1966 Founding Era
The Atlanta Falcons: proud, dignified, and fighting for a championship since 1966.
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The Falcons were founded on June 30, 1965, and joined the NFL in 1966 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).
- Division
- NFL Eastern Conference (Capitol Division)
Lore & Background
The Atlanta expansion team became the 16th NFL franchise (alongside the New Orleans Saints, also awarded for the 1966 season), and they were awarded the first overall pick in the 1966 NFL draft as well as the final pick in each of the first five rounds. They selected consensus All-American linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas, making him the first-ever Falcon. The league also held the expansion draft six weeks later in which Atlanta selected unprotected players from the 14 existing franchises. The team received its nickname on August 29, 1965, suggested by Miss Julia Elliott, a school teacher from Griffin, who wrote: '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.'
In Their Own Story
The humid Georgia air hung heavy over the newly built stadium on August 28, 1966. As the crowd roared for the first time in franchise history, Norm Van Brocklin paced the sideline, his eyes scanning the green field where his new Falcons were about to make their mark. It wasn't just a game; it was the dawn of an era, a moment when Atlanta finally had its own team to call home.
Reader's Guide
The Falcons' current home field is Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened for the 2017 season; the team's headquarters and practice facilities are located at a 50-acre (20 ha) site in Flowery Branch, northeast of Atlanta in Hall County.
Did You Know?
- The Falcons were founded on June 30, 1965, and joined the NFL in 1966 as an expansion team.
- The Falcons have appeared in two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXIII (1998 season) and Super Bowl LI (2016 season), losing both.
- The Falcons are not the oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships; that distinction belongs to the Arizona Cardinals.
- The Falcons' nickname was suggested by a school teacher, Miss Julia Elliott, in 1965.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Atlanta Falcons officially begin play?
The Atlanta Falcons officially began operations in 1966 as part of the NFL's expansion efforts to bring professional football back to the South. This era marked the team's entry into the league just six years after the Dallas Cowboys joined.
Who were the key leaders during this time?
Rankin Smith served as the primary founder and owner, while Norm Van Brocklin was hired as the first head coach to guide the new squad. Their leadership set the initial tone for the franchise's identity and competitive structure.
What stadium did they use for home games?
During this founding period, the team constructed and played at the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium as their iconic home venue. This facility served as the central hub for fans during those early expansion years.
Which division were they assigned to?
Upon joining the league, the Falcons were assigned to the Capitol Division within the NFL Eastern Conference. This alignment placed them against established teams while navigating the challenges of being a new franchise.
Why is this era significant for fans?
This period revitalized the NFL's presence in the region by establishing the South's second major team since the pre-war era. It laid the essential groundwork for the organization despite facing early struggles and growing pains.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Atlanta Falcons universe
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