oil Stadium
Jacksonville Jaguars 5 3 0 .625 W 21–14 November 28, 2021 TIAA Bank Field
Kansas City Chiefs 3 7 0 .300 L 14–17 December 27, 2020 Arrowhead Stadium
San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers 8 3 0 .727 L 17–20 December 13, 2020 SoFi Stadium
St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams 28 48 2 .372 L 10–37 October 20, 2019 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 2–0 postseason
Miami Dolphins 5 9 0 .357 W 30–28 October 24, 2021 Hard Rock Stadium
Minnesota Vikings 11 19 0 .367 W 40–23 October 18, 2020 US Bank Stadium 1–1 postseason
New England Patriots 6 9 0 .400 L 0–25 November 18, 2021 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 0–1 postseason
New Orleans Saints 55 52 0 .514 W 26–24 September 29, 2024 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1–0 postseason
New York Giants 15 11 0 .577 W 17–14 December 22, 2024 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 0–1 postseason
New York Jets 9 5 0 .643 W 13–8 December 3, 2023 MetLife Stadium
Las Vegas/Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders 9 7 0 .563 W 15–9 December 16, 2024 Allegiant Stadium
Philadelphia Eagles 15 18 1 .456 w 22-21 September 16, 2024 Lincoln Financial Field 1–3 postseason
Pittsburgh Steelers 2 14 1 .147 L 17–41 October 7, 2018 Heinz Field
San Francisco 49ers 32 47 1 .406 W 28–14 October 16, 2022 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1–1 postseason
Seattle Seahawks 7 12 0 .368 W 25–38 September 25, 2022 Lumen Field 2–0 postseason
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30 29 0 .508 W 31-26 October 27, 2024 Raymond James Stadium
Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers 7 8 0 .467 L 10–24 September 29, 2019 Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Washington Commanders 11 15 1 .426 W 34–27 September 28, 2025 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 0–1 postseason
Total 395 455 6 .465 10–14 (.417)
    • Notes International Series

Single game records

[edit]

Single season records

[edit]

Career records

[edit]
  • Passing attempts: 6,817 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)[190]
  • Passing completions: 4,460 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)[190]
  • Passing yards: 51,186 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)[190]
  • Passing touchdowns: 321 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)[190]
  • Passing interceptions: 147 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)[190]
  • Passing rating: 94.6 Matt Ryan (2008–2021)[190]
  • Rushing attempts: 1,587 Gerald Riggs (1982–1988)[191]
  • Rushing yards: 6,631 Gerald Riggs (1982–1988)[191]
  • Rushing yards by a QB: 3,859 Michael Vick (2001–2006)[191]
  • Rushing touchdowns: 60 Michael Turner (2008–2012)[191]
  • Receiving catches: 808 Roddy White (2005–2015)[192]
  • Receiving yards: 12,125 Julio Jones (2011–2020)[192]
  • Receiving touchdowns: 63 Roddy White (2005–2015)[192]
  • Quarterback sacks: 68.5 John Abraham (2006–2012)[193]
  • Pass interceptions: 39 Rolland Lawrence (1973–1980)[193]
  • Field goal attempts: 296 Matt Bryant (2009–2019)[194]
  • Field goals made: 224 Matt Bryant (2009–2019)[194]
  • Points: 1,163 Matt Bryant (2009–2019)[195]
  • Total touchdowns: 63 Roddy White (2005–2015)
  • Pass interception return yards: 658 Rolland Lawrence (1973–1980)[193]
  • Pass interception returned for touchdowns: 4 Deion Jones (2016–2022)[193]
  • Punt return yards: 1,723 Allen Rossum (2002–2006)[196]
  • Kickoff return yards: 5,489 Allen Rossum (2002–2006)[196]
  • Longest punt: 75 John James (1972–1981) and Harold Alexander (1993–1994)[197]
  • Longest field goal: 59 Morten Andersen (1995–2000, 2006–2007) and Matt Bryant (2009–2019)[194]

Players

[edit]
See also: List of Atlanta Falcons players

Current roster

[edit]
Atlanta Falcons roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams (ST)

Practice squad

Reserve

Pro Football Hall of Famers

[edit]
Atlanta Falcons Hall of Famers
Players
No. Name Position Tenure Year inducted
8 Tommy McDonald WR 1967 1998
29 Eric Dickerson RB 1993 1999
21 Deion Sanders CB 1989–1993 2011
56 Chris Doleman DE 1994–1995 2012
87 Claude Humphrey DE 1968–1978 2014[198]
4 Brett Favre QB 1991 2016
5 Morten Andersen K 1995–2000
2006–2007		 2017
88 Tony Gonzalez TE 2009–2013 2019
93 Dwight Freeney DE 2016 2024
17 Devin Hester KR/WR 2014–2015 2024
Coaches & Contributors
Name Position(s) Tenure Inducted
Bobby Beathard Scout 1968–1971 2018[199]

Humphrey is the only person in the Hall of Fame who spent the majority of his career with the Falcons.

Ring of Honor

[edit]

Fourteen members are included in the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor.[200][201][202][203]

Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor
No. Player Position Tenure Inducted
— Arthur M. Blank Owner 2002–present 2024
2 Matt Ryan QB 2008–2021 2024
10 Steve Bartkowski QB 1975–1985 2004
21 Deion Sanders CB 1989–1993 2010
28 Warrick Dunn RB 2002–2007 2017
31 William Andrews RB 1979–1983, 1986 2004
42 Gerald Riggs RB 1982–1988 2013
57 Jeff Van Note C 1969–1986 2006
58 Jessie Tuggle LB 1987–2000 2004
60 Tommy Nobis LB 1966–1976 2004
62 Todd McClure C 1999–2012 2022
78 Mike Kenn T 1978–1994 2008
84 Roddy White WR 2005–2015 2019[204]
87 Claude Humphrey DE 1968–1978 2008

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

[edit]
Main article: Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

Starting quarterbacks

[edit]
Main article: List of Atlanta Falcons starting quarterbacks

Draft history

[edit]
Main articles: List of Atlanta Falcons first-round draft picks, Atlanta Falcons draft history, and 1966 NFL expansion draft

In the team's history, the Falcons have had the number one overall pick four times.[205]

Coaching staff

[edit]

Head coaches

[edit]
Raheem Morris is the current Atlanta Falcons head coach.
Main article: List of Atlanta Falcons head coaches
See also: History of Atlanta Falcons head coaches

In their history, the Atlanta Falcons have had 18 head coaches. Five coaches have served in interim roles[206][207]

Coach Years Record Notes
Norb Hecker 1966–1968 4–26–1 (.145) Fired after three games in 1968.
Norm Van Brocklin 1968–1974 39–48–3 (.450) Fired after eight games in 1974.
Marion Campbell 1974–1976 6–19 (.240) Fired after five games in 1976.
Pat Peppler 1976 3–6 (.333) Interim head coach.
Leeman Bennett 1977–1982 46–41 (.529)
Dan Henning 1983–1986 22–41–1 (.352)
Marion Campbell 1987–1989 11–36 (.234) Retired after 12 games in 1989.
Jim Hanifan 1989 0–4 (.000) Interim head coach.
Jerry Glanville 1990–1993 27–37 (.422)
June Jones 1994–1996 19–29 (.396)
Dan Reeves 1997–2003 49–59–1 (.454)
Wade Phillips 2003 2–1 (.667) Interim head coach.
Jim Mora 2004–2006 26–22 (.542)
Bobby Petrino 2007 3–10 (.231) Resigned after 13 games to take over the head coaching job at Arkansas.
Emmitt Thomas 2007 1–2 (.333) Interim head coach.
Mike Smith 2008–2014 66–46 (.589)
Dan Quinn 2015–2020 43–42 (.506) Fired after 5 games in 2020.
Raheem Morris 2020 4–7 (.364) Interim head coach.
Arthur Smith 2021–2023 21–30 (.412)
Raheem Morris 2024–present 8–9 (.471)

Current staff

[edit]
Atlanta Falcons staff
Front office
  • Owner/chairman – Arthur Blank
  • CEO – Rich McKay
  • President – Greg Beadles
  • General manager – Terry Fontenot
  • Assistant general manager – Kyle Smith
  • Vice president of football operations/player personnel – Ryan Pace
  • Director of college scouting – Adetokunbo Abanikanda
  • Assistant director of college scouting – Michael Ross
  • Director of coaching operations – Brian Griffin
  • Senior director of football administration – Chris Olsen
  • Senior personnel executive – Ruston Webster
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
  • Special teams coordinator – Marquice Williams
  • Assistant special teams – Steven King
Support staff
  • Chief of staff/coaching operations – Steve Scarnecchia
  • Manager of coaching operations – Rob Dadona
  • Coordinator of coaching operations – Madison McDoulett
  • Coaching operations assistant – Donovan Ellison
Strength and conditioning
  • Director of Player Performance – John Griffin
  • Assistant director of strength & conditioning – Paul Constantine
  • Assistant director of strength & conditioning – Erik Jernstrom
  • Assistant director of strength & conditioning – Josh Nelson

→ Coaching staff
→ Front office
→ More NFL staffs

Radio and television

[edit]

The Falcons' flagship radio station is WZGC 92.9 The Game.[208] Wes Durham, son of longtime North Carolina Tar Heels voice Woody Durham, is the Falcons' play-by-play announcer, with former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and pro football veteran, Dave Archer serving as color commentator.[209][210]

In 2014, The CW affiliate WUPA became the official television station of the Falcons, gaining rights to its preseason games, which are produced by CBS Sports.[211]

In the regular season, the team's games are seen on Fox's O&O affiliate WAGA. When the Falcons challenge an AFC team, CBS affiliate WANF will air those games while Sunday night games are televised on WXIA, the local NBC affiliate.

