Atlanta Falcons
| Atlanta Falcons | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Current season | |||
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| Established 1965 Play in Georgia Dome Atlanta, Georgia Headquartered in Flowery Branch, Georgia | |||
| League / conference affiliations | |||
National Football League (1966–present)
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| Uniforms | |||
| Team colors | Red, Black, White, Silver | ||
| Mascot | Freddie Falcon | ||
| Personnel | |||
| Owner(s) | Arthur Blank (90%) State of Georgia (10%)[citation needed] | ||
| CEO | Rich McKay | ||
| General manager | Thomas Dimitroff | ||
| President | Rich McKay | ||
| Head coach | Mike Smith | ||
| Team history | |||
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| Championships | |||
| League championships (0) | |||
Conference championships (1)
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Division championships (5)
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| Playoff appearances (12) | |||
| NFL: 1978, 1980, 1982, 1991, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 | |||
| Home fields | |||
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The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The Falcons play their home games at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta, but construction is likely to begin in 2014 on a new stadium with play beginning in the 2017 season. Their headquarters and practice facilities are located at a 50-acre site in Flowery Branch, Georgia.[1] The Falcons joined the NFL in 1965[2] 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). The AFL instead granted a franchise to Miami, Florida (the Miami Dolphins). In their 45 years of existence, the Falcons have compiled a record of 300–402–6 with division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010 and 2012. Their only Super Bowl appearance was during the 1998 season in Super Bowl XXXIII.
Over the past five years, the Falcons, under General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, Head Coach Mike Smith, and Quarterback Matt Ryan, have been one of the best franchises in the NFC. Since the start of the 2008 season, the Falcons have recorded five consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. They led the NFC in number of wins during that period with 57. Mike Smith’s 56–24 regular-season record in that span is the fifth-best in the league.[3] The Falcons had the NFL's second best winning percentage at home during the period of 2008 to 2010 with a .833 percentage. The Falcons have qualified for the playoffs four times (2008, 2010, 2011, 2012) during this period, losing the first three, but won their most recent playoff game in 2013, which was their first playoff victory since 2005.[4]
Ownership
The Atlanta Falcons Football Team is owned by business man Arthur Blank, and nine limited partners.[5] Arthur Blank who purchased the team on February 2002 owns 90% of the franchise and the eight limited partners own the remaining 10% of the franchise.[6][7]
Limited Partners
The limited partners are individuals who have invested in the team since 2002 under Blank’s ownership. The current limited partners are Ronald E. Canakaris; Warrick Dunn; Douglas J. Hertz; John P. Imlay, Jr.; Ed Mendel; Derek V. Smith; John A. Williams, Brian J. Barker and Montrell Mathieu-LeBlancl. [citation needed]
Board of Advisers
The Atlanta Falcons Adviser Board is made up of eleven members: Arthur M. Blank, Henry L. “Hank” Aaron, Steve Bartkowski, Glenda Hatchett, David E. Homrich, Felker W. Ward, Jr., Carl Ware, Bill Bolling, Dr. Robert M. Franklin, Ingrid Saunders Jones and Andrew Young (Ambassador).
Executive Committee
As of 2011 the Atlanta Falcons Executive Committee consisted of ten people: Arthur Blank, Owner and Chairman; Rich McKay, President & CEO; Thomas Dimitroff, General Manager; Kim Shreckengost, Executive Vice President/Chief of Staff for AMB Group, LLC; Greg Beadles, Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer; Jim Smith, Chief Marketing Officer; Danny Branch, Vice President of Information Technology; Dave Cohen, Vice President of Sales and Service; Reggie Roberts, Vice President of Football Communications and Tim Zulawski, VP of Sponsorship Sales and Service.
Franchise history
In 1965, after a stadium (Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium), was built, the city of Atlanta felt the time was right to start pursuing professional football. One independent group which had been active in NFL exhibition promotions in Atlanta applied for franchises in both the American Football League and the NFL, acting entirely on its own with no guarantee of stadium rights. Another group reported it had deposited earnest money for a team in the AFL.[8]
With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on June 7, 1965, contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city officials. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who had been moving slowly in Atlanta matters, was spurred by the AFL interest and headed on the next plane down to Atlanta to block the rival league's claim on the city of Atlanta.[2] He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues. By June 30, the city picked Rankin Smith and the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons franchise began on June 30, 1965 when NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle granted ownership to 41 year-old Rankin Smith Sr.. Smith an Executive Vice President of Life Insurance Company of Georgia at the time, paid $8.5 million the highest price in NFL history at the time 1965 for an NFL franchise.[2] Former commissioner Pete Rozelle and Smith made the deal in about five minutes and the Atlanta Falcons brought the largest and most popular sport to the city of Atlanta. The Atlanta expansion franchise became the 15th NFL franchise, and they were awarded the first pick in the 1966 NFL Draft as well as the final pick in each of the first five rounds.[9] The Falcons drafted All-American Linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas with the first pick of the draft, making him the first-ever Falcon. The league also held the 1966 NFL Expansion Draft six weeks later in which the Falcons selected unprotected players from existing franchises. Although the Falcons selected many good players in those drafts, they still were not able to win right away.[2]
The Atlanta Falcons Football Club received its nickname on August 29, 1965. Miss Julia Elliott, a school teacher from Griffin, Georgia was singled out from many people who suggested "Falcons" as the Nickname for the new Georgia NFL franchise. She said: “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.”[10]
Notable Seasons
1966 – 1977: The Beginning
The Falcons had their first season in 1966, and their first preseason game on August 1, 1966, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles. Under Head Coach Norb Hecker they lost their first nine regular-season games in 1966 and secured their first victory on the road against the New York Giants. The team finished the 1960s with only 12 wins. The Falcons had their first Monday Night Football game in Atlanta during the 1970 season. The 1971 season was their first with a winning record.
