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The '''Atlanta Failcons''' are a professional [[American football]] team based in [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. They are a member of the [[NFC South|South Division]] of the [[National Football Conference]] (NFC) in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). The Failcons play their home games at the [[Georgia Dome]] in downtown Atlanta and their state of the art headquarters and practice facilities or located at a 50-acre site in Flowery Branch, Ga.<ref>'''Atlanta Falcons Corporate Headquarters and Training Facility''' http://www.claycorp.com/p/369/atlanta-falcons-corporate-headquarters-training/</ref> The Falcons joined the NFL in 1965<ref name="atlantafalcons1">http://media.atlantafalcons.com/assets/History_Section.pdf</ref> 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). The AFL instead granted a franchise to [[Miami, Florida]] (the [[Miami Lolphins]]). In their 45 years of existence, the Falcons have compiled a record of 298–402–6 with division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, and 2010. Their only Super Bowl appearance was [[Super Bowl XXXIII]].
The '''Atlanta Falcons''' are a professional [[American football]] team based in [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. They are a member of the [[NFC South|South Division]] of the [[National Football Conference]] (NFC) in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). The Failcons play their home games at the [[Georgia Dome]] in downtown Atlanta and their state of the art headquarters and practice facilities or located at a 50-acre site in Flowery Branch, Ga.<ref>'''Atlanta Falcons Corporate Headquarters and Training Facility''' http://www.claycorp.com/p/369/atlanta-falcons-corporate-headquarters-training/</ref> The Falcons joined the NFL in 1965<ref name="atlantafalcons1">http://media.atlantafalcons.com/assets/History_Section.pdf</ref> 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). The AFL instead granted a franchise to [[Miami, Florida]] (the [[Miami Lolphins]]). In their 45 years of existence, the Falcons have compiled a record of 298–402–6 with division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, and 2010. Their only Super Bowl appearance was [[Super Bowl XXXIII]].


Over the last four years the Falcons under General Manager [[Thomas Dimitroff]], Head Coach [[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]], and Quarterback [[Matt Ryan]] have been one of the hottest franchises in the NFC. Since the start of the 2008 season, the Falcons have recorded four consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. They lead the NFC in number of wins during that period with 43. Mike Smith’s 43-21 regular-season record in that span is the fifth-best in the league.<ref>http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/giants/gotham_own_CmFwTAiMOkWmDWAEdYcD4N?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=</ref> The Falcons had the NFL'S second best winning percentage at home during the period of 2008 to 2010 with a .833 percentage. The Falcons have qualified for the playoffs three times (2008, 2010 and 2011) during this period.<ref name="atlantafalcons2">http://www.atlantafalcons.com/roster-staffs/arthur-blank/</ref>
Over the last four years the Falcons under General Manager [[Thomas Dimitroff]], Head Coach [[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]], and Quarterback [[Matt Ryan]] have been one of the hottest franchises in the NFC. Since the start of the 2008 season, the Falcons have recorded four consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. They lead the NFC in number of wins during that period with 43. Mike Smith’s 43-21 regular-season record in that span is the fifth-best in the league.<ref>http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/giants/gotham_own_CmFwTAiMOkWmDWAEdYcD4N?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=</ref> The Falcons had the NFL'S second best winning percentage at home during the period of 2008 to 2010 with a .833 percentage. The Falcons have qualified for the playoffs three times (2008, 2010 and 2011) during this period.<ref name="atlantafalcons2">http://www.atlantafalcons.com/roster-staffs/arthur-blank/</ref>