Radio affiliates

[edit]
Map of radio affiliates.

Source:[212]

Georgia

[edit]
City Call sign Frequency
Albany WSRA-AM 1250 AM
Athens WRFC-AM 960 AM
Atlanta WZGC-FM (Flagship) 92.9 FM
Brunswick WSFN-AM 790 AM
Clarkesville WDUN-FM 102.9 FM
Columbus WDAK-AM 540 AM
WBOJ 1270 AM
Dalton WBLJ-AM 1230 AM
Douglas WDMG-AM 860 AM
Gainesville WDUN 550 AM
Griffin WKEU-AM 1450 AM
WKEU-FM 88.9 FM
Hogansville WGST-AM 720 AM
Jesup WLOP-AM 1370 AM
WIFO-FM 105.5 FM
LaGrange WMGP-FM 98.1 FM
Louisville WPEH-AM 1420 AM
WPEH-FM 92.1 FM
Macon WXKO-AM 1150 AM
Milledgeville WMVG-AM 1450 AM
Newnan WRZX 1400 AM
Sandersville WJFL-FM 101.9 FM
Savannah WSEG-AM 1400 AM
WSEG-FM 104.3 FM
Statesboro WPTB-AM 850 AM
Swainsboro WJAT-AM 800 AM
Thomaston WTGA-FM 101.1 FM
Toccoa WNEG-AM 630 AM
Valdosta WVGA 105.9 FM
Vidalia WVOP-AM 970 AM
Waycross WFNS-AM 1350 AM

Alabama

[edit]
City Call sign Frequency
Foley WHEP-AM 1310 AM

Mississippi

[edit]
City Call sign Frequency
Jackson WYAB-FM 103.9 FM[213]

South Carolina

[edit]
City Call sign Frequency
Clemson WCCP-FM 104.9 FM[214]

Tennessee

[edit]
City Call sign Frequency
Chattanooga WALV-FM 95.3 FM[215]

Notes and references

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Atlanta Falcons

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional team based in Atlanta, Georgia, that competes in the (NFL) as a member of the ( division. Founded on June 30, 1965, as the NFL's 15th franchise and commencing play in 1966, the team was awarded to insurance executive Rankin Smith Sr. for $8.5 million following a public naming contest won by a Georgia schoolteacher's suggestion of "Falcons," symbolizing speed and pride. The franchise has played its home games at since 2017, a state-of-the-art venue previously hosting the from 1992 to 2016 and Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium from 1966 to 1991. Ownership transitioned to billionaire Arthur M. Blank in 2002, under whom the team has emphasized community engagement and facility upgrades. Throughout its history, the Falcons have experienced a mix of challenges and triumphs, compiling an all-time regular-season record of 401–519–6 as of the 2025 season, with a playoff mark of 10–14 across 14 appearances. Early struggles defined the franchise's first decade, but it achieved its inaugural winning season in 1971 under head coach , finishing 7–6–1 and marking the debut of Hall of Famer , a standout linebacker and the team's first draft pick. The 1980s brought further progress with a 12–4 record and division title in 1980, led by and , both eventual Pro Football Hall of Famers. The team captured its first title (then ) in 1998 with a franchise-best 14–2 regular season, advancing to but falling 34–19 to the . The Falcons' most notable modern successes came in the 2010s, securing five division championships from 2004 to 2016, including back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 under quarterback Matt Ryan, who holds the franchise record for career passing yards at 59,735 from 2008 to 2021. In 2016, the team posted an 11–5 record, won the NFC Championship, and reached , where they led the 28–3 before suffering the largest comeback loss in Super Bowl history, 34–28 in . Despite zero victories in two appearances (1998 and 2016), the Falcons have produced six Hall of Famers, including and , and boast a legacy of high-powered offenses and resilient defenses. As of 2025, under head coach and with a focus on rebuilding through the draft, the franchise continues to aim for its first championship while maintaining a strong fanbase in the Southeast. The Falcons' 2026 opponents have been announced, with home games against the Buccaneers, Bengals, Panthers, Saints, Lions, Ravens, 49ers, Chiefs, and Bears; one home game will be hosted internationally, with details on location, date, and opponent pending.

Franchise Overview

Establishment and Expansion

The Atlanta Falcons were established as the National Football League's 15th franchise on June 30, 1965, when the league awarded the expansion team to Atlanta businessman Rankin M. Smith Sr., a 41-year-old executive vice president at Life Insurance Company of Georgia, for a then-record fee of $8.5 million. This move marked the NFL's first venture into the Deep South, driven by Smith's successful bid to bring professional football to Atlanta amid growing regional interest in the sport. Smith's ownership secured exclusive rights to the newly constructed Atlanta Stadium, setting the stage for the team's integration into the league. The Falcons commenced play in the 1966 season as part of the NFL's Eastern Conference, with Norb Hecker serving as the inaugural head coach after seven years on the ' staff. They played all home games at Atlanta Stadium, which would later be renamed Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in 1975 following a financial dispute with county officials. The expansion squad struggled initially, finishing with a 3-11 record and placing seventh in the conference, though they notched their first victory on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. In the 1966 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected University of Texas linebacker as the first overall pick, a defensive standout who earned Rookie of the Year honors and became a cornerstone of the early franchise. Key front-office hires included Frank Wall, who oversaw personnel operations during the team's formative years. The Falcons' early expansion aligned with broader league changes, particularly the 1970 AFL-NFL merger that expanded the to 26 teams and restructured it into the and . Post-merger, Atlanta was placed in the division alongside the , , and , reflecting the league's effort to balance geographic and competitive factors. This positioning endured until the 2002 realignment, when the Falcons shifted to the newly formed to accommodate expansion and foster regional rivalries with teams like the , , and . These developments solidified the Falcons' role in the 's growth, transitioning the franchise from a southern to a key participant in the modern conference structure.

Ownership and Front Office

In 2002, Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, purchased the Atlanta Falcons from the estate of original owner Rankin Smith for $545 million, marking a significant shift in the franchise's leadership. This acquisition included the formation of the Arthur M. Blank Group (now known as Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment, or AMBSE), which oversees the Falcons alongside other properties like the Atlanta United soccer club and . Blank's investment reflected his vision for community-focused sports ownership, leveraging his business acumen to stabilize and expand the team's operations in . As of 2025, M. Blank serves as the principal owner and chairman of the Falcons through AMBSE, with an estimated net worth of $11.4 billion that underscores his substantial influence on the franchise's financial and strategic direction. While Blank maintains , the structure involves limited partners added in recent years, such as in 2024, to broaden stakeholder engagement without diluting his primary role. Blank's , including a $200 million donation in 2020 to expand —resulting in the M. Blank Campus—ties directly to team initiatives, such as community outreach programs that enhance the Falcons' local impact. The Falcons' position has seen notable continuity under Blank's tenure. held the role from 2008 to 2020, overseeing draft successes like selecting Matt Ryan in 2008 and leading the team to a appearance in 2017, though his later years were marked by roster challenges culminating in his dismissal after a 0-5 start in 2020. succeeded him in January 2021 as the team's first Black , bringing experience from the ' personnel department. Fontenot played a key role in the 2024 coaching transition, participating in the search that led to hiring as head coach following the mid-season firing of Arthur Smith, aiming to align personnel with a defensive rebuild. However, both Fontenot and Morris were dismissed on January 5, 2026, following the season. The front office structure emphasizes collaborative football operations under Blank's oversight, with serving as CEO of AMBSE and the Falcons since 2004, initially as before transitioning to a broader executive role focused on business and league affairs—though he stepped back from direct football operations in to allow greater autonomy for the GM and coach, and further shifted focus in 2026 to AMBSE-wide initiatives. Following the dismissals, Blank announced the creation of a new President of Football position, to which the general manager and head coach will report directly; former quarterback Matt Ryan was appointed to the role on January 10, 2026, leaving his position as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports to oversee all aspects of Falcons football operations, reporting directly to Blank. Supporting this are positions like President and CEO Greg Beadles, who oversees business operations, and scouting staff to evaluate talent. management prioritizes strategic restructurings and extensions to maintain flexibility, such as the 2025 rework of Darnell Mooney's contract that freed $6 million in space, enabling investments in key free agents amid a projected $279.2 million league cap. This approach balances short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability, avoiding over-reliance on high-risk trades.