1978 – 1980: The Playoffs
In the 1978 season, the Falcons qualified for the playoffs for the first time and won the Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles 14–13. The following week, they lost to the Dallas Cowboys 27–20 in the Divisional Playoffs.
In 1980, after a nine game winning streak, the Falcons posted a franchise then-best record of 12–4 and captured their first NFC West division title. The next week, their dream season ended at home with a loss to the Cowboys 30–27 in the divisional playoffs. In the strike-shortened 1982 season, the Falcons made the playoffs but lost to the Minnesota Vikings, 30–24. Falcons coach Leeman Bennett was fired after the loss.
1989
In 1989, the Falcons drafted CB Deion Sanders in the first round, who helped them for the next four years, setting many records for the franchise. "Neon Deion" (a.k.a. "Prime Time") had a flashy appeal and helped bring media attention to one of the league's most anonymous franchises. Sanders was also famous for playing on major league baseball teams (the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves) while simultaneously playing in the NFL.
1991 – 1992
The Falcons' 1991 season ended in a divisional playoff loss to the Washington Redskins. In 1991, the Falcons drafted Brett Favre as the thirty-third overall pick. During his rookie season, he played in two games where he amassed a record of 5 passing attempts with 0 receptions and 2 interceptions. The following February, Favre was traded to the Green Bay Packers.
In 1992, the Atlanta Falcons opened a new chapter in their history moving into the newly constructed Georgia Dome.
1997 – 2000: The Dan Reeves Era
1998
In 1998, under recently acquired head coach Dan Reeves, quarterback Chris Chandler and running back Jamal Anderson the "Dirty Bird" Falcons had their greatest season to date. On November 8, they beat the New England Patriots 41–10, ending a streak of 22 losses at cold-weather sites. The team finished with a franchise-best 14–2 regular season record and the NFC West division championship. On January 18, 1999, the Falcons upset the top-seeded Vikings at Minnesota in the NFC Championship Game 30–27, in an exciting overtime victory. However, in their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, they lost 34–19 to the defending champion Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII.
1999
In the second game of the Falcons 1999 season, running back Jamal Anderson, who had been a key player in the Falcons' 1998 success, suffered a season-ending knee injury. The Falcons finished the season with a very disappointing 5–11 regular season record. [2]
2000
In 2000, the Falcons suffered through another horrendous season finishing 4–12 and once again missing the playoffs.
2001 – 2006: The Michael Vick era
In the 2001 NFL Draft, the Falcons orchestrated a trade with the San Diego Chargers, acquiring the first overall pick (which was used on quarterback Michael Vick) in exchange for wide receiver / return specialist Tim Dwight and the fifth overall pick (used on running back LaDainian Tomlinson).
2001
The Falcons finished the 2001 season with a record of 7–9 and missed the playoffs. Longtime fan favorite LB Jessie Tuggle retired following 14 seasons in Atlanta. On December 6, 2001, Arthur M. Blank, the co-founder and retired co-chairman of Atlanta-based Home Depot, reached a preliminary agreement with the Falcons’ Taylor Smith to purchase the team. In a special meeting prior to Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 2, 2002, NFL owners voted unanimously to approve the purchase.[11]
2002
The Atlanta Falcons began the Arthur Blank era of ownership with a 9–6–1 record and a berth in the playoffs as a Wild Card participant. Blank helped resurrect the excitement in the Georgia Dome with added value to the fans with increased tailgating, parking, and entertainment and lower ticket prices. Every game during the 2002 season was sold out. After beginning the season at 1–3, head coach Dan Reeves and quarterback Michael Vick led the Falcons to an NFL-best eight-game unbeaten streak (7–0–1). The Falcons finished off the season with a team-record 23 rushing touchdowns and a franchise-best eight games with 30 or more points. Linebacker Keith Brooking set a Falcons career-high with 212 total tackles.
