Michael Vick Arrival

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The Falcons had little success at first and did not qualify for the postseason until 1978. They were NFC West champions in 1980 and 1998, and in 1998 played in Super Bowl XXXIII, losing to the Denver Broncos. The 2000s featured star player Michael Vick and was marred by criminal charges against him. The Falcons finished top of NFC South in 2004, 2010, and 2012, and reached Super Bowl LI in 2016, losing to the New England Patriots.

In Their Own Story

The Georgia Dome lights hummed softly as Michael Vick walked onto the field for his first practice in Atlanta. The crowd was sparse, but the tension was palpable. He dropped to one knee, staring at the green turf where he had once danced through defenses as a rookie sensation. A single tear rolled down his cheek—not from sadness, but from gratitude. This was not just another team; it was home, and for the first time in years, he felt ready to run again.

Reader's Guide

The Falcons' first season was 1966. They played a swing schedule in the NFL Eastern Conference. Their first preseason game was on August 1, 1966, against the Philadelphia Eagles. Their first regular-season win came on the road against the New York Giants, 27–16. Their first home victory was against the St. Louis Cardinals, 16–10. The team ended their inaugural season at 3–11. Tommy Nobis won NFL Rookie of the Year and became the first Falcon named to the Pro Bowl.

Did You Know?

• The name Falcons was suggested by Julia Elliott, a high school teacher from Griffin, Georgia, who won a contest in 1966.
• The Falcons' 'Grits Blitz' defense in 1977 set an NFL record for fewest points allowed in a 14-game season, with 129.
• The Falcons' first winning season was in 1971, finishing 7–6–1.
• The Falcons' first playoff win was in 1978, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 14–13.