History

Early Years and Initial Ownership (1966–1985)

The Atlanta Falcons entered the as an expansion franchise in 1966, awarded to Rankin M. Smith Sr., a prominent Atlanta executive, for a then-record fee of $8.5 million just a year earlier. The team, coached by Norb Hecker, played their home games at the newly constructed Atlanta Stadium and struggled in their debut season with a 3-11 record, marking the beginning of a decade of building efforts amid the challenges of establishing a new market in the . Randy , a 12th-round draft pick out of A&I, anchored the offense, completing 129 of 295 passes for 1,795 yards and 12 touchdowns while also contributing 142 rushing yards and four scores, though the defense surrendered a league-high 437 points. Smith's ownership focused on community integration and infrastructure, as he leveraged local support to secure the stadium lease and invested personally in team operations to foster growth in a region previously without major professional football. The Falcons endured five consecutive losing seasons from 1966 to 1970. From 1966 to 1974, they compiled a 42–80–4 record, including winning seasons in 1971 and 1973. Smith addressed these pressures by selling minority stakes to a group of Atlanta investors in 1976, providing capital for operations without relinquishing control, and by pushing for enhancements to Atlanta Stadium—renamed Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium that year—to boost fan amenities like expanded seating and lighting. A turning point came with the 1975 NFL Draft, when the Falcons selected quarterback first overall out of the , signing him to a groundbreaking four-year, $650,000 contract that reflected high expectations for revitalizing the passing game. Bartkowski quickly became the franchise cornerstone, starting 121 games over the next decade and earning two selections. Under new head coach , hired in 1977, the Falcons achieved a winning record in with a 9-7 mark, clinching the title and securing the franchise's inaugural berth. Bartkowski passed for 2,469 yards and 13 touchdowns that season, supporting a balanced attack that propelled the team to a thrilling 14-13 wild-card victory over the on before a 27-20 divisional-round loss to the . The momentum carried into 1980, when Bartkowski's performance—3,544 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and third-place MVP finish—guided Atlanta to a franchise-record 12-4 finish and another crown, though they fell 30-27 to the Cowboys in the divisional at home. Smith's steady leadership through these formative years laid the groundwork for sustained competitiveness, even as he navigated ongoing investments in player development and facility improvements up to the mid-1980s.

Rankin Smith Era and Growth (1986–2001)

The Atlanta Falcons entered the late 1980s amid ongoing struggles, finishing the 1986 season with a 7-8-1 record under head coach , who was dismissed after four years with the team. Henning's tenure, marked by inconsistent performance, gave way to Marion Campbell's second stint as head coach from 1987 to 1989, during which the Falcons compiled a 12-36 record, including a dismal 3-13 finish in 1989 that prompted Campbell's firing midseason. In a bid to revitalize the franchise, owner Rankin Smith hired as head coach in 1990, bringing his aggressive defensive philosophy from the to Atlanta. Glanville's era (1990–1993) infused the Falcons with a brash, high-energy identity, earning the 1991 team the nickname "the rudest team in NFL history" for its intimidating play and unapologetic style that drew frequent penalties and controversy. That year, achieved a 10-6 record, securing their first playoff berth since 1982 with a wild-card victory over the (27-20) before falling to the Washington Redskins in the divisional round. The team changed its helmet color from red to black in 1990 under Glanville, aiming to project a tougher image, though subsequent seasons yielded 5-11 in 1990 and 6-10 finishes in 1992 and 1993, leading to his dismissal. succeeded Glanville, coaching from 1994 to 1996 and implementing a run-and-shoot offense that produced a 9-7 record and another playoff appearance in 1995, where the Falcons lost in the wild-card round to the . In 1992, the Falcons moved from Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium to the newly opened , a state-of-the-art facility that became their home and hosted various events, including competitions during the . The dome's construction, completed at a cost of $214 million, enhanced Atlanta's sports infrastructure and provided the team with a dedicated venue after sharing the older stadium with the . Following Smith's death from heart failure on October 26, 1997, at age 72, his family retained control of the franchise, which had been under his ownership since its founding in 1965. Seeking stability, the Falcons hired Dan Reeves in January 1997 as head coach and de facto general manager on a five-year contract, leveraging his Georgia roots and prior NFL success with the Denver Broncos. Reeves quickly turned the team around, culminating in a franchise-best 14-2 record in 1998, clinching the NFC West title and home-field advantage. Atlanta advanced through the playoffs with a 20-18 wild-card win over the Arizona Cardinals, a 15-7 divisional victory against the San Francisco 49ers, and a dramatic 30-27 overtime NFC Championship triumph over the Minnesota Vikings, earning their first Super Bowl appearance. In Super Bowl XXXIII, however, the Falcons fell to the Denver Broncos 34-19, with John Elway's squad securing a second consecutive title. The momentum carried into 1999 with an 8-8 record and another playoff berth, but the Falcons regressed to 4-12 in 2000 amid injuries and offensive struggles. In a pivotal move signaling future potential, Atlanta selected quarterback Michael Vick first overall in the 2001 NFL Draft, trading significant assets to secure the pick and injecting dynamic athleticism into the roster. The team finished 7-9 that year, but Vick's arrival marked a shift toward a high-octane offense. Following the season, Smith's estate agreed to sell the franchise in December 2001 to an investment group led by Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank for $545 million, with the deal finalized in February 2002 and approved by NFL owners, ending 36 years of Smith family ownership.

Arthur Blank Era: Rebuilding and Super Bowl Run (2002–2016)

, co-founder of The Home Depot, purchased the Atlanta Falcons from the Rankin Smith family in February 2002 for $545 million, marking the beginning of a new era focused on rebuilding the franchise after its inconsistent performance in the prior decades. Under Blank's ownership, the team navigated early challenges, including the fallout from quarterback Michael Vick's indefinite suspension by the in 2007 following his guilty plea in a federal dogfighting case, which led to his release and left the Falcons without their star player. This incident, stemming from events uncovered in 2006, forced a roster overhaul and contributed to the team's 4-12 record that season. The initial rebuilding phase saw the hiring of Jim Mora as head coach in 2004 on a five-year contract, where he guided the Falcons to back-to-back non-losing seasons, including an 11-5 record and title in his debut year, followed by 8-8 and 7-9 marks in 2005 and 2006, respectively, for an overall tenure record of 26-22. Mora's dismissal after the 2006 season paved the way for , who was brought in from the in 2007 but abruptly resigned after a 3-10 start, accepting the head coaching position at the just 13 games into his NFL tenure. This instability underscored the transitional challenges under Blank, setting the stage for a more stable period. Mike Smith took over as head coach in 2008, ushering in the most successful stretch of the era with six consecutive winning seasons and a 66-46 regular-season record through 2014, establishing him as the franchise's winningest coach at the time. Under Smith, the Falcons achieved a 44-23 home record and reached the in 2012, falling 28-24 to the despite a late comeback attempt. Key to this success were pivotal draft selections, including quarterback Matt Ryan, chosen third overall in 2008, who earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and led the team to an 11-5 record in his debut season, and wide receiver , acquired sixth overall in 2011 after trading up with the , forming the core of a potent offense. Dan Quinn was hired as in 2015, building on Smith's foundation to deliver an 11-5 record in 2016, securing the NFC's top seed and a first-round playoff bye. The Falcons advanced through the playoffs, defeating the and to reach against the . In a dramatic 34-28 loss, Atlanta squandered a 28-3 third-quarter lead, marking one of the most memorable collapses in history but capping the era's run under Blank's stewardship.