Vick saw minimal playing time in 2001, playing backup and learning the system under then-starting quarterback Chris Chandler, and was designated starting quarterback for the 2002 season. The 2002 season was the Falcons' first in the more geographically-accurate NFC South upon NFL realignment. In 2002, Vick set many records and supplied the media with numerous highlights for the season, including rushing for 173 yards in an overtime win at Minnesota, the highest ever single-game rushing total for an NFL quarterback (surpassed only in post-season play by Colin Kaepernick in 2013--Vick's footwear from this game are currently enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame). The Falcons became the first team in NFL history to claim a playoff win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, beating them 27–7.[12][13] Their season ended with a loss to Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles 20–6 in the NFC divisional playoffs.[2] Michael Vick and Keith Brooking were elected to the NFC Pro Bowl for their performances in the 2002 regular season.[14]
2003
On March 19, 2003, the Falcons presented their new logo. [15] During the 2003 preseason Michael Vick broke his leg and missed the first twelve games of the season. After losing 7 straight games, the decision was made to release head coach Dan Reeves. Wade Phillips acted as interim coach for the final 3 games. Although the Falcons won 3 of their last 4 games after the return of Michael Vick, they ended up with a dismal 5–11 record that year.
2004
In 2004, a new head coach, Jim L. Mora, was hired and Michael Vick returned for the full season. The Falcons went 11–5, winning their third division title and earning a first-round bye into the playoffs. In the divisional playoffs, the Falcons defeated the St. Louis Rams 47–17 in the Georgia Dome, advancing to the NFC Championship, which they lost to the Eagles 27–10.
2005
The Falcons again fell short of achieving back-to-back winning seasons in 2005, going 8–8.
2006
In 2006, Michael Vick became the first quarterback in league history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, with 1,039. After finishing the season 7–9, however, coach Jim Mora was dismissed and Bobby Petrino, the University of Louisville's football coach, replaced him. Before the 2007 season began, Vick was suspended indefinitely by the NFL after pleading guilty to charges involving dog fighting in the state of Virginia. On December 10, 2007, Vick received a 23-month prison sentence and was officially cut from the Atlanta roster.
2007: The Lost Year
For the 2007 season, the Falcons were forced to start Joey Harrington at quarterback. On December 11, 13 games into his first NFL season as head coach, Bobby Petrino resigned without notice to coach at the University of Arkansas, leaving the beleaguered players only a note in the locker room. Secondary Coach Emmitt Thomas was named interim coach for the final three games of the season on December 12. The Falcons ended the year with a dismal 4–12 record.
2008 – Present: Mike Smith/Matt Ryan era
After the tumultuous and disappointing 2007 season, the Falcons made a number of moves, hiring a new General Manager and head coach, drafting a new starting quarterback, and signing a starting running back.
On January 13, 2008, the Falcons named former Patriots director of college football scouting Thomas Dimitroff General Manager.[16] On January 23, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coach and former linebackers coach for the 2000 Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens Mike Smith was named the Falcons' new head coach.[17] Chargers back-up RB Michael Turner agreed to a 6-year deal worth $30 million on March 2.[18] On April 26, Matt Ryan (quarterback from Boston College) was drafted third overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Falcons.
2008
The Falcons finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 11–5, and the #5 seed in the playoffs.[19] On December 21, 2008, Atlanta beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–17 to clinch a wild card spot, earning a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Falcons would go on to lose in the wild-card round of the 2008 NFL playoffs to the eventual NFC champion Arizona Cardinals, 30–24.
Matt Ryan started all 16 games in his rookie season and was named the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year.[20] First-year head coach Mike Smith was named 2008 NFL Coach of the Year.
2009
The Atlanta Falcons hold the record among all major American sports leagues for the longest streak of seasons without consecutive winning seasons, a streak that lasted from 1966–2008. Although they failed to make the playoffs in 2009, the streak ended when the team rallied to win their final three regular season games to record back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20–10 in the final game of the season to improve their record to 9–7.[4]
2010
In 2010, with a regular season record of 13–3, their best regular season record since the 1998 Super Bowl season, the Falcons secured a third straight winning season, their fourth overall divisional title, and the top overall seed in the NFC playoffs; however, the Falcons were overpowered by the eventual Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs 48–21. The Falcons scored 414 points – third-most in franchise history in 2010.[4] The Falcons 2010–2011 team sent an NFL-high and franchise-best nine players to the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl.
2011
The Falcons made a surprise trade up with the Cleveland Browns in the 2011 NFL Draft to select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones sixth overall. In exchange, the Falcons gave up their first-, second- and fourth-round draft picks in 2011, and their first and fourth draft picks in 2012. Jones, along with teammates Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White, have since been dubbed Atlanta's "Big Three" (based on their total number of reception yards).[21] On August 30, 2011, Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King, who correctly predicted the 2011 Super Bowl, made his predictions for the 2011 season and picked the Falcons to defeat the San Diego Chargers in the 2012 Super Bowl.[22] The Falcons finished the season at 10–6, securing the fifth seed after a Week 17 beatdown of Tampa Bay in which the Falcons pulled their starters after leading 42–0 just twenty-three minutes into the game.