Revision as of 04:37, 11 January 2012

Atlanta Falcons
Current season
Atlanta Falcons helmet
Atlanta Falcons helmet
Atlanta Falcons logo
Atlanta Falcons logo
HelmetLogo
Established 1966
Play in Georgia Dome
Atlanta, Georgia
Headquartered in Flowery Branch, Georgia
League / conference affiliations
National Football League (1966–present)
Uniforms
File:NFCS-Uniform-ATL.PNG
Team colorsRed, Black, White, Silver        
MascotFreddie Falcon
Personnel
Owner(s)Arthur Blank (90%)
State of Georgia(10%)
CEORich McKay
PresidentRich McKay
General managerThomas Dimitroff
Head coachMike Smith
Team history
  • Atlanta Falcons (1966–present)
Championships
League championships (0)
Conference championships (1)
  • NFC: 1998
Division championships (4)
  • NFC West: 1980, 1998
  • NFC South: 2004, 2010
Playoff appearances (11)
  • NFL: 1978, 1980, 1982, 1991, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2011
Home fields

The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The Failcons play their home games at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta and their state of the art headquarters and practice facilities or located at a 50-acre site in Flowery Branch, Ga.[1] The Falcons joined the NFL in 1965[2] 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). The AFL instead granted a franchise to Miami, Florida (the Miami Lolphins). In their 45 years of existence, the Falcons have compiled a record of 298–402–6 with division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, and 2010. Their only Super Bowl appearance was Super Bowl XXXIII.

Over the last four years the Falcons under General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, Head Coach Mike Smith, and Quarterback Matt Ryan have been one of the hottest franchises in the NFC. Since the start of the 2008 season, the Falcons have recorded four consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. They lead the NFC in number of wins during that period with 43. Mike Smith’s 43-21 regular-season record in that span is the fifth-best in the league.[3] The Falcons had the NFL'S second best winning percentage at home during the period of 2008 to 2010 with a .833 percentage. The Falcons have qualified for the playoffs three times (2008, 2010 and 2011) during this period.[4]

Ownership

The Atlanta Falcons Football Team is owned by business man Arthur Blank, and the state of Georgia. Arthur Blank who purchased the team on February 2002 owns 90% of the franchise and the state of Georgia owns the remaining 10% of the franchise.[5] He was born and raised in Flushing, New York. Blank graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York City and went on to attend Babson College, where he graduated with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and accounting. He also received an honorary degree from Furman University. In 1978, Blank co-founded Home Depot with Bernie Marcus. New York investment banker Ken Langone assembled the initial group of investors. Blank spent 19 years as the company's president before succeeding Marcus as CEO. Blank retired from the company in 2001 as co-chairman.[6]

Board of Advisers

The Atalanta Falcons Adviser Board is made up of eight members: Arthur M. Blank, Henry L. “Hank” Aaron, Steve Bartkowski, Glenda Hatchett, David E. Homrich, Felker W. Ward, Jr., Carl Ware, and Andrew Young (Ambassador).

Executive Committee

As of 2011 the Atlanta Falcons Executive Committee consisted of ten people: Arthur Blank, Owner and Chairman; Rich McKay, President & CEO; Thomas Dimitroff, General Manager; Kim Shreckengost, Executive Vice President/Chief of Staff for AMB Group, LLC; Greg Beadles, Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer; Jim Smith, Chief Marketing Officer; Danny Branch, Vice President of Information Technology; Dave Cohen, Vice President of Sales and Service; Reggie Roberts, Vice President of Football Communications and Tim Zulawski, VP of Sponsorship Sales and Service.

Franchise history

Further information: History of the Atlanta Falcons

In 1965, after a stadium (Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium), was built, the city of Atlanta felt the time was right to start pursuing professional football. One independent group which had been active in NFL exhibition promotions in Atlanta applied for franchises in both the American Football League and the 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.[7]

With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on June 7, 1965, contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city officials. 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.[2] He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues. By June 30, the city picked Rankin Smith and the NFL. Ironically, the Miami Dolphins became a Professional Football powerhouse, winning two Super Bowl Championships, including the perfect season of 1972.