Recent Eras: Challenges and Transitions (2017–2025)

Following the heartbreaking overtime loss in to the in February 2017, the Atlanta Falcons encountered significant constraints stemming from lucrative long-term contracts signed with core players in the lead-up to the 2016 season, including Matt Ryan's five-year, $103.75 million extension and Julio Jones's five-year, $71.25 million deal. These commitments, which ballooned the team's cap hit to over $170 million in 2017 alone, limited roster flexibility and contributed to a 10-6 regular season record that year but an early playoff exit in the divisional round to the . The cap burdens persisted into 2018 and 2019, forcing restructurings and cuts while the team posted 7-9 and 6-10 records, respectively, missing the playoffs both years amid defensive inconsistencies and offensive line struggles. Head coach Dan Quinn, who had guided the Falcons to the , received a contract extension through 2022 in January 2019 despite the 6-10 finish the prior year, with owner expressing confidence in Quinn's leadership. However, the 2019 season's late collapse from 5-0 to 6-10 raised doubts, and the 2020 campaign began disastrously with an 0-5 start marked by blown leads and defensive lapses, prompting Quinn's firing on October 11, 2020, alongside general manager . Defensive coordinator served as interim head coach for the remainder of 2020, finishing with a 4-12 overall record, but the franchise opted for a full reset by hiring Arthur Smith as head coach on January 15, 2021. Smith's tenure from 2021 to 2023 emphasized a run-heavy offense but yielded consistent mediocrity, with the Falcons posting identical 7-10 records each year amid quarterback instability after trading Ryan to the in March 2022 and offensive struggles, including a league-worst 15.3 in 2023. Tensions peaked during a 6-7 start in 2023, exacerbated by a 48-17 blowout loss to the on December 31, leading to Smith's dismissal on , 2024, after the team's third straight 7-10 finish. The Falcons also cycled through starters like , , and under Smith, failing to contend in the . In a return to familiarity, the Falcons hired Raheem Morris as head coach on January 25, 2024, leveraging his prior interim experience in 2020 and successful defensive coordinator role with the Los Angeles Rams. Morris's debut season ended with an 8-9 record, a slight improvement that included a 4-2 mark against NFC South foes but fell short of playoffs due to late-season collapses, including four losses in the final six games amid injuries to key defenders. To address the quarterback position long-term, general manager Terry Fontenot selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, positioning him as the eventual successor to newly signed veteran Kirk Cousins despite the recent four-year, $180 million extension for Cousins. As of December 11, 2025, the Falcons are 4-9 in the 2025 season under and have been eliminated from playoff contention. Penix Jr. has seen limited action in relief of Cousins, who has battled injuries, while the team continues to navigate cap challenges from prior commitments, including over $25 million in dead money for 2025.

Facilities

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium serves as the current home of the Atlanta Falcons, opening on August 26, 2017, as a replacement for the . The stadium was constructed at a total cost of approximately $1.6 billion, with funding primarily from private sources including Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment (AMBSE), sales of personal seat licenses, and NFL contributions, supplemented by $200 million in public bonds backed by hotel-motel taxes issued by the state of Georgia. The venue features innovative design elements, including a composed of eight translucent panels that open and close like a , allowing for both indoor and outdoor configurations, and a massive 360-degree halo video board spanning 376 feet in and 58.5 feet in , providing immersive viewing for spectators. It has a of 71,000, expandable to 75,000 for major events through additional sideline seating. The stadium is also Platinum certified, marking it as the first professional sports venue in to achieve this distinction for its sustainable features, such as , energy-efficient systems, and zero-waste initiatives. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is shared with Major League Soccer's Atlanta United FC and has hosted significant events, including the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship and Super Bowl LIII in 2019. The naming rights were secured by Mercedes-Benz in August 2015 through a 27-year agreement valued at $324 million, extending through 2042 and encompassing branding, marketing, and partnership benefits.

Training Facilities and Headquarters

The Atlanta Falcons' headquarters and primary training facility are situated on a 50-acre site in Flowery Branch, Georgia, approximately 40 miles northeast of in Hall County. The complex opened in August 2000, providing a dedicated space for the team's administrative operations, player preparation, and year-round activities after the franchise outgrew its previous setup in . Spanning 165,000 square feet total, it features a 75,000-square-foot headquarters building and a 90,000-square-foot indoor practice facility, complemented by three outdoor practice fields. Key amenities include state-of-the-art weight and conditioning rooms, multiple film study and meeting rooms, locker rooms, and a comprehensive medical and recovery center developed in partnership with . A 140-seat supports team meetings and presentations. In 2024, the Falcons completed a major $45 million to modernize the facility and address player feedback from NFL Players Association surveys, significantly enhancing preparation capabilities. The upgrades doubled the locker room's size to include personalized player pods, a barbershop, and improved equipment storage; introduced a two-story strength and conditioning center with advanced equipment; and expanded the dining hall for better nutrition support. Recovery features were bolstered with pools, chambers, and pods. Additionally, the on-site Emory Sports Performance and Research Center (), established in 2021, integrates and technologies for immersive training simulations, motion analysis, and injury prevention protocols, allowing players to practice scenarios without physical contact. These improvements have elevated the facility's ranking among teams, fostering better focus and performance during daily operations. The Flowery Branch site serves as the hub for the Falcons' offseason programs, including rookie mini-camps, organized team activities (OTAs), and the annual training camp, where select sessions are open to the public to engage fans. It also supports community outreach through the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, headquartered at the facility since its inception in 1995, which funds grants for youth fitness initiatives, equipment donations, and obesity prevention efforts across Georgia, reaching thousands of school-age children annually. Prior to 2000, the team relied on temporary setups, including practices at the Georgia Dome during the 1990s and early 2000s for indoor sessions amid weather challenges or facility constraints, while training camps were held at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, until the 2004 season. The headquarters complements the team's game-day venue at Mercedes-Benz Stadium by enabling seamless transitions for home preparations.

Branding and Uniforms

Logos and Symbols

The Atlanta Falcons' original logo, introduced in 1966 upon the team's founding as an expansion franchise, featured a stylized head facing left with a prominent and eye accents, set against a white background to evoke the speed and predatory nature of the bird while nodding to Atlanta's position as a gateway to the American South. This design, which incorporated geometric lines to form the shape of the letter "F" for "," remained in use through the 2002 season and appeared on helmets, uniforms, and team branding during the franchise's early decades. In 2003, the Falcons unveiled a redesigned logo as part of a broader branding refresh under owner Arthur Blank, depicting a more dynamic falcon in mid-flight with an aggressive, streamlined profile in metallic red and black hues to convey power, motion, and modernity. This iteration replaced the previous falcon head and has served as the primary emblem since. The team's mascot, Freddie Falcon, a costumed anthropomorphic bird character, has been a fixture at games and events since 1975, evolving from the franchise's initial use of a live falcon mascot in its first 15 seasons ending in 1980. Freddie, known for high-energy performances including aerial stunts and fan interactions, embodies the team's spirited identity and was named the NFL Mascot of the Year in 2017. In the 2010s, "Rise Up" emerged as the Falcons' signature rally cry, popularized through a 2010 team promotional campaign featuring actor Samuel L. Jackson and tying into Atlanta's hip-hop culture, with rapper T.I. contributing to related anthems that amplified the phrase during the team's Super Bowl era. The Falcons' official colors—black, red, and white—have anchored the team's visual identity since 1966, with silver added in 1978 as part of uniform elements like pants, drawing from Atlanta's bold urban persona and "Dirty South" cultural heritage. These hues symbolize resilience and energy, appearing consistently in logos, the motifs, and brief integrations with uniform elements to reinforce the franchise's Southern athletic .

Uniform History and Designs

The Atlanta Falcons' uniform history began in 1966 with the team's inaugural season, featuring black home jerseys with white pants and red helmets displaying a decal with white trim. These designs emphasized the team's red, black, and white color scheme, with white pants as the standard for home games and red helmets used primarily in early years before switching to black helmets in 1970. The black jerseys remained a staple through 1970, reflecting a clean, classic look that evolved minimally during this period, including subtle updates to sleeve stripes and numbering for better visibility. In 1997, during the Dan Reeves era, the Falcons introduced a notable redesign incorporating red-to-black sleeves on their jerseys, adding a dynamic flair to the black alternate uniforms that became more prominent. This period also saw the debut of throwback uniforms in 1999, honoring the original black jersey style with white numbers and red accents, which were worn sporadically to celebrate franchise milestones. The elements on sleeves continued through 2002, complementing the evolving falcon logo pairings while maintaining black helmets as the primary headgear. From 2003 onward, the Falcons underwent a significant redesign, retaining the gradient pattern but refining it for a sleeker appearance on red jerseys, which became the primary home option by 2004, alongside black alternate jerseys and white away sets. Black helmets with the white decal persisted, with pants options including white, black, and red stripes. In 2017, the team introduced the NFL's "Color Rush" all-red , featuring monochromatic red jerseys, pants, and socks for a Thursday Night Football game against the , designed to highlight the team's bold red identity under Nike's manufacturing. The 2020 "Gradient 2.0" update further modernized the look with silver accents on the helmets and jerseys, expanding to eight total combinations including throwbacks, while black remained a key alternate. In 2022, the team reintroduced red helmets for throwback uniforms, paired with black jerseys to honor the original 1966 design, and these have been worn several times each season since, including in 2025. Special uniforms have marked key initiatives since the Falcons partnered with Nike as the NFL's official uniform supplier in 2012. The 2018 edition featured olive-drab accents on black jerseys to honor , worn during a designated game. These limited-edition designs, produced under Nike's oversight, have been integrated into the broader uniform rotation for thematic games without altering the core . In January 2026, the Falcons announced new uniforms to be unveiled in April 2026, marking the first redesign since the 2020 update.