The Falcons then went on to play the New York Giants in a 2011 NFC Wild Card Game at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The first half was a defensive struggle, with the first points coming off of a safety by the Falcons, giving Atlanta a 2–0 lead. In the 2nd quarter, though, Eli Manning connected with Hakeem Nicks for a short touchdown pass to make it 7–2 Giants heading into the 2nd half. Then the Giants took control, as Manning threw for two more TD passes to Mario Manningham and Nicks and the defense completed its shutout of the Falcons to give the New York Giants the win, 24–2, and the Falcons their third straight playoff loss with Matt Ryan and Mike Smith. After the season Defense Coordinator Brian VanGorder accepted a coaching job at Auburn University, and the offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey took the head coaching job in Jacksonville.
2012
Atlanta exploded out of the gate, going a franchise best 8-0 and remaining the last unbeaten team in the NFL that year. Their hopes to get an undefeated season came to an end with a 27-31 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Julio Jones had a remarkable second year, grabbing ten touchdowns and 1,198 yards. The Falcons finished the season 13-3, and clinched the number one seed in the NFC playoffs.
The Falcons played the red hot Seattle Seahawks in their first playoff game. Although they went down 28-27 with only 31 seconds left on the clock, Matt Ryan led the team to their first playoff victory, 30-28. It was the first playoff victory in the Mike Smith era.
The Atlanta Falcons then advanced to face the San Francisco 49ers. The Falcons seized control of the game early with a Matt Bryant field goal, a trio of explosive Matt Ryan touchdown passes caught by Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez coupled with outstanding defensive play.By the end of the half, the score was 24-14.The tides of the game then began to shift in the second half as the 49ers rallied back with a pair of bruising Frank Gore touchdown runs. Atlanta's offense attempted to reply but were ultimately shut down by the fierce 49er defense. A few series later, late in the 4th quarter with little time remaining, Atlanta found themselves in a 4th and 7 situation at the 10 yard line. The Falcons needed just 10 more yards to secure victory and advance to their first Superbowl berth in neary 15 years. Matt Ryan fired a pass to Roddy White which was ultimately broken up by outside linebacker Navarro Bowman, resulting in a mortifying 28-24 defeat. The Atlanta Falcons' dream season had ended.
Logo and uniforms
When the team debuted in 1966, the Falcons wore red helmets with a black falcon crest logo. In the center of the helmet was a center black stripe surrounded by 2 gold stripes and 2 white stripes. These colors represented the two college rival schools in the state of Georgia; rival schools Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (White and Gold) and the Georgia Bulldogs (Red and Black) Although the gold was later taken out, the white remains to this day. They wore white pants and either black or white jerseys. At first, the falcon crest logo was also put on the jersey sleeves, but it was replaced by a red and white stripe pattern four years later. They switched from black to red jerseys in 1971, and the club began to wear silver pants in 1978.
A prototype white helmet was developed for the team prior to the 1974 season but was never worn.
In 1990, the uniform design changed to black helmets, silver pants, and either black or white jerseys. The numbers on the white jerseys were black, but were changed to red in 1997.[23] (The red numerals could be seen on the away jerseys briefly in 1990.)
Both the logo and uniforms changed in 2003. The logo was redesigned with red and silver accents to depict a more powerful, aggressive falcon, which now more closely resembles the capital letter F.[24] Although the Falcons still wore black helmets, the new uniforms featured jerseys and pants with red trim down the sides. The uniform design consisted of either black or white jerseys, and either black or white pants. During that same year, a red alternate jersey with black trim was also introduced. The Falcons also started wearing black cleats with these uniforms.
In 2004, the red jerseys became the primary jerseys, and the black ones became the alternate, both worn with white pants. In select road games, the Falcons wear black pants with white jerseys. The Falcons wore an all-black combination for home games against their archrivals, the New Orleans Saints, winning the first two contests (24–21 in 2004 and 36–17 in 2005), but losing 31–13 in 2006. The Falcons wore the all black combination against the New Orleans Saints for 4 straight seasons starting in 2004, With the last time being in 2007, losing 34–14. They wore the combination again in 2006, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. The Falcons won that game, 14–3. The Falcons also wore their all-black uniform in 2007 against the New York Giants, and in 2008 against the Carolina Panthers and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (for the second time).
In the 1980s, the Falcons wore their white uniforms at home most of the time because of the heat. When the Falcons started playing in a dome, the team switched to their dark uniforms for home games but have worn their white uniforms at home a few times since switching to the dome. It was announced at the 2009 state of the franchise meeting that the Falcons would wear 1966 throwback uniforms for a couple games during the 2009 season. The Atlanta Falcons wore 1966 throwback jerseys for 2 home games in 2009 – against the Carolina Panthers on September 20 and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 29. The Falcons won both of those games. They donned the throwbacks again for 2 games in 2010, against Baltimore and San Francisco, winning both of those games as well.
