The PSL Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are members of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division in the National Football League (NFL). The Falcons have played their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta since 2017, having previously played at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium from 1966 to 1991 and the Georgia Dome from 1992 to 2016.
History
The Atlanta Falcons were founded in 1965 as an expansion team in the NFL. They began play in 1966 as a member of the NFL’s Western Conference. Their first season was a struggle, as expansion teams often fare poorly in their inaugural seasons. They went 3-11 that year. However, the team showed steady improvement over the next few seasons. In 1971, just their 6th season, they finished 7-6-1 and made their first playoff appearance.
Notable Players in Falcons History
Some of the most famous and impactful players in Falcons history include:
- Steve Bartkowski – Quarterback, 1975-1985 – Had over 23,000 passing yards for the Falcons. Went to 2 Pro Bowls.
- William Andrews – Running Back, 1979-1983, 1986 – Made 4 Pro Bowls, including over 1,000 rushing yards in 3 straight seasons from 1979-1981.
- Claude Humphrey – Defensive End, 1968-1978 – Falcons Hall of Famer who made 6 Pro Bowls with the team.
- Jessie Tuggle – Linebacker, 1987-2000 – 5-time Pro Bowler and one of the greatest defensive players in Falcons history.
- Michael Vick – Quarterback, 2001-2006 – Dynamic quarterback who took the league by storm. Went to 3 Pro Bowls with Atlanta.
- Matt Ryan – Quarterback, 2008-Present – Franchise’s all-time passing leader and 2016 NFL MVP.
- Julio Jones – Wide Receiver, 2011-2020 – 7-time Pro Bowler and holds many of the franchise’s receiving records.
Playoff Struggles
Despite having some great teams and players over the decades, the Falcons struggled to find much playoff success in their early history. Their first playoff win did not come until the 1978 season. Between 1978 and 2012, they won just 5 playoff games total.
This led to a reputation of postseason struggles, which the team finally shed during Matt Ryan and Mike Smith’s tenure from 2008-2012. The Falcons made the playoffs in 4 of those 5 seasons, securing their first back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history. This stretch included their first 2 playoff victories under Ryan and Smith in 2012, sending them to that year’s NFC Championship game.
Super Bowl LI
In 2016, the Falcons put together their best season ever under head coach Dan Quinn. They went 11-5 in the regular season and Matt Ryan won NFL MVP. Ryan, Julio Jones, and the high-powered Falcons offense steamrolled through the playoffs. They beat the Seahawks and Packers to win the NFC and advance to Super Bowl LI.
In the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, the Falcons infamously held a 28-3 lead late in the 3rd quarter. However, the Patriots engineered a furious comeback led by Tom Brady. The game went to overtime, where the Patriots completed the rally to win 34-28. The epic collapse will live on as one of the worst choke-jobs in sports history.
Home Stadium
The Falcons have called three different stadiums home in their history:
Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (1966-1991)
This was Atlanta’s major outdoor multi-purpose stadium from 1965 to 1992. Both the Falcons and the MLB’s Atlanta Braves played their home games there. It had a football seating capacity of 59,000.
Georgia Dome (1992-2016)
The Georgia Dome was a domed stadium in downtown Atlanta next to the Georgia World Congress Center. It had a capacity of 71,000 for football. This was the Falcons’ home from the time it opened in 1992 until 2016. It hosted Super Bowl XXVIII and XXXIV, along with many other major events.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (2017-Present)
In 2014, the Falcons announced plans for a new retractable roof stadium to replace the Georgia Dome. Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in 2017 in time for the Falcons’ 2017 NFL season. Some key facts about Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
- Cost $1.6 billion to build
- Capacity of 71,000 for NFL games, expandable to 75,000
- Features a one-of-a-kind retractable roof inspired by the oculus in the Pantheon of Rome
- Hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019
- Designed to allow in more natural light and integrate with the surrounding downtown Atlanta environment
Ownership and Executives
Ownership
The Falcons have had stable ownership for most of their history. Here are the key owners:
- Rankin Smith Sr. – The founding owner in 1965. Owned the team until his death in 1997.
- Taylor Smith – Son of Rankin Smith. Took over after his father died through 2001.
- Arthur Blank – Purchased the team from the Smith family in 2002. Still owns the team today.
Arthur Blank is a co-founder of Home Depot and owns many other business ventures. He also owns MLS’s Atlanta United FC.
Notable Executives
Some key executives who shaped the Falcons franchise:
- Frank Wall – General manager from team’s founding through 1973. Lead executive for building the expansion team.