Rivalries

New Orleans Saints

The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints rivalry dates back to their inaugural matchup on November 20, 1967, when the Saints secured a 27-24 victory at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. Although the teams met sporadically in the pre-realignment era, the competition intensified following the 2002 NFL realignment that placed both franchises in the NFC South division, leading to annual double matchups and heightened stakes for divisional supremacy. As of the end of the 2024 season, the all-time series is tied at 56-56 (including Atlanta's 1-0 playoff record), over 112 total meetings, reflecting the series' competitive balance. Several pivotal games have defined the rivalry's intensity. In the 1991 NFC Wild Card playoff matchup, the Falcons defeated the Saints 27-20 at the Superdome, with Mike Haynes' game-winning catch in the final minute eliminating New Orleans from postseason contention and marking Atlanta's first playoff victory over their divisional foe. Another landmark contest occurred on September 25, 2006, during , when the Saints triumphed 23-3 in the emotional reopening of the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina's devastation; the win symbolized New Orleans' resilience and drew a nationwide audience captivated by the city's recovery. In 2018, the Week 3 regular-season clash saw the Saints edge the Falcons 43-37 in overtime at , highlighted by ' 1-yard run to cap an 80-yard drive, underscoring the offensive firepower that has characterized recent encounters. Cultural tensions have long fueled the animosity, particularly during the Saints' "" era from 1986 to 1991, when their vaunted defense—featuring , , , and —dominated the Falcons, winning 13 of 16 matchups and establishing New Orleans as a regional powerhouse against Atlanta's developing roster. The rivalry's emotional depth was further amplified by the 2006 post-Katrina game, which not only boosted the Saints' morale but also intensified fanbase hostilities amid the Falcons' own challenges, including the scandal. The 2009-2011 Saints bounty scandal, in which orchestrated a pay-for-performance system targeting opposing players—including Falcons stars—added layers of controversy, resulting in league suspensions and fines that strained divisional relations and led to New Orleans' 7-9 record in 2012 despite handing Atlanta a key loss that year. In recent years, the matchup has remained fiercely contested within the . The 2024 season featured a split series, with the rallying for a 26-24 road victory over the Saints on September 29 via kicker Younghoe Koo's 58-yard as time expired, followed by New Orleans' 20-17 home win on November 10, where interim coach Darren Rizzi's debut snapped a seven-game skid against . As of November 2025, the teams are set to clash again on November 23 in New Orleans, continuing the tradition of high-stakes divisional battles that often influence playoff positioning.

Carolina Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons and rivalry originated in 1995, when the Panthers entered the as an expansion team alongside the , joining the Falcons in the before the division realignment to the in 2002. This intradivision matchup has since become a staple of the schedule, with the teams meeting twice annually. As of November 2025, the Falcons hold a commanding all-time series lead of 37-25 over the Panthers in 62 regular-season games, reflecting Atlanta's historical edge in the competition. The rivalry is deeply rooted in regional proximity, often dubbed the "I-85 Rivalry" due to the interstate highway connecting , Georgia, with Charlotte and other parts of the , fostering a sense of Southern competition for fan bases and divisional supremacy. Both franchises draw significant support from overlapping areas in the Southeast, intensifying matchups as battles for regional dominance; for instance, in , both teams finished with identical 7-9 records, vying closely for second place in the behind the division-winning . The geographic closeness has also led to shared recruiting pipelines and cultural overlaps, amplifying the stakes in games that often influence playoff positioning within . Notable games in the series highlight the rivalry's intensity, though the teams have yet to meet in the . A pivotal early occurred during the , when defeated the Panthers 20-13 on September 6, contributing to 's strong 14-2 regular- campaign that propelled them to the NFC Championship and . More recently, in , the Panthers asserted dominance with a 38-0 victory over on December 13, but Atlanta responded decisively in their rematch on December 27, winning 20-13 to end Carolina's bid for a perfect 16-0 and providing a morale boost amid their own rebuilding efforts. These contests underscore the competitive balance, with defensive stands and late-game heroics often deciding outcomes. In recent years, the series has remained closely contested, reflecting the NFC South's parity. During the 2024 season, the teams split their matchups, with securing a 38-20 road win on October 13 and the Panthers rallying for a 44-38 victory on January 5, 2025, in the regular-season finale. In 2025, the Panthers started strong with a 30-0 of on September 21, marking Carolina's first win of the season and halting Atlanta's early momentum. They met again on November 16, with Carolina rallying for a 30-27 victory at , further impacting divisional standings as both squads navigate midseason challenges.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The rivalry between the Atlanta Falcons and dates back to the Buccaneers' inaugural season in 1977, with the teams first meeting on November 27 of that year in a 14-7 Buccaneers victory at . Although the series remained competitive through the , it intensified after the realigned into eight divisions in , placing both teams in the and mandating annual matchups. As of November 2025, following the Buccaneers' Week 1 victory, Tampa Bay leads the all-time series 33-32 after 65 meetings. The teams' sole postseason encounter occurred in the 1998 NFC Wild Card round on January 2, 1999, at the , where the edged the Falcons 20-13 in a defensive battle marked by a pivotal fourth-quarter by Falcons near the goal line, ruled down by contact but sealing Tampa Bay's advancement. This game underscored the physical intensity of their early rivalry, as the top-seeded Falcons, fresh off an title, were upset by the third-seeded , who went on to reach the NFC Championship. No further playoff meetings have occurred, keeping the focus on regular-season stakes within the . Coaching ties have added layers to the competition, with several figures bridging both franchises. , who led the Falcons to three playoff appearances from 1977 to 1982, later served as Buccaneers from 1985 to 1986. Mike Smith, Falcons from 2008 to 2014 during their most successful period, transitioned to in Tampa Bay from 2016 to 2019, contributing to the Buccaneers' run. held offensive coordinator roles with the Falcons in 2015 and 2019-2020, while serving as Buccaneers from 2016 to 2018. Most notably, current Falcons was Tampa Bay's from 2009 to 2011 and in 2014-2015 and 2022, bringing intimate knowledge of the Buccaneers' schemes to . These overlaps have fueled strategic cat-and-mouse dynamics, particularly during the late-1990s "Dirty Birds" era for —named for running back Anderson's celebratory dances—and Tampa Bay's dominant "Buc Power" defenses of the early 2000s that powered their 2002 victory. In recent NFC South battles, the rivalry has remained a cornerstone of divisional contention, with high-scoring affairs often deciding playoff positioning. The Falcons swept the Buccaneers in 2024, securing a 36-30 overtime thriller on October 3 behind Kirk Cousins' 509-yard performance and a 31-26 road win on October 27, where Cousins threw four touchdowns to clinch the NFC South lead. Tampa Bay responded in 2025's Week 1 on September 7, rallying for a 23-20 home victory at Raymond James Stadium, improving to 1-0 while dropping Atlanta to 0-1. The teams are set for a rematch on December 11, 2025, in Tampa, where the outcome could sway late-season seeding in the NFC South.

Philadelphia Eagles

The and Atlanta Falcons share a longstanding conference rivalry within the NFC, marked by intense playoff clashes and contrasting team identities. The series dates back to the Falcons' inaugural 1966 season, when the secured a 23-10 victory in Atlanta. Over the decades, the matchup has evolved into a test of resilience and offensive firepower, with the Eagles holding a dominant edge in postseason play. As of November 2025, the Eagles lead the all-time series 21-16-1 (including a 3-1 advantage in four playoff meetings) after 38 total meetings. This record underscores Philadelphia's historical upper hand, particularly in high-stakes games where defensive stands have often decided outcomes. The rivalry's intensity is amplified by stark fanbase differences: Philadelphia's supporters are renowned for their passionate, boisterous atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field, fostering an underdog mentality, while Atlanta's crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium tends toward a more corporate, upscale vibe reflective of the city's business-oriented culture. Playoff encounters have defined the rivalry, beginning with the 1978 NFC Wild Card game, where the Falcons rallied from a 13-0 deficit to win 14-13 on a late touchdown pass from to Billy Ryckman, marking Atlanta's first-ever postseason victory. The Eagles responded forcefully in the 2003 NFC Divisional round, dominating 20-6 behind McNabb's precise passing and a stifling defense that limited to just 100 yards. The following year, in the 2004 NFC Championship, Philadelphia triumphed 27-10, propelled by Terrell , who played through a severe ankle injury sustained weeks earlier, catching nine passes for 118 yards and showcasing his resilience. The most recent clash came in the 2017 NFC Divisional round, a defensive battle won by the Eagles 15-10 on a goal-line stand at the 1-yard line, halting Julio on fourth down and avenging Atlanta's collapse just months prior. Key themes in the rivalry highlight stylistic contrasts: the Eagles often embody gritty, underdog tenacity, relying on physical defenses and opportunistic plays, while the Falcons emphasize explosive speed and a high-octane passing attack led by figures like Vick and Matt Ryan. These dynamics have created memorable narratives, such as Owens' heroic return in 2004 symbolizing Philadelphia's never-say-die ethos against Atlanta's dynamic offense. No playoff meetings have occurred between the teams in the 2024-2025 seasons to date, though the regular-season landscape remains competitive. In their most recent matchup on September 16, 2024, the Falcons edged out a 22-21 thriller on the road, with Kirk Cousins engineering a late touchdown drive to Drake London for the go-ahead score.