Training Facilities
The Falcons 78,000 square foot headquarters and training facilities or located on a 50-acre site in Flowery Branch, Ga.,[25] the complex which was one of the first of its kind was completed in 1999.[26][27] The Falcons’ corporate offices, state-of-the-art training and locker room facilities, a 140-seat auditorium and associated meeting rooms, are located in the two-story headquarters. The site has a 90,000-square foot heated indoor practice facility, Three outdoor NFL natural turf football fields that feature an immediate gravity drainage system, and a complete kitchen and dining facilities for team meals.[27] The rooms are custom designed to fit NFL players. Most of the first floor ceilings are very high and, they have over sized doorways and expansive halls. The seats in the auditorium are very large. Executive, coach and administrative support staff offices are located on the second floor and share a view of the outdoor practice field. There is a sophisticated security system with highly sensitive motion detectors, remote cameras, and the latest in card readers and key pad security locks bind the campus. The dominant exterior finish, is red brick and it showcases a green metal roof system with large overhangs. The centralized glass entry and 2-story main lobby provide elegant but an economical welcome.
In 2005, owner Arthur Blank's $10 million investment in the facility's upgrade gave the players a more relaxing environment and, introduced its players to a training-camp style unlike few in the NFL had seen before.[28] The upgrades featured:
- Five dormitory-style units for players, coaches and administration.
- Each housing unit has living space that includes individual bedrooms, a common area, kitchen, and two bathrooms.
- Amenities building equipped with pool tables, a video room complete with a big screen television, and a large leisure area.
- The five dormitories are just beyond the practice fields for easy access for players and coaches to the locker room, meeting rooms and offices.
Statistics
Season-by-season records
Record vs. opponents
Includes postseason records[29]
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
| Team | W | L | T | Percent | Last result | Last date | Last locale | Postseason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Chargers | 8 | 1 | 0 | .888 | W 27–3 | September 23, 2012 | San Diego | |
| Carolina Panthers | 23 | 13 | 0 | .638 | L 20-30 | December 9, 2012 | Charlotte | |
| New York Jets | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | W 10–7 | December 20, 2009 | East Rutherford | |
| Buffalo Bills | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | W 31–3 | December 27, 2009 | Atlanta | |
| New Orleans Saints | 47 | 41 | 0 | .534 | W 23-13 | November 29, 2012 | Atlanta | 1–0 postseason |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 19 | 19 | 0 | .500 | W 24-23 | November 25, 2012 | Tampa | |
| Chicago Bears | 12 | 13 | 0 | .480 | L 30–12 | September 11, 2011 | Chicago | |
| New York Giants | 11 | 11 | 0 | .500 | W 34-0 | December 16, 2012 | Atlanta | 0–1 postseason |
| New England Patriots | 6 | 6 | 0 | .500 | L 10–26 | September 27, 2009 | Foxborough | |
| Baltimore Ravens | 2 | 2 | 0 | .500 | W 26–21 | November 11, 2010 | Atlanta | |
| Green Bay Packers | 13 | 15 | 0 | .464 | L 25–14 | October 9, 2011 | Atlanta | 1–2 postseason |
| Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans | 6 | 7 | 0 | .462 | W 23–17 | November 20, 2011 | Atlanta | |
| Denver Broncos | 6 | 9 | 0 | .400 | W 27–21 | September 17, 2012 | Atlanta | 0–1 postseason |
| St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals | 12 | 15 | 0 | .444 | W 23-19 | November 18, 2012 | Atlanta | 0–1 postseason |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | W 39–32 | October 24, 2010 | Atlanta | |
| Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders | 6 | 7 | 0 | .462 | W 23-20 | October 14, 2012 | Atlanta | |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 13 | 17 | 1 | .435 | W 30–17 | October 28, 2012 | Philadelphia | 1–2 postseason |
| Minnesota Vikings | 11 | 16 | 0 | .407 | W 24–14 | November 27, 2011 | Atlanta | 1–1 postseason |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 2 | 3 | 0 | .400 | W 41–14 | December 15, 2011 | Atlanta | |
| San Francisco 49ers | 30 | 45 | 1 | .399 | L 28–24 | January 20, 2013 | Atlanta | 1–1 postseason |
| Seattle Seahawks | 6 | 8 | 0 | .429 | W 30–28 | January 13, 2013 | Atlanta | 1–0 postseason |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 3 | 5 | 0 | .375 | W 40–24 | September 9, 2012 | Kansas City | |
| Miami Dolphins | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | W 19–7 | September 13, 2009 | Atlanta | |
| Houston Texans | 1 | 2 | 0 | .333 | L 17–10 | December 4, 2011 | Houston | |
| Dallas Cowboys | 9 | 16 | 0 | .360 | W 19-13 | November 4, 2012 | Atlanta | 0-2 postseason |
| Detroit Lions | 12 | 23 | 0 | .343 | W 31-18 | December 22, 2012 | Detroit | |