The Atlanta Falcons franchise began on June 30, 1965 when NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle granted ownership to 41 year-old Rankin Smith Sr.. Smith an Executive Vice President of Life Insurance Company of Georgia at the time, paid $8.5 million the highest price in NFL history at the time 1965 for an NFL franchise.[2] Former commissioner Pete 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 franchise became the 15th NFL franchise, and they were awarded the first pick in the 1966 NFL Draft as well as the final pick in each of the first five rounds.[8] The Falcons drafted All-American Linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas with the first pick of the draft, making him the first-ever Falcon. The league also held the 1966 NFL Expansion Draft six weeks later in which the Falcons selected unprotected players from existing franchises. Although the Falcons selected many good players in those drafts, they still were not able to win right away.[2]

The Atlanta Falcons Football Club received its nickname on Aug. 29, 1965. Miss Julia Elliott a school teacher from Griffin, Georgia was singled out from many people who suggested "Falcons" as the Nickname for the new Georgia NFL franchise. She said: “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.”[9]

Notable Seasons

1966 - 1977: The Beginning

The Falcons had their first season in 1966, and their first preseason game on August 1, 1966, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles. Under Head Coach Norb Hecker they lost their first nine regular-season games in 1966 and secured their first victory on the road against the New York Giants. The team finished the 1960s with only 12 wins. The Falcons had their first Monday Night Football game in Atlanta during the 1970 season. The 1971 season was their first with a winning record.

1978 - 1980: The Playoffs

In the 1978 season, the Falcons qualified for the playoffs for the first time and won the Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles 14–13. The following week, they lost to the Dallas Cowboys 27–20 in the Divisional Playoffs.

In 1980, 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 Falcons made the playoffs but lost to the Minnesota Vikings, 30–24. Falcons coach Leeman Bennett was fired after the loss.

1989

In 1989, the Falcons drafted CB Deion Sanders in the first round, who helped them for the next four years, setting many records for the franchise. "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 (the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves) while simultaneously playing in the NFL.

1991 - 1992

The Falcons' 1991 season ended in a divisional playoff loss to the Washington Redskins. In 1991, the Falcons drafted Brett Favre as the thirty-third overall pick. During his rookie season, he played in two games where he amassed a record of 5 passing attempts with 0 receptions and 2 interceptions. The following February, Favre was traded to the Green Bay Packers.

In 1992, the Atlanta Falcons opened a new chapter in their history moving into the newly constructed Georgia Dome.

1998 - 2000: The Dan Reeves Era

1998

Main article: 1998 Atlanta Falcons season

In 1998, under recently acquired head coach Dan Reeves, quarterback Chris Chandler and running back Jamal Anderson the "Dirty Bird" Falcons had their greatest season to date. On November 8, they won 41–10 over the New England Patriots, 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. On January 18, 1999, the Falcons upset the top-seeded 15–1 Vikings at Minnesota in the NFC Championship Game, 30–27 in an epic overtime victory. However, in their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, they were defeated 34–19, by the defending champion Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII.

1999

Main article: 1999 Atlanta Falcons season

In 1999, the Falcons finished the season with a very disappointing 5–11 regular season record. They started the season 0-4 and could never recover.[2]

2000

Main article: 2000 Atlanta Falcons season

In 2000, the Falcons suffered through another horrendous season finishing 4-12 and once again missing the playoffs.

2001 - 2006: The Michael Vick era

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 Tim Dwight and the fifth overall pick (used on running back LaDainian Tomlinson).

2001

Main article: 2001 Atlanta Falcons season

The Falcons finished the 2001 season with a record of 7-9 and missed the playoffs. Longtime fan favorite LB Jessie Tuggle retired following 14 seasons in Atlanta. On December 6, 2001, Arthur M. Blank, the co-founder and retired co-chairman of Atlanta-based Home Depot, reached a preliminary agreement with the Falcons’ Taylor Smith to purchase the team. In a special meeting prior to Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 2, 2002, NFL owners voted unanimously to approve the purchase.[10]

2002

Main article: 2002 Atlanta Falcons season

The Atlanta Falcons began the Arthur Blank era of ownership with a 9–6–1 record and a berth in the playoffs as a Wild Card participant. Blank helped resurrect the excitement in the Georgia Dome with added value to the fans with increased tailgating, parking and entertainment. Every game during the 2002 season was sold out. After beginning the year with a 1–3 head coach Dan Reeves and QB Michael Vick led the Falcons to an NFL-best eight-game unbeaten streak (7–0–1). The Falcons finished the season with a team-record 23 rushing touchdowns and a franchise-best eight games with 30 or more points. LB Keith Brooking set a Falcon career-high with 212 total tackles.