Records and Statistics

Season-by-Season Results

The Atlanta Falcons joined the as an in 1966, beginning in the Eastern Conference's Coastal Division before realigning to the in 1970 after the AFL-NFL merger. In 2002, they shifted to the newly formed division as part of the league's realignment to eight four-team divisions. The following table summarizes their regular-season performance from inception through the ongoing 2025 season, including win-loss-tie records, divisional finishes, and playoff outcomes where applicable.
YearRecord (W-L-T)FinishPlayoffs
19663-11-07th of 8, NFL East—
19671-12-14th of 4, NFL Coastal—
19682-12-04th of 4, NFL Coastal—
19696-8-03rd of 4, NFL Coastal—
19704-8-23rd of 4, —
19717-6-13rd of 4, —
19727-7-02nd of 4, —
19739-5-02nd of 4, —
19743-11-04th of 4, —
19754-10-03rd of 4, —
19764-10-03rd of 4, —
19777-7-02nd of 4, —
19789-7-02nd of 4, Lost Divisional
19796-10-03rd of 4, —
198012-4-01st of 4, Lost Divisional
19817-9-02nd of 4, —
19825-4-01st of 5*, Lost Wild Card
19837-9-04th of 5, —
19844-12-04th of 5, —
19854-12-04th of 5, —
19867-8-13rd of 5, —
19873-12-04th of 5, —
19885-11-04th of 5, —
19893-13-04th of 5, —
19905-11-04th of 5, —
199110-6-02nd of 5, Lost Divisional
19926-10-03rd of 5, —
19936-10-03rd of 5, —
19947-9-03rd of 5, —
19959-7-02nd of 5, Lost Wild Card
19963-13-04th of 5, —
19977-9-03rd of 5, —
199814-2-01st of 5, Lost
19995-11-03rd of 5, —
20004-12-05th of 5, —
20017-9-04th of 5, —
20029-6-12nd of 4, Lost Divisional
20035-11-04th of 4, —
200411-5-01st of 4, Lost NFC Championship
20058-8-03rd of 4, —
20067-9-03rd of 4, —
20074-12-04th of 4, —
200811-5-02nd of 4, Lost Wild Card
20099-7-02nd of 4, —
201013-3-01st of 4, Lost Divisional
201110-6-02nd of 4, Lost Wild Card
201213-3-01st of 4, Lost NFC Championship
20134-12-03rd of 4, —
20146-10-03rd of 4, —
20158-8-02nd of 4, —
201611-5-01st of 4, Lost
201710-6-03rd of 4, Lost Wild Card
20187-9-02nd of 4, —
20197-9-02nd of 4, —
20204-12-04th of 4, —
20217-10-03rd of 4, —
20227-10-04th of 4, —
20237-10-03rd of 4, —
20248-9-02nd of 4, —
20253-7-03rd of 4, — (ongoing as of November 18)
*Note: The 1982 season was shortened to nine games due to a players' strike, with divisions expanded to five teams for tiebreaker purposes. The Falcons' most challenging season occurred in 1987, finishing 3-12 during the players' strike; their replacement players lost all three games played under those conditions, contributing to the overall poor performance. Conversely, their pinnacle regular-season mark was 14-2 in 1998, securing the title and the top overall seed. As of November 18, 2025, the Falcons stand at 3-7-0 in the ongoing season, placing third in the . The Falcons' opponents for the 2026 season were officially announced in January 2026. They will host nine home games against the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, and Kansas City Chiefs. Their eight away games will be against the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders.

Playoff Appearances and Results

The Atlanta Falcons have qualified for the 14 times in their history, with their first appearance coming in 1978. Overall, they hold a 10–14 playoff record across 24 postseason games, including a 6–5 mark in home contests. The team has advanced to the four times (1998, 2004, 2012, and 2016) and appeared in two Super Bowls, both resulting in losses. Early playoff success eluded the Falcons until the late 1970s, when they earned their inaugural berth as the NFC West's second-place team with a 9–7 record. In the 1978 Wild Card Round, Atlanta secured its first-ever playoff victory, rallying from a 13–0 deficit to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 14–13 at home on a late touchdown pass from Steve Bartkowski to Wallace Francis. The following season, the Falcons returned in 1980 as the top wild card after an 11–5 campaign, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 24–14 in the Wild Card Round before falling 30–27 to the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round at the Georgia Dome, where a late interception sealed their exit. Another appearance came in 1982 amid a strike-shortened season, but they lost 31–28 to the Minnesota Vikings in the first round. The 1990s marked the Falcons' most successful playoff era, highlighted by their first NFC Championship appearance in 1998. As the NFC's No. 1 seed with a 14–2 regular-season record—their highest seeding to date—Atlanta dominated the postseason early, routing the 20–13 in the Divisional Round and the Minnesota Vikings 30–27 in overtime during the , thanks to Morten Andersen's game-winning . This propelled them to , where they fell 34–19 to the . The Falcons returned to the playoffs in 1991 and 1995 as but were eliminated in the Divisional Round each time, losing to the Washington Redskins and , respectively. In the 2000s and , the Falcons experienced intermittent success amid longer droughts, including an eight-year gap from 1983 to 1990—their longest to date—and a five-year stretch from 2003 to 2007. They made the six times between and , with notable runs in (a 47–17 Wild Card upset over the ) and 2004 (an NFC Championship berth after defeating the 47–17 in the Divisional Round, only to lose 20–10 to the ). The season saw Atlanta earn the NFC's top seed again at 13–3, winning the Divisional Round over the 30–28 before a heartbreaking 28–24 overtime loss to the in the NFC Championship, where a fumble by receiver proved costly. The Falcons' most recent deep run came in 2016, when they won the and finished 11–5, defeating the Seahawks 36–20 in the Divisional Round and the Packers 44–21 in the NFC Championship to reach . There, they infamously squandered a 28–3 lead against the , losing 34–28 in overtime in one of the NFL's most memorable collapses. The following year, as the No. 5 seed with a 10–6 record, Atlanta beat the Seahawks 36–20 in the Wild Card Round but fell 15–10 to the Eagles in the Divisional Round. Since 2017, the Falcons have endured a seven-year playoff drought through the 2024 season, finishing 8–9 and missing the postseason after a Week 18 overtime loss to the .

Team Records

The Atlanta Falcons hold an all-time regular season record of 401 wins, 519 losses, and 6 ties, yielding a .439 through the 2025 season. At home, the franchise has recorded 234 victories. In single-game performances, the Falcons' highest scoring output is 62 points, achieved in a 62–7 victory over the on September 16, 1973. This game also represents the largest margin of victory in franchise history, a 55-point differential. For single-season marks, the Falcons earned a franchise-best 14 wins in 1998, finishing 14–2 and advancing to . Defensively, the 1977 team's "Gritz Blitz" unit set an record by allowing just 129 points, the fewest in a 14-game season. The longest regular-season in Falcons history is 9 games, a mark tied twice—once in 1980 under quarterback and again in 1998 en route to the NFC Championship. Conversely, the franchise's longest spans 11 games across the 1967 and 1968 seasons during its early expansion years. The Falcons' longest road losing streak is 10 games, spanning the 1984 and 1985 seasons. At home, their longest losing streak is 8 games, bridging the 1987 and 1988 seasons.

Individual Player Records

The Atlanta Falcons' individual player records highlight the franchise's standout performers across offensive, defensive, and special teams positions, with many achievements set during the team's more successful eras in the 1980s, 2010s, and early 2020s. These records encompass totals, single-season highs, and notable performances, reflecting the of the team's strategies from run-heavy offenses to pass-oriented attacks led by elite quarterbacks and receivers. Defensive records underscore the impact of shutdown corners and pass rushers, while special teams milestones emphasize reliability in kicking. All statistics are for regular-season play unless otherwise noted, drawn from official data.