| Washington Redskins | 7 | 15 | 1 | .304 | W 24–17 | October 7, 2012 | Washington | 0–1 postseason |
| Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams | 27 | 47 | 2 | .368 | W 34–17 | November 21, 2010 | St. Louis | 1–0 postseason |
| Cleveland Browns | 3 | 10 | 0 | .231 | W 20–10 | October 10, 2010 | Cleveland | |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 2 | 12 | 1 | .167 | L 15–9 (OT) | September 12, 2010 | Pittsburgh | |
| Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts | 2 | 13 | 0 | .133 | W 31–7 | November 6, 2011 | Indianapolis | |
| Total | 312 | 397 | 6 | .441 | 7–11 (.389) |
Single game records
- Rushing: Michael Turner, 220 9/7/2008
- Passing: Chris Chandler, 431 12/23/2001
- Passing Touchdowns: Wade Wilson, 5 12/13/92
- Receptions: William Andrews, 15 09/15/1981
- Receiving Yards:Roddy White, 210 10/11/09
- Interceptions:Several Falcons, most recently William Moore, 2 11/29/2012
- Field Goals:Norm Johnson, 6 11/13/1994
- Total Touchdowns': T.J. Duckett, 4, 12/12/2004 & Michael Turner 4, 11/23/08
- Points Scored:.T.J. Duckett, 24, 12–12–04 & Michael Turner, 24, 11/23/2008
- Sacks: Chuck Smith, 5, 10/12/97
Single season records
- Passing Attempts: 615 Matt Ryan (2012)
- Passing Completions: 422 Matt Ryan (2012)
- Passing Yards: 4,719 Matt Ryan (2012)
- Passing Touchdowns: 32 Matt Ryan (2012)
- Passing Interceptions: 25 Bobby Hebert (1996)
- Completion Percentage: 68.6 Matt Ryan (2012)
- Passing Rating: 110.2 Wade Wilson (1992)
- Rushing Attempts: 410 Jamal Anderson (1998)
- Rushing Yards: 1,846 Jamal Anderson (1998)
- Rushing Touchdowns: 17 Michael Turner (2008)
- Receiving Catches: 115 Roddy White (2010)
- Receiving Yards: 1,389 Roddy White (2010)
- Receiving Touchdowns: 15 Andre Rison (1993)
- Quarterback Sacks: 16.5 John Abraham (2008)
- Pass Interceptions: 10 Scott Case (1988)
- Field Goal Attempts: 40 Jay Feely (2002)
- Field Goals Made: 33 Matt Bryant (2012)
- Points: 143 Matt Bryant (2012)
- Total Touchdowns: 17 Michael Turner (2008)
Career records
- Passing Attempts: 3,329 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
- Passing Completions: 1,870 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
- Passing Yards: 23,468 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
- Passing Touchdowns: 154 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
- Passing Interceptions: 141 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
- Passing Rating: 90.9 Matt Ryan (2008–present)
- Rushing Attempts: 1,587 Gerald Riggs (1982–88)
- Rushing Yards: 6,631 Gerald Riggs (1982–88)
- Rushing Yards by a QB: 3,859 Michael Vick (2001–2006)[30]
- Rushing Touchdowns: 60 Michael Turner (2008–2012)
- Receiving Catches: 622 Roddy White (2005–present)
- Receiving Yards: 8,725 Roddy White (2005–present)
- Receiving Touchdowns: 57 Terance Mathis (1994–2001)
- Quarterback Sacks: 68.5 John Abraham (2006–2012)
- Pass Interceptions: 39 Rolland Lawrence (1973–80)
- Field Goal Attempts: 224 Morten Andersen (1995–2000, 2006–2007)
- Field Goals Made: 184 Morten Andersen (1995–2000, 2006–2007)
- Points: 806 Morten Andersen (1995–2000, 2006–2007)
- Total Touchdowns: 61 Michael Turner (2008–2012)
- Pass Interception Return Yards: 658 Rolland Lawrence (1973–80)
- Pass Interception Returned for Touchdowns: 3 Deion Sanders (1989-1993) and Kevin Mathis (2002-2006)
- Punt Return Yards: 1,723 Allen Rossum (2002-2006)
- Kickoff Return Yards: 5,489 Allen Rossum (2002-2006)
- Longest Punt: 75 John James (1972-1981) and Harold Alexander (1993-1994)
Players of note
Current roster
Pro Football Hall of Famers
- 21 Deion Sanders, CB, played for team from 1989–1993, inducted in 2011
Deion is the only Hall of Famer that has been inducted based substantially on his service with the Falcons; however, three inductees played briefly for the Falcons during their careers:
- 29 Eric Dickerson, RB, played for team in 1993
- 25 Tommy McDonald, WR, played for team in 1967
- 56 Chris Doleman, DE, played for team in 1994 and 1995
"Ring of Honor"
Note: The Atlanta Falcons organization does not officially retire jersey numbers.[31]
- 10 Steve Bartkowski, QB, 1975–1985
- 21 Deion Sanders, CB, 1989–1993
- 31 William Andrews, RB, 1979–1983, 1986
- 57 Jeff Van Note, C, 1969–1986
- 58 Jessie Tuggle, LB, 1987–2000
- 60 Tommy Nobis, LB, 1966–1976
- 78 Mike Kenn, T, 1978–1994
- 87 Claude Humphrey, DE, 1968–1978
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- 60 Tommy Nobis, LB, 1966–1976
- 87 Claude Humphrey, DE, 1968–1978
- 57 Jeff Van Note, C, 1969–1986
- Marion Campbell, Head Coach, 1974–1976, 1987–1989 (also former University of Georgia player)
- 84 Alfred Jenkins, WR, 1975–1983
- 31 William Andrews, RB, 1979–1983, 1986
- Dan Reeves, Head Coach, 1997–2003 (also Georgia native)
Coaches of note
Head coaches
In their history, the Atlanta Falcons have had 15 head coaches.[32]
| Coach | Years | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norb Hecker | 1966–1968 | 4–26–1 (.129) | Fired after three games in 1968. |
