Freddie Falcon

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The Falcons have compiled a record of 389–503–6 in the regular season and 10–14 in the playoffs, winning division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016. They have appeared in two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXIII (1998 season) lost to the Denver Broncos 34–19, and Super Bowl LI lost to the New England Patriots 34–28 in overtime.

In Their Own Story

The history of the Falcons' mascots is marked by both live animals and costumed figures. In 1966, Thor was the first to perform flying stunts for fans until he vanished. Trainer Mike Cady stepped in with Mercury and Yak Yak, but Mercury also went missing. The team moved away from live birds by late 1971. A brief period followed in the 1973 season featuring "Rah Rah," a mascot shaped like a football. Finally, by October 1984, Freddie Falcon emerged as the official face of the franchise, solidifying the role that had been held by various figures over nearly two decades.

Reader's Guide

The team's current home field is Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened for the 2017 season. Headquarters and practice facilities are located in Flowery Branch, Georgia. The franchise was named 'Falcons' after a suggestion by Miss Julia Elliott of Griffin, Georgia, on August 29, 1965.

Did You Know?

• The Falcons were the 15th NFL franchise, awarded to Rankin Smith Sr. for $8.5 million in 1965.
• Their first overall draft pick in 1966 was linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas.
• The team's first victory came on November 20, 1966, against the New York Giants.