Vick who saw minimal playing time in 2001, playing backup and learning the system under starting QB Chris Chandler, was the named starting quarterback for the 2002 season. The 2002 season was the Falcons first in the more geographically-accurate NFC South. During the 2002 seasons Vick set many records and supplied the media with numerous highlights for the season, including rushing for 173 yards in an overtime win at Minnesota, the highest single-game rushing total for an NFL quarterback ever. The Falcons became the first team in NFL history to claim a playoff win over the Green Bay Packers 27–7 in Lambeau Field.[11][12] Their season ended with a loss to QB Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles 20–6 in the NFC divisional playoffs.[2] Michael Vick and LB Keith Brooking were elected to the NFC Pro Bowl for their performances in the 2002 regular season.[13]

2003

Main article: 2003 Atlanta Falcons season

On March 19, 2003, the Falcons presented their new logo. “The new Atlanta Falcons logo is fresh, strong and dynamic, and yet appreciates the tradition and history of this franchise,” said Falcons owner and CEO Arthur Blank. “The new logo depicts a more powerful, aggressive Falcon – one of fast movement. It is also representative of the evolution and direction of our team.” During the 2003 preseason Michael Vick broke his leg and missed the first twelve games of the season. After losing 7 straight games, the decision was made to release head coach Dan Reeves. Wade Phillips acted as interim coach for the final 3 games. Although the Falcons won 3 of their last 4 games after the return of Michael Vick, they ended up with a dismal 5–11 record that year.

2004

Main article: 2004 Atlanta Falcons season

In 2004, a new head coach Jim L. Mora was hired and Michael Vick returned for the full season, when the Falcons went 11–5, winning their third division title and earn 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, which they lost to the Eagles 27–10.

2005

Main article: 2005 Atlanta Falcons season

The Falcons fell short again of achieving back-to-back winning seasons in 2005, going 8–8.

2006

Main article: 2006 Atlanta Falcons season

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. After finishing the season 7–9, however, coach Jim Mora was dismissed and Bobby Petrino, the University of Louisville's football coach, replaced him. Before the 2007, Vick was suspended indefinitely by the NFL after pleading guilty to charges involving dog fighting in the state of Virginia. On December 10, 2007, Vick received a 23-month prison sentence and was officially cut from the Atlanta roster.

2007: The Lost Year

Main article: 2007 Atlanta Falcons season

In the beginning of the 2007 season, the Falcons were forced to start Joey Harrington at quarterback. 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. Secondary Coach Emmitt Thomas was named interim coach for the final three games of 2007 on December 12. The Falcons ended the year with a dismal 4–12 record.

2008 - Present: Mike Smith/Matt Ryan era

On January 13, 2008, the Falcons named the former Patriots director of college football scouting Thomas Dimitroff General Manager.[14] On January 23, 2008, 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.[15] On March 2, Michael Turner agreed to a 6-year deal worth $30 million.[16] On April 26, Matt Ryan (quarterback from Boston College) was drafted third overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He started all 16 games in his rookie season and was named the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year.[17]

2008

Main article: 2008 Atlanta Falcons season

The Falcons finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 11–5.[18] On December 21, 2008, Atlanta Falcons 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.

2009

Main article: 2009 Atlanta Falcons season

The Atlanta Falcons hold the record among all major American sports leagues for the longest streak of seasons without consecutive winning seasons, a streak that lasted from 1966–2008. Although they failed to make the playoffs in 2009, the streak ended when 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.[4]

2010

Main article: 2010 Atlanta Falcons season

In 2010, with a regular season record of 13–3, their best regular season record since the 1998 Super Bowl season, 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. The Falcons scored 414 points – third-most in franchise history in 2010.[4] The Falcons 2010-2011 team sent an NFL-high and franchise-best nine players to the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl.

