1966 Founding Era
The oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships.
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).
Quick Facts
- Division
- NFL Eastern Conference (Capitol Division)
Lore & Background
The Falcons have appeared in two Super Bowls, the first during the 1998 season in Super Bowl XXXIII, where they lost to the Denver Broncos, and the second 18 years later, a overtime loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. They are the oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships.
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 site in Flowery Branch, northeast of Atlanta in Hall County.
Did You Know?
- The team's nickname was chosen on August 29, 1965, after a school teacher from Griffin, Miss Julia Elliott, suggested 'Falcons'.
- The Falcons have won division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016.
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.
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