| Norm Van Brocklin | 1968–1974 | 39–48–3 (.433) | Fired after eight games in 1974. |
| Marion Campbell | 1974–1976 | 6–19 (.240) | Fired after five games in 1976. |
| Pat Peppler | 1976 | 3–6 (.333) | Interim head coach. |
| Leeman Bennett | 1977–1982 | 46–41 (.529) | |
| Dan Henning | 1983–1986 | 22–41–1 (.344) | |
| Marion Campbell | 1987–1989 | 11–36 (.234) | Retired after 12 games in 1989. |
| Jim Hanifan | 1989 | 0–4 (.000) | Interim head coach. |
| Jerry Glanville | 1990–1993 | 27–37 (.422) | |
| June Jones | 1994–1996 | 19–29 (.396) | |
| Dan Reeves | 1997–2003 | 49–59–1 (.450) | Fired after 13 games in 2003. |
| Wade Phillips | 2003 | 2–1 (.667) | Interim head coach. |
| Jim Mora | 2004–2006 | 26–22 (.542) | |
| Bobby Petrino | 2007 | 3–10 (.231) | Resigned after 13 games to take over Arkansas Razorbacks. |
| Emmitt Thomas | 2007 | 1–2 (.333) | Interim head coach. |
| Mike Smith | 2008–Present | 54–22 (.711) |
Current staff
|
| |||||
Radio and television
As of 2011, the Falcons' radio flagship station is WSTR Star 94 FM, and WQXI 790 AM "The Zone", previously held since 2006 by WZGC 92.9 "Dave FM." [33][34] Wes Durham, voice of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and son of longtime North Carolina Tar Heels voice Woody Durham, is the Falcons' play-by-play announcer. Preseason games not shown nationally television (except NBC-aired games) are seen on NBC affiliate WXIA, also known as "11 Alive." In 2008, preseason games aired on WATL-TV due to WXIA's commitment to the 2008 Summer Olympics. Both stations are owned by Gannett Company.
Fox affiliate WAGA-TV aired most preseason games through the 2004 season. WAGA continues to have a relationship with the Falcons as their primary broadcaster of regular season games (serving in this capacity since the Falcons started play), which dates back to when WAGA was a CBS affiliate and the NFL/NFC games were on CBS. WATL aired most Falcons games in 1994, as WAGA did not switch to Fox until December 1994.
Atlanta Falcons fans are more prevalent in western North Carolina due to the fact the Carolina Panthers only existed since 1996. Historically, they can be found generally west of Interstate 26 from Asheville to Murphy. East of Interstate 26 is considered a neutral zone, but the majority are Washington Redskin fans.
Radio Affiliates
Falcons Radio Affiliates[dead link]
Georgia
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Albany | WSRA-AM | 1250 AM |
| Athens | WRFC-AM | 960 AM |
| Atlanta | WQXI-AM | 790 AM |
| Atlanta | WSTR-FM | 94.1 FM |
| Augusta | WRDW-AM | 1630 AM |
| Brunswick | WSFN-AM | 790 AM |
| Clarkesville | WDUN-FM | 102.9 FM |
| Columbus | WDAK-AM | 540 AM |
| Columbus | WSHE | 1270 AM |
| Dalton | WBLJ-AM | 1230 AM |
| Douglas | WDMG-AM | 860 AM |
| Gainesville | WDUN | 550 AM |
| Griffin | WKEU-AM | 1450 AM |
| Griffin | WKEU-FM | 88.9 FM |
| Hogansville | WVCC-AM | 720 AM |
| Jesup | WLOP-AM | 1370 AM |
| Jesup | WIFO-FM | 105.5 FM |
| LaGrange | WMGP-FM | 98.1 FM |
| Louisville | WPEH-AM | 1420 AM |
| Louisville | WPEH-FM | 92.1 FM |
| Macon | WMAC-AM | 940 AM |
| Milledgeville | WMVG-AM | 1450 AM |
| Newnan | WCOH-AM | 1400 AM |
| Rome | WATG-FM | 95.7 FM |
| Sandersville | WJFL-FM | 101.9 FM |
| Savannah | WSEG-AM | 1400 AM |
| Savannah | WSEG-FM | 104.3 FM |
| Statesboro | WPTB-AM | 850 AM |
| Swainsboro | WJAT-AM | 800 AM |
| Thomaston | WTGA-FM | 101.1 FM |
| Toccoa | WNEG-AM | 630 AM |
| Valdosta | WJEM-AM | 1150 AM |
| Valdosta | WJEM-FM | 96.1 FM |
| Vidalia | WVOP-AM | 970 AM |
| Waycross | WFNS-AM | 1350 AM |
Alabama
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | WZNN | 97.3 FM |
| Foley | WHEP-AM | 1310 AM |
Florida
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | WWJK | 107.3 FM |
Mississippi
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson | WYAB-FM | 103.9 FM |
South Carolina
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | WTMZ-AM | 910 AM |
| Clemson | WCCP-FM | 104.9 FM |
Tennessee
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | WDEF-AM | 1370 AM |
Virginia
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Lynchburg | WBRG-AM | 1050 AM |
| Lynchburg | WBRG-FM | 104.5 FM |
Public interest initiatives
A delegation from the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, on January 26, 2009 traveled to the Guantánamo Bay detention camps, in Cuba, to sign autographs, and enhance the troops' morale.[35] While there,[36] the cheerleaders toured the detention camps' hospital, and Camp IV,[37] Camp V,[38] & Camp VI.[39]
See also
Notes and references
- ^ Atlanta Falcons Corporate Headquarters and Training Facility http://www.claycorp.com/p/369/atlanta-falcons-corporate-headquarters-training/
- ^ a b c d e f http://media.atlantafalcons.com/assets/History_Section.pdf
- ^ Hubbuch, Bart (January 7, 2012). "Queens-born owner models Falcons after hometown team". New York Post.