2011

Main article: 2011 Atlanta Falcons season

The Falcons made a surprise trade up with the Cleveland Browns in the 2011 NFL Draft to select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. 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.[19] On August 30, 2011, Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King, who correctly predicted the 2011 Super Bowl, made his predictions this year and picked the Falcons to defeat the San Diego Chargers in the 2012 Super Bowl.[20] The Falcons finished the season at 10-6, securing the fifth seed after a home Week 17 beatdown of Tampa Bay in which the Falcons pulled their starters after leading 42-0 just twenty-three minutes into the game.

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 2nd quarter, though, Eli Manning connected with Hakeem Nicks for a short touchdown pass to make it 7-2 Giants heading into the 2nd half. Then the Giants took control, as Manning threw for two more TD passes to Mario Manningham and Nicks and the defense completed its shutout of the Falcons to give "Big Blue" its first home playoff win since 2000, 24-2, and the Falcons their 3rd straight playoff loss with Matt Ryan and Mike Smith.

Logo and uniforms

Atlanta Falcons uniform: 1971–1977
Atlanta Falcons uniform: 1997–2002

When the team debuted 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 2 gold stripes and 2 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 later taken out, 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.

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. The numbers on the white jerseys were black, but were changed to red in 1997.[21] (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.[22] 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.

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 4 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).

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 2 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.

Training Facilities

The Falcons 78,000 square foot headquarters and training facilities or located on a 50-acre site in Flowery Branch, Ga.[23], the complex which was one of the first of its kind was completed in 1999.[24][25] The Falcons’ corporate offices, state-of-the-art training and locker room facilities, a 140-seat auditorium and associated meeting rooms, or located in the two-story headquarters. The site has a 90,000-square foot heated indoor practice facility, Three outdoor NFL natural turf football fields that feature a immediate gravity drainage system, and a complete kitchen and dining facilities for team meals.[25] The rooms are custom designed to fit NFL players. Most of the first floor ceilings are very high and, they have over sized doorways and expansive halls. The seats in the auditorium are very large. Executive, coach and administrative support staff offices are located on the second floor and share a view of the outdoor practice field. There is a sophisticated security system with highly sensitive motion detectors, remote cameras, and the latest in card readers and key pad security locks bind the campus. The dominant exterior finish, is red brick and it showcases a green metal roof system with large overhangs. The centralized glass entry and 2-story main lobby provide elegant but an economical welcome.

In 2005, owner Arthur Blank's $10 million investment in the facility's upgrade gave the players a more relaxing environment and, introduced its players to a training-camp style unlike few in the NFL had seen before.[26] The upgrades featured:

  • Five dormitory-style units for players, coaches and administration.
  • Each housing unit has living space that includes individual bedrooms, a common area, kitchen, and two bathrooms.
  • Amenities building equipped with pool tables, a video room complete with a big screen television, and a large leisure area.
  • The five dormitories are just beyond the practice fields for easy access for players and coaches to the locker room, meeting rooms and offices.

Statistics

Season-by-season records

Main article: List of Atlanta Falcons seasons

Record vs. opponents

Includes postseason records[27]