Passing Records

Matt Ryan holds the Falcons' all-time records for career passing yards and touchdowns, amassing 59,735 yards and 367 touchdowns over 15 seasons from 2008 to 2021, establishing him as the franchise's most prolific . Ryan also leads in single-season passing yards with 4,944 in , a year in which he earned NFL MVP honors and guided the team to a appearance. Earlier, set benchmarks for quarterback mobility, though his passing totals were secondary to his rushing; for context, Vick's best single-season passing performance with Atlanta was 2,313 yards in 2004.
CategoryPlayerStatYear(s)
Career Passing YardsMatt Ryan59,7352008–2021
Career Passing TDsMatt Ryan3672008–2021
Single-Season Passing YardsMatt Ryan4,9442016
Single-Season Passing TDsMatt Ryan382016

Rushing Records

Gerald Riggs remains the Falcons' career rushing leader with 6,631 yards on 1,587 carries from 1982 to 1988, powering the team's ground game during a period of defensive strength known as the Grits Blitz. In single-season marks, Michael Turner holds the top spot with 1,699 yards in 2008, showcasing Atlanta's shift toward a power-running scheme under coach Mike Smith. contributed significantly to rushing records as a , leading the with 1,039 rushing yards in 2006, the first time a QB achieved 1,000 yards in a season.
CategoryPlayerStatYear(s)
Career Rushing YardsGerald Riggs6,6311982–1988
Single-Season Rushing YardsMichael Turner1,6992008
Single-Season Rushing TDsGerald Riggs141984

Receiving Records

Julio Jones dominates the Falcons' receiving records, with 12,896 career yards on 848 receptions and 60 touchdowns from 2011 to 2020, his explosive playstyle defining the team's aerial attack in the 2010s. Jones also set the single-season receiving yards benchmark with 1,871 in 2015, earning First-Team All-Pro honors. Earlier receivers like Roddy White (7,280 career yards with Atlanta) provided consistency, but Jones' totals represent a modern pinnacle for the franchise.
CategoryPlayerStatYear(s)
Career Receiving YardsJulio Jones12,8962011–2020
Career Receiving TDsJulio Jones602011–2020
Single-Season Receiving YardsJulio Jones1,8712015

Defensive Records

Rolland Lawrence leads all Falcons players in career interceptions with 39 from 1973 to 1980, anchoring the secondary during the team's inaugural playoff runs. Deion Sanders, during his Falcons tenure from 1989 to 1993, recorded 24 interceptions, including a franchise-record six in , leveraging his speed for game-changing returns. On the pass rush front, holds the career sacks record with 68.5 from 2006 to 2012, his relentless pressure contributing to 42.5 sacks in a four-year peak from 2008 to 2011.
CategoryPlayerStatYear(s)
Career InterceptionsRolland Lawrence391973–1980
Career Sacks68.52006–2012
Single-Season InterceptionsScott Case101988

Special Teams Records

, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, set a Falcons career field goals made mark with 184 during his stints from 1995 to 2000 and 2006 to 2007, including the iconic 38-yard overtime kick in the that propelled Atlanta to the . Andersen's reliability helped the team in close contests, converting 77.6% of his attempts with the Falcons. holds the franchise record with 242 field goals made from 2009 to 2020. In the 2020s, emerged as a precision kicker, achieving an 85.8% career through 2024 (181 of 211), second in franchise history and notable for his consistency under pressure, including a 90.5% success rate from 50+ yards. As of November 18, 2025, Koo's career stands at 84.5% (195/231).
CategoryPlayerStatYear(s)
Career Field Goals MadeMatt Bryant2422009–2020
Career Scoring (Points)Matt Bryant1,1632009–2020
Single-Season Field Goal % (min. 20 att.)Younghoe Koo91.7% (33/36)2020

Personnel

Current Roster

As of December 11, 2025, the Atlanta Falcons hold a 4-9 record heading into Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with recent roster adjustments including the elevation of quarterback Easton Stick to the backup role after placing Michael Penix Jr. on injured reserve. The active 53-man roster emphasizes a balanced offense led by quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Bijan Robinson, while the defense features new draft additions like edge rusher James Pearce Jr. and linebacker Jalon Walker to bolster pass rush and coverage.

Offense

The quarterback position is headed by Kirk Cousins as the starter, signed as a free agent in 2024, with Easton Stick serving as the primary backup following the placement of rookie Michael Penix Jr. (selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft) on injured reserve with a knee injury on November 17, 2025; additional depth includes Emory Jones on injured reserve. At running back, Bijan Robinson anchors the group as the lead back, supported by Tyler Allgeier for change-of-pace duties. Wide receivers are led by (out for Week 15 with a knee injury) as the primary target, complemented by for speed and route-running versatility, with and providing rotational and return roles. (questionable for Week 15) serves as the starting pass-catching threat, while handles blocking responsibilities. The offensive line features left tackle Jake Matthews as a veteran anchor, alongside center and guards and , with depth from Ryan Neuzil and others; right tackle is currently on injured reserve.

Defense

On the defensive line, (questionable for Week 15) and form the interior starting duo, focused on run stopping and interior pressure, with rotational players like Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus (questionable for Week 15). The edge rush group includes starter for veteran leadership, joined by 2025 first-round draft pick James Pearce Jr. from for explosive pass-rushing potential, as well as and DeAngelo Malone. Linebackers are captained by as the starting middle linebacker, emphasizing tackling and coverage, with support from JD Bertrand and Josh Woods; fellow 2025 first-rounder Jalon Walker (questionable for Week 15) from Georgia contributes on the edge and in coverage. In the secondary, anchors the outside as the top cover corner, paired with Mike Hughes, while nickel depth includes ; is on injured reserve. The safety tandem consists of Jessie Bates III as the free safety playmaker and 2025 third-round pick Xavier Watts from Notre Dame starting at strong safety for added range.

Special Teams

Kicker , a veteran signed on November 4, 2025, handles field goals and extra points following the team's kicking instability this season. remains the specialist for net punting and coverage, while Liam McCullough provides consistent snaps.

Injured Reserve and Practice Squad

The injured reserve includes notable players such as quarterback (knee, placed November 17, 2025), quarterback (earlier in season), offensive lineman (knee), cornerback (hamstring), and edge defender (undisclosed), impacting depth at key positions. The 17-player features developmental talent like quarterback and Chris Blair, along with offensive lineman Ryan Hayes, offering elevation options for injuries or performance needs; recently, quarterback was elevated to the active roster. No major roster transactions were reported immediately following Week 11 beyond the quarterback changes.

Offense

The quarterback position is headed by Kirk Cousins as the starter, signed as a free agent in 2024, with Easton Stick serving as the primary backup following the placement of rookie Michael Penix Jr. (selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft) on injured reserve with a knee injury on November 17, 2025; additional depth includes Emory Jones on injured reserve. At running back, Bijan Robinson anchors the group as the lead back, supported by Tyler Allgeier for change-of-pace duties. Wide receivers are led by (week-to-week with knee injury as of November 17, 2025) as the primary target, complemented by for speed and route-running versatility, with and providing rotational and return roles. serves as the starting pass-catching threat, while handles blocking responsibilities. The offensive line features left tackle Jake Matthews as a veteran anchor, alongside center and guards and , with depth from Ryan Neuzil and others; right tackle is currently on injured reserve.

Defense

On the defensive line, and form the interior starting duo, focused on run stopping and interior pressure, with rotational players like Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus. The edge rush group includes starter for veteran leadership, joined by 2025 first-round draft pick James Pearce Jr. from for explosive pass-rushing potential, as well as and DeAngelo Malone. Linebackers are captained by as the starting middle linebacker, emphasizing tackling and coverage, with support from JD Bertrand and Josh Woods; fellow 2025 first-rounder Jalon Walker from Georgia contributes on the edge and in coverage. In the secondary, anchors the outside as the top cover corner, paired with Mike Hughes, while nickel depth includes ; is on injured reserve. The safety tandem consists of Jessie Bates III as the free safety playmaker and 2025 third-round pick Xavier Watts from Notre Dame starting at strong safety for added range.

Special Teams

Kicker , a veteran signed on November 4, 2025, handles field goals and extra points following the team's kicking instability this season. remains the specialist for net punting and coverage, while Liam McCullough provides consistent snaps.

Injured Reserve and Practice Squad

The injured reserve includes notable players such as quarterback (knee, placed November 17, 2025), quarterback (earlier in season), offensive lineman (knee), cornerback (hamstring), and edge defender (undisclosed), impacting depth at key positions. The 17-player features developmental talent like quarterback and Chris Blair, along with offensive lineman Ryan Hayes, offering elevation options for injuries or performance needs; recently, quarterback was elevated to the active roster. No major roster transactions were reported immediately following Week 11 beyond the quarterback changes.