- ^ a b c [1][dead link]
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ Arthur Blank Owner and Chairman http://www.atlantafalcons.com/roster-staffs/arthur-blank/[dead link]
- ^ "New Georgia Encyclopedia: Arthur Blank (b. 1942)". Georgiaencyclopedia.org. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
- ^ "Atlanta Falcons Team History". Nflteamhistory.com. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
- ^ "1966 NFL Draft". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved September 27, 2008.
- ^ Nicknames http://www.profootballhof.com/history/nicknames.aspx
- ^ "Arthur Blank buys Falcons from Smith family". December 17, 2001.
- ^ 8:00 PM ET, January 4, 2003 (2003-01-04). "Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers – Recap – January 04, 2003 – ESPN". Scores.espn.go.com. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "2002–03 NFL Playoffs – Atlanta Falcons Green Bay Packers". Football.about.com. 2012-04-10. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
- ^ Falcons' Vick skipping Pro Bowl http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2003/01/23/vick_probowl.html
- ^ “The new Atlanta Falcons logo is fresh, strong and dynamic, and yet appreciates the tradition and history of this franchise,” said Falcons owner and CEO Arthur Blank. “The new logo depicts a more powerful, aggressive Falcon – one of fast movement. It is also representative of the evolution and direction of our team.”
- ^ Atlantafalcons.com[dead link]
- ^ Atlantafalcons.com[dead link]
- ^ Atlantafalcons.com[dead link]
- ^ NFL.com
- ^ Atlantafalcons.com[dead link]
- ^ Singer, Mike (28 November 2012). "Atlanta's Jacquizz Rodgers emerging as Falcons top back". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- ^ "Galleries". CNN. September 5, 2011.
- ^ "Falcons Uniform History"[dead link], NFL
- ^ "Falcons Unveil New Logo"[dead link], NFL
- ^ Atlanta Falcons Headquarters & Training Facility http://www.exploregeorgia.org/Georgia/Attractions/Atlanta-Falcons-Headquarters-And-Training-Facility/20811
- ^ "The history of Falcons training camp including – Falcons Life Forums". Boards.atlantafalcons.com. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
- ^ a b "Ponder & Ponder, Architects – Norcross, Georgia". Ponder2.com. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
- ^ "City of Flowery Branch – 2005 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp – 2005 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp". Flowerybranchga.org. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
- ^ "Atlanta Falcons Team Encyclopedia" (Document). Pro Football Reference. 2008.
{{cite document}}: Unknown parameter|accessdate=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|url=ignored (help) - ^ NFL.com
- ^ Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor page
- ^ "Atlanta Falcons Team Directory". The Sports Network. January 9, 2007. Retrieved September 19, 2007.
- ^ "790/The Zone and Star 94 become new Falcons radio partners; CBS Atlanta picks up pre-season games". AJC.
- ^ "Falcons move to Star 94, 790 The Zone". Atlanta Business Chronicle. March 7, 2011.
- ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit January 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Retrieved January 19, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit January 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Retrieved January 19, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit January 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Retrieved January 19, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit January 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Retrieved January 19, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ Richard M. Wolff (January 26, 2009). "Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Visit January 26, 2009". Joint Task Force Guantánamo. Retrieved January 19, 2010.[dead link]
External links
Media related to Atlanta Falcons at Wikimedia Commons- Official website
- Sports E-Cyclopedia.com
- The Atlanta Falcons at GeorgiaEncyclopedia.org
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| Franchise | |
| Stadiums | |
| Culture | |
| Lore | |
| Rivalries | |
| Wild card / First round berths (8) | |
| Division championships (6) | |
| Conference championships (2) | |
| Ring of Honor | |
| Current league affiliations |
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