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

Team W L T Percent Last result Last date Last locale Postseason
San Diego Chargers 7 1 0 .875 W 22–16 Nov 30, 2008 San Diego
Carolina Panthers 22 12 0 .647 W 31-23 Dec 12, 2011 Charlotte
New York Jets 6 4 0 .600 W 10–7 Dec 20, 2009 East Rutherford
Buffalo Bills 6 4 0 .600 W 31–3 Dec 27, 2009 Atlanta
New Orleans Saints 45 40 0 .545 L 45-16 Dec 26, 2011 New Orleans 1–0 postseason
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19 19 0 .500 W 45–24 Jan 01, 2012 Atlanta
Chicago Bears 13 13 0 .500 L 30–12 Sep 11, 2011 Chicago
New York Giants 10 11 0 .476 L 24-2 Jan 8, 2012 New York 0-2 postseason
New England Patriots 6 6 0 .500 L 10–26 Sep 27, 2009 Foxborough
Baltimore Ravens 2 2 0 .500 W 26–21 Nov 11, 2010 Atlanta
Green Bay Packers 13 15 0 .464 L 25–14 Oct 9, 2011 Atlanta 1–2 postseason
Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans 6 7 0 .462 W 23–17 Nov 20, 2011 Atlanta
Denver Broncos 4 9 0 .444 L 24–20 Nov 16, 2008 Atlanta 0–1 postseason
St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals 11 15 0 .423 W 41–7 Sep 19, 2010 Atlanta 0–1 postseason
Cincinnati Bengals 5 7 0 .417 W 39–32 Oct 24, 2010 Atlanta
Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders 5 7 0 .417 W 24–0 Nov 2, 2008 Oakland
Philadelphia Eagles 12 17 1 .414 W 35–31 Sep 18, 2011 Atlanta 1–2 postseason
Minnesota Vikings 11 16 0 .407 W 24–14 Nov 27, 2011 Atlanta 1–1 postseason
Jacksonville Jaguars 2 3 0 .400 W 41-14 Dec 15, 2011 Atlanta
San Francisco 49ers 30 44 1 .399 W 16–14 Oct 3, 2010 Atlanta 1–0 postseason
Seattle Seahawks 6 8 0 .385 W 30-28 Oct 2, 2011 Seattle
Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams 27 47 2 .368 W 34–17 Nov 21, 2010 St. Louis 1–0 postseason
Miami Dolphins 4 7 0 .364 W 19–7 Sep 13, 2009 Atlanta
Houston Texans 1 2 0 .333 L 17–10 Dec 4, 2011 Houston
Dallas Cowboys 8 16 0 .333 L 37–21 Oct 25, 2009 Dallas 0–2 postseason
Detroit Lions 11 23 0 .324 W 23-16 Oct 23, 2011 Detroit
Washington Redskins 6 15 1 .295 W 31–17 Nov 8, 2009 Atlanta 0–1 postseason
Kansas City Chiefs 2 5 0 .286 W 38–14 Sep 21, 2008 Atlanta
Cleveland Browns 3 10 0 .231 W 20–10 Oct 10, 2010 Cleveland
Pittsburgh Steelers 3 12 1 .167 L 15–9 (OT) Sep 12, 2010 Pittsburgh
Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts 2 13 0 .133 W 31–7 Nov 6, 2011 Indianapolis
Total 289 399 6 .410 6–12 (.365)

Single game records

Single season records

Career records

  • Passing Attempts: 3,329 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
  • Passing Completions: 1,870 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
  • Passing Yards: 23,468 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
  • Passing Touchdowns: 154 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
  • Passing Interceptions: 141 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
  • Passing Rating: 88.4 Matt Ryan (2008–present)
  • Rushing Attempts: 1,587 Gerald Riggs (1982–88)
  • Rushing Yards: 6,631 Gerald Riggs (1982–88)
  • Rushing Yards by a QB: 3,859 Michael Vick (2001–2006)[28]
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 52 Michael Turner (2008–present)
  • Receiving Catches: 573 Terance Mathis (1994–2001)
  • Receiving Yards: 7,374 Roddy White (2005–present)
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 57 Terance Mathis (1994–2001)
  • Quarterback Sacks: 94.5 Claude Humphrey (1968–78)
  • Pass Interceptions: 39 Rolland Lawrence (1973–81)
  • Field Goal Attempts: 164 Mick Luckhurst (1981–87)
  • Field Goals Made: 139 Morten Andersen (1995–2000, 2006–2007)
  • Points: 620 Morten Andersen (1995–2000, 2006–2007)
  • Total Touchdowns: 57 Terance Mathis (1994–2001)
  • Pass Interception Return Yards:
  • Pass Interception Returned for Touchdowns:
  • Punt Return Yards:
  • Kickoff Return Yards:
  • Longest Punt:

Players of note

Current roster

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

Reserve


As of January 8, 2025. Rookies in italics.