Coaching Staff

Following the 2025 season, head coach Raheem Morris was relieved of his duties, resulting in a vacancy for the position. The Falcons completed an interview with Kevin Stefanski, the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns, for the head coach role. The Atlanta Falcons' coaching staff in 2025 was led by , who was hired on January 25, 2024, following three seasons as for the from 2021 to 2023. Morris, a former defensive backs coach and interim with the Falcons in 2020, has emphasized building a winning culture centered on accountability and player development since taking the role. Under his leadership, the team has a 3-7 record through ten games in the 2025 season. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson joined the staff in 2024 after serving as quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams from 2020 to 2023, bringing experience from a high-powered offense under Sean McVay. Robinson, a former Oklahoma State quarterback influenced by air-raid principles during his playing career, has implemented a scheme featuring pre-snap motion, shifts, and controlled chaos to support quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was appointed on January 18, 2025, after four years with the , where he coached linebackers and served as interim in 2024. Drawing from his Jets tenure, Ulbrich employs a zone-heavy defensive scheme that emphasizes coverage flexibility and pass disruption, contributing to an improved Falcons defense early in the season. Special teams coordinator Marquice Williams returns for his third season with the Falcons, focusing on return game efficiency and coverage units. The position coaches include offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, running backs coach D.J. Williams, wide receivers coach , tight ends coach , defensive line coach Nate Ollie, outside linebackers coach Mike Rutenberg, inside linebackers coach , and secondary coach , among others. Entering the 2025 season, ranked the Falcons' overall coaching staff 25th in the NFL, citing continuity on offense but questions about defensive integration.

Pro Football Hall of Famers

The franchise has produced or been home to several players inducted into the , recognizing their exceptional contributions to the sport, including standout performances during their tenures in . These inductees highlight the team's history of defensive prowess, offensive innovation, and special teams excellence, with many earning accolades that bolstered the ' competitive edge in the NFC. While some Hall of Famers spent only brief periods with the , others anchored the roster for multiple seasons, leaving lasting legacies in franchise and playoff runs. Claude Humphrey, a defensive end who played for the Falcons from 1968 to 1978, was inducted in 2014 after a long wait as a senior candidate. Drafted third overall in 1968, Humphrey recorded 97 sacks (unofficial stat at the time) during his Atlanta career, anchoring a defense that helped the team reach the playoffs in 1978. He earned six selections and two first-team honors, establishing himself as one of the NFL's premier pass rushers of the . Deion Sanders, known as "Prime Time," joined the Falcons as the fifth overall pick in 1989 and played through 1993, earning induction in 2011. As a and , Sanders set multiple club records in his rookie season, including five interceptions and a 79-yard punt return touchdown, while contributing to 10 total touchdowns via returns, picks, and receptions. His dynamic play helped the Falcons improve defensively, earning him two nods and the 1989 Defensive Rookie of the Year award during his Atlanta stint. Morten Andersen, the NFL's all-time leading scorer at the time of his retirement, spent the bulk of his 13 seasons with the Falcons in two stints (1982–1984 and 1995–2006), leading to his 2017 induction. He connected on 302 of 389 s, including a franchise-record-tying 59-yarder, and amassed 806 points, the most in team history. Andersen's clutch kicking, such as the game-winning in the , earned him seven Pro Bowls and six selections while with Atlanta. Tony Gonzalez, widely regarded as the greatest in history, played for the Falcons from 2009 to 2013 after a trade from Kansas City, culminating in his 2019 first-ballot induction. In Atlanta, he recorded 409 receptions for 4,441 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading the team in receiving during his tenure and helping secure playoff appearances in 2010 and 2012. Gonzalez's route-running precision and blocking elevated the Falcons' passing attack, adding six honors to his resume over those years. Several other Hall of Famers had shorter associations with the Falcons but contributed notably in limited time. , inducted in 1999, rushed for 536 yards in 1993, providing a spark to the backfield. Tommy McDonald, a 1998 inductee, caught 20 passes for 248 yards in 1967 as one of the team's early stars. Mike Haynes, enshrined in 1997, intercepted two passes in six games during the 1986 season, bolstering a secondary en route to the playoffs. , inducted in 2016, appeared in two games as a in 1991, throwing his first touchdown pass. , a 2012 inductee, recorded 10 sacks in 1994–1995, aiding defensive efforts in consecutive playoff pushes. , inducted as a contributor in 2018 for his executive career, served as the Falcons' player personnel director from 1968 to 1971, laying groundwork for future success.

Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor

The Atlanta Falcons was established in 2004 to recognize individuals who made significant contributions to the franchise's history, serving as the team's highest individual honor for retired players and key figures. Initially located at the , the display was relocated to following the venue's opening in 2017, with a redesigned concourse exhibit unveiled in 2021 to better showcase inductees' plaques and memorabilia. As of 2025, the includes 14 members, primarily former players who excelled during their Falcons tenures, along with team ownership. Induction criteria focus on retired Falcons greats whose on-field performance, longevity, or off-field impact left a lasting legacy, such as leading the team to playoffs or setting franchise records. Notable inductees include Matt Ryan, enshrined in after retiring following the 2022 season, where he held franchise records for passing yards (59,735) and touchdowns (367) over 14 years, culminating in a 2016 NFC Championship appearance. Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank joined in , honored for his transformative leadership since purchasing the team in 2002, including overseeing two appearances and the construction of . Earlier selections, like Tommy Nobis from the inaugural 2004 class, highlight foundational figures who anchored the defense in the team's early years from 1966 onward. Ceremonies typically occur during home games at , featuring halftime tributes with video highlights, speeches, and fan acknowledgments to celebrate the inductee's career. For instance, Ryan's 2024 induction against the included a pre-game event and his plaque unveiling in the concourse, emphasizing his role in revitalizing the franchise. Blank's ceremony in September 2024 similarly highlighted his philanthropy and business acumen alongside on-field successes. These events underscore the Ring of Honor's role in preserving Falcons heritage, with plaques displayed prominently for fans to view year-round. Notable exclusions include controversial figures like quarterback Michael Vick, whose 2001–2006 tenure brought excitement but was marred by a 2007 dogfighting scandal leading to his arrest, NFL suspension, and felony conviction, factors cited in ongoing debates against his potential induction. Some Ring of Honor members, such as defensive lineman Claude Humphrey and cornerback Deion Sanders, also overlap with recognition for their broader NFL impact.

Broadcasting

Radio Coverage

The Atlanta Falcons' radio broadcasts are carried on the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network, with 92.9 The Game (WZGC-FM) serving as the flagship station since the 2015 season. Prior to this, WQXI-AM (790 The Zone) held the flagship role from 2011 to 2014, marking a return to that frequency after it originally broadcast Falcons games in the team's early years starting in 1966. The network provides comprehensive coverage of all regular season, preseason, and postseason games, including pregame, halftime, and postgame analysis. The primary broadcast team features handling play-by-play duties since joining the Falcons in 2004, alongside color analyst Dave Archer, a former Falcons who has been part of the team since that same year. Studio hosting for pregame and postgame segments is led by Grant McAuley, who joined the network in 2025 to guide overall studio coverage. The Falcons Radio Network extends across multiple states, with 49 affiliates primarily in the Southeast. In Georgia, broadcasts reach cities such as (WRFC-AM 960), Savannah (WSGF-AM 1280), and numerous others including Albany, Columbus, and Macon. Affiliates also include stations in (e.g., Birmingham on WYDE-AM 101.1 FM), (e.g., Jackson on WZAT-AM 1380), (e.g., Greenville on WYRD-AM 1280), and (e.g., Chattanooga on WDEF-AM 1100). Spanish-language coverage of Falcons games is available locally on La Mejor 105.3 FM (WAOS-FM), providing play-by-play and analysis for the market. National Spanish audio feeds are also accessible via SiriusXM and other platforms.

Television and Streaming

The Falcons' games are broadcast nationally through the 's media partnerships, which include , , , /ABC, , and , under long-term agreements extending through the 2033 season. These deals allocate specific game types to each network: Sunday afternoon games featuring NFC teams like the Falcons are primarily carried by , while inter-conference matchups against AFC opponents air on ; primetime slots include Sunday Night Football on , on /ABC, and on . In the 2025 season, the Falcons have seven games scheduled on , three on , two each on and , one on , and one on Prime Video. Locally in the Atlanta market, Falcons games are available on over-the-air affiliates of these networks. The FOX affiliate WAGA-TV (channel 5) carries all local Sunday afternoon FOX broadcasts, including preseason games, while the CBS affiliate WUPA-TV (channel 69) airs CBS-designated regular-season contests. NBC affiliate (channel 11) and ABC affiliate (channel 2) handle primetime games on those networks, with availability subject to the NFL's blackout rules, though none have been enforced in Atlanta since 1974. Playoff games follow similar network assignments, with local access via the same affiliates when the Falcons qualify. Streaming options have expanded access to Falcons games, particularly for cord-cutters and out-of-market viewers. NFL+ provides live streams of local and primetime regular-season and postseason games, along with out-of-market preseason contests, condensed game replays, and ad-free viewing for Premium subscribers at $14.99 per month or $99.99 annually. games can be streamed via Paramount+ (Essential plan at $7.99/month or Premium at $12.99/month, including live local feeds), through the FOX Sports app with TV provider authentication, and / content on Peacock ($10.99/month) or the ESPN app, respectively. streams exclusively for Prime members ($14.99/month), while on ($349/season) offers out-of-market Sunday afternoon games for non-local viewers. Mobile apps like the NFL app and Atlanta Falcons app also deliver live audio, highlights, and select video content, with in-market restrictions applying to video streams.

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