1966 Expansion Era

Lore & Background

The Falcons were founded on June 30, 1965, when NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle granted ownership to Rankin Smith Sr. The team was named the Falcons on August 29, 1965, after a suggestion by school teacher Julia Elliott. Their first head coach was Norb Hecker. The Falcons played their inaugural season in 1966, finishing 1–12–1. They won their first division title in 1980 and have appeared in two Super Bowls (Super Bowl XXXIII and Super Bowl LI), losing both. They are the oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships.

In Their Own Story

The humid Georgia air hung heavy over Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium as the first roar of the crowd echoed through the open-air bowl. It was September 1966, and the black jerseys with the red falcon logo were not just uniforms; they were a promise kept to a city that had waited too long. As the kickoff approached, Rankin Smith watched from the sideline, knowing this moment transcended sport—it was the arrival of Atlanta on the national stage.

Reader's Guide

The Falcons' current home field is Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened for the 2017 season. Their headquarters and practice facilities are located in Flowery Branch, Georgia. The team has won division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016. Their all-time regular season record is 398–512–6, with a playoff record of 10–14.

Did You Know?

• The Falcons were the 15th NFL franchise, joining the league in 1966.
• The team's first victory came on November 20, 1966, against the New York Giants.
• The Falcons selected Tommy Nobis as their first-ever draft pick in 1966.
• The team's nickname was suggested by a school teacher named Julia Elliott.