65 active, 13 reserve

Pro Football Hall of Famers

  • 21 Deion Sanders, CB, played for team from 1989–1993, inducted in 2011

Deion is the only Hall of Famer that has been inducted based substantially on his service with the Falcons; however, two inductees played briefly for the Falcons during their careers:

"Ring of Honor"

Note: The Atlanta Falcons organization does not officially retire jersey numbers.[29]

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

  • 60 Tommy Nobis, LB, 1966–1976
  • 87 Claude Humphrey, DE, 1968–1978
  • 57 Jeff Van Note, C, 1969–1986
  • Marion Campbell, Head Coach, 1974–1976, 1987–1989 (also former University of Georgia player)
  • 84 Alfred Jenkins, WR, 1975–1983
  • 31 William Andrews, RB, 1979–1983, 1986
  • Dan Reeves, Head Coach, 1997–2003 (also Georgia native)
Main article: List of Atlanta Falcons first-round draft picks

Coaches of note

Head coaches

Main article: List of Atlanta Falcons head coaches

In their history, the Atlanta Falcons have had 15 head coaches.[30]

Coach Years Record Notes
Norb Hecker 1966–1968 4–26–1 (.129) Fired after three games in 1968.
Norm Van Brocklin 1968–1974 39–48–3 (.433) 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 (.344)
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 (.450) Fired after 13 games in 2003.
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 Arkansas Razorbacks.
Emmitt Thomas 2007 1–2 (.333) Interim head coach.
Mike Smith 2008–Present 43–23 (.652)

Current staff

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

As of 2011, the Falcons' radio flagship station is WSTR Star 94 FM, and WQXI 790 AM "The Zone", previously held since 2006 by WZGC 92.9 "Dave FM." [31][32] Wes Durham, voice of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and son of longtime North Carolina Tar Heels voice Woody Durham, is the Falcons' play-by-play announcer. Preseason games not shown nationally television (except NBC-aired games) are seen on NBC affiliate WXIA, also known as "11 Alive." In 2008, preseason games aired on WATL-TV due to WXIA's commitment to the 2008 Summer Olympics. Both stations are owned by Gannett Company.

Fox affiliate WAGA-TV aired most preseason games through the 2004 season. WAGA continues to have a relationship with the Falcons as their primary broadcaster of regular season games (serving in this capacity since the Falcons started play), which dates back to when WAGA was a CBS affiliate and the NFL/NFC games were on CBS. WATL aired most Falcons games in 1994, as WAGA did not switch to Fox until December 1994.

Atlanta Falcon fans are more prevalent in western North Carolina due to the fact the Carolina Panthers only existed since 1996. Historically, they can be found generally west of Interstate 26 from Asheville to Murphy. East of Interstate 26 is considered a neutral zone but eventually, the majority were Washington Redskin fans.

Radio Affiliates

Falcons Radio Affiliates

Georgia

City Call Sign Frequency
Albany WSRA-AM 1250 AM
Athens WRFC-AM 960 AM
Atlanta WQXI-AM 790 AM
Atlanta WSTR-FM 94.1 FM
Augusta WRDW-AM 1630 AM
Brunswick WSFN-AM 790 AM
Clarkesville WDUN-FM 102.9 FM
Columbus WDAK-AM 540 AM
Columbus WSHE-AM 1270 AM
Dalton WBLJ-AM 1230 AM
Douglas WDMG-AM 860 AM
Gainesville WDUN 550 AM
Griffin WKEU-AM 1450 AM
Griffin WKEU-FM 88.9 FM
Hogansville WVCC-AM 720 AM
Jesup WLOP-AM 1370 AM
Jesup WIFO-FM 105.5 FM
LaGrange WMGP-FM 98.1 FM
Louisville WPEH-AM 1420 AM
Louisville WPEH-FM 92.1 FM
Macon WMAC-AM 940 AM
Milledgeville WMVG-AM 1450 AM
Newnan WCOH-AM 1400 AM
Rome WATG-FM 95.7 FM
Sandersville WJFL-FM 101.9 FM
Savannah WSEG-AM 1400 AM
Savannah 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 WJEM-AM 1150 AM
Valdosta WJEM-FM 96.1 FM
Vidalia WVOP-AM 970 AM
Waycross WFNS-AM 1350 AM