- Dan Reeves – Head coach from 1997-2003. Most successful coach before Mike Smith, lead Falcons to Super Bowl XXXIII.
- Thomas Dimitroff – General manager since 2008. Architect of Falcons most successful era and 2016 Super Bowl team.
- Rich McKay – Team president and CEO since 2003. Longest tenured team president in Falcons history.
Logo and Uniforms
Red and black have always been the Falcons’ colors. They have had essentially the same logo since the team began, with only minor tweaks over the years. It consists of the famous Falcon holding a football in its talons.
Their uniforms have changed several times, with the Falcons mixing up their jersey and pants combinations over the decades. Some notable uniforms:
- 1966-2003 – Variations of red/white jerseys and white pants. The classic falcon logo helmet.
- 2003-2020 – Introduced black jerseys and alternate black pants. Changed to a more modern streamlined falcon logo.
- 2020-Present – Return to a classic uniform style reminiscent of the 1966 teams. Modernized version of the original helmet falcon logo.
Rivalries
The Falcons have rivalries with each of their NFC South division opponents:
New Orleans Saints
Definitely the Falcons’ biggest and most intense rivalry. As the Saints’ chief divisional opponent since 1970, the two teams battle fiercely twice a year with the division crown often on the line. Some key moments in the rivalry:
- 1991 – First ever playoff matchup between the teams ended in a classic 27-20 Saints win.
- 2006 – Falcons defeated the Saints in New Orleans in first game back in Superdome post-Katrina.
- 2010 – Saints defeated Falcons in Georgia Dome to clinch division and continue march to their first Super Bowl win.
- 2012 – Falcons defeated Brees and the Saints to clinch first #1 playoff seed in team history.
Overall, the series is closely contested with the Falcons leading all-time 53-51 (including playoffs). But the Saints have had more success overall, including winning Super Bowl XLIV. The rivalry remains heated with the two often battling for first place.
Carolina Panthers
An intense rivalry that began in 1995 when the Panthers first joined the league as an expansion team. As division opponents since then, they fight for playoff spots and division titles. Some key moments:
- 2008 – Falcons defeated Panthers in Week 17 to clinch a playoff spot in Mike Smith’s first year as coach.
- 2012 – Panthers won 35-27 in Atlanta to clinch NFC South, part of their surge to NFC title game.
- 2015 – Undefeated Panthers defeated Atlanta to clinch NFC South and remain perfect 14-0.
- 2020 – Falcons defeated Panthers in primetime Thursday night game 25-17 behind 78 rushing yards from Todd Gurley.
The Falcons lead the all-time series 34-20. Both teams have made Super Bowl appearances since the rivalry began.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs joined the Falcons in the NFC South in 2002, instantly brewing a new rivalry. The two compete for division titles and wildcard spots. Some notable moments:
- 2002 – Bucs won in overtime in Atlanta on way to their Super Bowl XXXVII title.
- 2007 – Falcons defeated Tampa Bay to clinch final playoff spot on last day of the season.
- 2020 – Tom Brady led the Bucs to sweep the Falcons as Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl.
The Falcons narrowly lead the all-time series 30-28. But the Bucs have won 2 Super Bowls (XXXVII, LV) since the rivalry began.
Community Impact
The Falcons franchise emphasizes community outreach and philanthropy. Some examples of their initiatives and partnerships:
- Arthur Blank Foundation – Owner Blank’s charitable foundation that has given away over $400 million to charitable causes.
- Blank Family of Businesses Community Fund – Provides grants to community non-profit organizations.
- Falcons Fitness Zones – Building exercise facilities and spaces for kids in Georgia communities.
- Support Our Troops – Year-round efforts honoring and supporting military service members and veterans.
- Youth Health and Wellness Clinics – Free health screenings and information for Atlanta-area kids.
Through their extensive community outreach, focus on youth health, and partnerships throughout Georgia, the Falcons aim to be active leaders and catalysts for change beyond just football. Their community involvement makes a positive difference throughout the state.
Conclusion
That covers the key facts and history of the Atlanta Falcons franchise. From their humble beginnings in the 1960s as an expansion team to their current standing today with a cutting-edge new stadium and highly competitive team, the Falcons have become an important part of the Atlanta community and the fabric of the NFL. They have rich history and traditions, intense rivalries with their fellow NFC South teams, and a commitment to community outreach. The Falcons figure to continue as a cornerstone NFL franchise in Atlanta and the South for many years to come.