The Atlanta Falcons, one of the National Football League's (NFL) most enduring franchises, have a rich and varied history that spans over five decades. Since their inception in 1966, the Falcons have experienced a mix of highs and lows, shaping their current standing in the NFL.
Early Years and Franchise History
The Falcons were awarded their franchise on June 30, 1965, by the NFL, marking a significant milestone in Atlanta's sports history. The team was named by a school teacher from Griffin, Georgia, who described the falcon as 'proud and dignified, with great courage and fight. It never drops its prey. It is deadly and has a great sporting tradition'.
In their inaugural season in 1966, the Falcons, under the leadership of their first head coach Norb Hecker, struggled, losing their first nine games before securing their first win against the New York Giants. They finished the season with a 3-11 record, tying an expansion team first-season record at the time.
Notable Seasons and Achievements
One of the most successful seasons in Falcons history came in 1998 when the team, led by coach Dan Reeves, achieved a 14-2 record and won the NFC West. They advanced to Super Bowl XXXIII, where they ultimately lost to the Denver Broncos.
In the 2016 season, the Falcons had another standout year, finishing with an 11-5 record and winning the NFC South. Under the leadership of coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Matt Ryan, they reached Super Bowl LI, where they suffered a heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots after a historic comeback.
Recent Performance and Current Standing
Over the last 20 seasons, the Falcons have had a mixed record, with some notable highs and lows. Since 2005, they have accumulated a record of 155-156, including several playoff appearances and division titles. In the 2016 season, they had a remarkable 11-5 record, but in other years, such as 2007 and 2013, they struggled with 4-12 records.
As of the 2023 season, the Falcons have an all-time regular season record of 390 wins, 503 losses, and 6 ties, which is the fifth-worst all-time regular season record among active franchises. They have made the playoffs 14 times and have a postseason record of 10-14.
The Falcons currently play in the NFC South and have recently shown signs of resurgence, though they still face significant challenges. For instance, in a recent game, they managed to come back and beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, highlighted by a strong performance from quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Home and Facilities
The Falcons have had several home stadiums throughout their history. They played at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium until 1991 and then moved to the Georgia Dome, which was one of the finest indoor stadiums at the time. In 2017, they transitioned to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility with a retractable roof, located on the same grounds as the Georgia Dome.
For more detailed information on the Atlanta Falcons' history, including their season-by-season records and notable players, you can explore their comprehensive team history.