Alabama

City Call Sign Frequency
Birmingham WZNN 97.3 FM
Foley WHEP-AM 1310 AM

Florida

City Call Sign Frequency
Jacksonville WJGH-FM 107.3 FM

Mississippi

City Call Sign Frequency
Jackson WYAB-FM 103.9 FM

South Carolina

City Call Sign Frequency
Charleston WTMZ-AM 910 AM
Clemson WCCP-FM 104.9 FM

Tennessee

City Call Sign Frequency
Chattanooga WDEF-AM 1370 AM

Virginia

City Call Sign Frequency
Lynchburg WBRG-AM 1050 AM
Lynchburg WBRG-FM 104.5 FM

Public interest initiatives

A delegation from the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, on January 26, 2009 traveled to the Guantánamo Bay detention camps, in Cuba, to sign autographs, and enhance the troops' morale.[33] While there,[34] the cheerleaders toured the detention camps' hospital, and Camp IV,[35] Camp V,[36] & Camp VI.[37]

See also

Notes and references

  1. ^ Atlanta Falcons Corporate Headquarters and Training Facility http://www.claycorp.com/p/369/atlanta-falcons-corporate-headquarters-training/
  2. ^ a b c d e f http://media.atlantafalcons.com/assets/History_Section.pdf
  3. ^ http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/giants/gotham_own_CmFwTAiMOkWmDWAEdYcD4N?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=
  4. ^ a b c http://www.atlantafalcons.com/roster-staffs/arthur-blank/
  5. ^ Arthur Blank Owner and Chairman http://www.atlantafalcons.com/roster-staffs/arthur-blank/
  6. ^ http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-1908
  7. ^ http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/atlanta_falcons/team_history.html
  8. ^ "1966 NFL Draft". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved September 27, 2008.
  9. ^ Nicknames http://www.profootballhof.com/history/nicknames.aspx
  10. ^ http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2001/12/17/weekinbiz.html
  11. ^ http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=230104009
  12. ^ http://football.about.com/library/weekly/aa010403a.htm
  13. ^ Falcons' Vick skipping Pro Bowl http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2003/01/23/vick_probowl.html
  14. ^ Atlantafalcons.com
  15. ^ Atlantafalcons.com
  16. ^ Atlantafalcons.com
  17. ^ Atlantafalcons.com
  18. ^ NFL.com
  19. ^ [1]
  20. ^ "Galleries". CNN. September 5, 2011.
  21. ^ "Falcons Uniform History", NFL
  22. ^ "Falcons Unveil New Logo", NFL
  23. ^ Atlanta Falcons Headquarters & Training Facilityhttp://www.exploregeorgia.org/Georgia/Attractions/Atlanta-Falcons-Headquarters-And-Training-Facility/20811
  24. ^ http://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/3852493-the-history-of-falcons-training-camp-including/
  25. ^ a b http://www.ponder2.com/office-falcons.php
  26. ^ http://www.flowerybranchga.org/index.php?id=121
  27. ^ "Atlanta Falcons Team Encyclopedia" (Document). Pro Football Reference. 2008. {{cite document}}: Unknown parameter |accessdate= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |url= ignored (help)
  28. ^ NFL.com
  29. ^ Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor page
  30. ^ "Atlanta Falcons Team Directory". The Sports Network. January 9, 2007. Retrieved September 19, 2007.
  31. ^ "790/The Zone and Star 94 become new Falcons radio partners; CBS Atlanta picks up pre-season games". AJC.
  32. ^ "Falcons move to Star 94, 790 The Zone". Atlanta Business Chronicle. March 7, 2011.
  33. ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit Jan. 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
  34. ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit Jan. 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
  35. ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit Jan. 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
  36. ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit Jan. 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
  37. ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit Jan. 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Retrieved January 19, 2010.

Media related to Atlanta Falcons at Wikimedia Commons

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