The Dirty Birds 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.
Quick Facts
- Key figure
- Jamal Anderson (Representative of the era's toughness)
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 Falcons were named after a suggestion by Miss Julia Elliott, a school teacher from Griffin, who wrote: 'the Falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight.'
- The Falcons' first victory came on November 20, 1966, against the New York Giants in Yankee Stadium.
- In 1998, under head coach Dan Reeves, the Falcons finished with a franchise-best 14–2 regular-season record and won the NFC West division championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Dirty Birds Era?
This term refers to the Atlanta Falcons' aggressive resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, peaking with their run to Super Bowl XXXIII. It describes a team identity built on relentless tackling and an intimidating physical style of play rather than any connection to the 1960s.
Who were the key figures representing this era?
The era was defined by stars like Deion Sanders and Jamal Anderson, who embodied the gritty, no-nonsense approach required for success. While often misattributed to Jim Marshall, he never played for Atlanta; instead, a new generation of tough players forged this reputation.
How did the name 'Dirty Birds' originate?
The nickname was adopted by fans and media in the 1990s to reflect the team's intimidating reputation on the field. It specifically highlights the hard-hitting nature of the squad rather than any historical connection to earlier decades.
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