Early Years and Establishment (1965-1977)
The Atlanta Falcons were established in 1965 as an expansion team in the National Football League (NFL). The franchise was awarded to Rankin Smith, Sr., an insurance executive, who paid $8.5 million, setting a new record for the highest price paid for a professional sports franchise at the time. The team’s inaugural season began in 1966, and their first game was played on September 11 against the Los Angeles Rams, resulting in a 19-14 loss. The Falcons finished their first season with a 3-11 record under head coach Norb Hecker.
In the early years, the Falcons struggled to find their footing, both in terms of management and performance. They went through several head coaches and quarterbacks, with very little on-field success to show for it. The team’s first major star was linebacker Tommy Nobis, who was the first player drafted by the Falcons and went on to become a five-time Pro Bowler.
Rise to Competitiveness (1978-1990)
The late 1970s saw the Falcons begin to turn things around. In 1978, under head coach Leeman Bennett, the team made their first playoff appearance, finishing the regular season with a 9-7 record. The Falcons defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round, marking their first playoff win. However, they lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional round.
The 1980 season was a breakthrough year for the Falcons. They finished with a 12-4 record, their best to that point, and won the NFC West division title. However, their playoff run was short-lived as they lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional round again.
The mid-1980s were marked by inconsistency, but the Falcons continued to build a solid team. One notable player from this era was Gerald Riggs, a running back who set numerous team records.
The Glanville Era and Return to Playoffs (1991-1996)
In 1990, Jerry Glanville was hired as head coach, bringing a flamboyant personality and a tough defensive mindset to the team. Under Glanville, the Falcons made a playoff appearance in 1991, finishing the season 10-6. They won a thrilling Wild Card game against the New Orleans Saints but were defeated by the Washington Redskins in the Divisional round.
Despite Glanville’s efforts, the team struggled to maintain consistent success and failed to make the playoffs again during his tenure, leading to his departure in 1993.
The Arrival of Dan Reeves and the Super Bowl Run (1997-2003)
In 1997, Dan Reeves was hired as head coach, marking the beginning of a new era for the Falcons. Reeves, a seasoned coach with previous success in Denver, quickly made an impact. The 1998 season was historic for the franchise. Led by quarterback Chris Chandler and running back Jamal Anderson, the Falcons finished with a 14-2 record, the best in team history. They won the NFC Championship game against the Minnesota Vikings in a dramatic overtime victory, earning their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
In Super Bowl XXXIII, the Falcons faced the Denver Broncos, coached by former Falcons head coach Dan Reeves. Despite a valiant effort, the Falcons were defeated 34-19. The Super Bowl run, however, established the Falcons as a formidable team in the NFL.
The Michael Vick Era (2001-2006)
The 2001 NFL Draft saw the Falcons select Michael Vick as the first overall pick. Vick brought a unique skill set to the quarterback position with his exceptional speed and arm strength, revitalizing the franchise. In 2002, the Falcons made the playoffs and won a stunning victory against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, marking the first time the Packers had lost a home playoff game.
Vick’s tenure with the Falcons was marked by exciting play and several playoff appearances, but it was also marred by injuries and off-field controversies. In 2007, Vick was implicated in an illegal dogfighting ring, leading to his suspension and eventual imprisonment. The scandal left the team in disarray and forced them to rebuild once again.
The Matt Ryan Era and Renewed Success (2008-present)
In 2008, the Falcons drafted quarterback Matt Ryan with the third overall pick, signaling a new chapter for the franchise. Under head coach Mike Smith, Ryan led the Falcons to immediate success. They made the playoffs in Ryan’s rookie year with an 11-5 record. Over the next several years, Ryan and the Falcons consistently performed well, making multiple playoff appearances.
The 2016 season was particularly significant. Under head coach Dan Quinn and with an explosive offense led by Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones, and running back Devonta Freeman, the Falcons finished 11-5 and won the NFC South. They advanced to Super Bowl LI, where they faced the New England Patriots. The game is remembered for the Falcons’ heartbreaking loss after leading 28-3 in the third quarter, only to fall 34-28 in overtime.
Despite the Super Bowl setback, Ryan continued to establish himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and the Falcons remained competitive, regularly contending for playoff spots.
Trophies and Notable Achievements
- NFC Championship (2)
- 1998: Defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl XXXIII.
- 2016: Defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl LI.
- NFC West Division Titles (2)
- 1980: Finished the regular season with a 12-4 record.
- 1998: Finished the regular season with a 14-2 record.
- NFC South Division Titles (4)
- 2004: Finished the regular season with an 11-5 record.
- 2010: Finished the regular season with a 13-3 record.
- 2012: Finished the regular season with a 13-3 record.
- 2016: Finished the regular season with an 11-5 record.
- Playoff Appearances (14)
- 1978, 1980, 1982, 1991, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017.
The Atlanta Falcons’ history is marked by periods of struggle, resilience, and moments of triumph. From their early years of growing pains to the heights of Super Bowl appearances, the Falcons have built a legacy of perseverance and competitiveness in the NFL. The team’s loyal fan base continues to support them as they strive for future success and that elusive first Super Bowl victory.