NFL Team History- the Atlanta Falcons

After years of futile attempts, the largest metropolitan city in the Southeast, Atlanta, finally joined a professional football organization, the National Football League (NFL) on June 30th, 1965.

In August of 1965, team owner Rankin Smith allowed the fans to select the nickname of the team through a public contest. Local school teacher Julia Elliott cited a convincing statement when she said, "The falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight. It never drops prey. It is deadly and has a great sporting tradition." Hence, the Falcons were the choice nickname for the newly established Atlanta franchise.

The Atlanta Falcons' first contractually signed players were halfback Bob Paremore and split end Gary Barnes. In November of 1965, the Falcons selected linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas as their inaugural draft pick.

Former Green Bay Packers assistant coach Norb Hecker was selected as the first head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. The remainder of the team was assembled by an expansion draft coordinated by Hecker and the team's Director of Player Personnel, Gene Cronin. The Falcons were allotted three players from each team in the draft, and were able to acquire rookies and free agents.

The Falcons were assigned to the NFL's Western Conference, Coastal Division, along with the Baltimore Colts, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers, this following the NFL and AFL (American Football League) merger in 1966.

The Falcons faced the Philadelphia Eagles in their first ever pre-season game, which was played in front of their home crowd at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. Unfortunately, the Falcons were defeated by a score of 9-7. The Falcons finally won their first preseason match-up by defeating the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 24-17.

The Falcons inaugural regular season game was held at their home stadium as they hosted their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. Their introductory game was one of defeat as they lost by a score of 19-14. On November 30, 1966, after eight consecutive losses, the Falcons finally put a W in the win column as they defeated the New York Giants 27-16 at the historic Yankee Stadium.

A 16-10 triumph over the St. Louis Cardinals on December 11th, 1966 marked the first win for the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. The Falcons finished their opening season with three wins, a record they shared with the Minnesota Vikings for most wins by an expansion franchise.

It was not until 1971, the sixth year of the franchise's existence, when the Falcons finally notched their first winning season. They completed the 1971 season with an respectable record of 7 wins, 6 losses, and 1 tie. Seven years later they clinched their first post-season berth.

On December 15th, 1978 the Falcons edged out the Philadelphia Eagles 14-13 to mark their first playoff victory. Just a week later, the Falcons were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys 27-20 at Texas Stadium to end their playoff run.

Two years later, the Falcons won their first NFC Western division crown by amassing 12 regular season wins. Nonetheless, the Dallas Cowboys once again ended the Falcons hopes of capturing the Super Bowl.

It was not until December 29th, 1991 when the Atlanta Falcons finally won another playoff game as they edged out the New Orleans Saints 10-6 in the Superdome.

In 1992, the Falcons opened up their new home field, the Georgia Dome.

The Falcons toppled the Philadelphia Eagles 20-10 as in the first fame played at the modish Georgia Dome. The game was played in front of a sell-out crowd of 66,834.

Mournfully, on October 26th, 1997, Atlanta Falcons owner and founder Rankin Smith passed away due to heart complications at the age of 72. Smith's three daughters and two sons assumed ownership of the Falcons franchise.

The very next season, the Atlanta Falcons enjoyed their paramount season to date. They ended the 1998 regular season with a remarkable 14-2 record, and upset the 15-1 Minnesota Vikings 30-27 earning them their first and only NFC championship, and their first trip to the Super Bowl. The Falcons were matched up against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami, Florida; however, they suffered a disappointing 34-19 defeat.

The 1998 season was unforgettable for the Falcons and their fans as a new celebratory touchdown dance, the Dirty Birds, became the trend. The dance was originated and perfected by tight end O.J. Santiago and running back Jamal Anderson.

On April 21, 2001 the Falcons traded for the first overall pick in 2001 NFL draft, and selected the over-hyped quarterback Michael Vick from Virginia Tech. Later that year, businessman Arthur Blank acquired the Smith family's shares of the Atlanta Falcons.

The NFL went into realignment mode in 2002, and the Falcons were transferred from the NFL Western Division to the NFC South Division. They were accompanied by the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Falcons won their third division title in 2004, and earned their second trip to the NFC Championship Game, however, they were trounced by the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 on the Eagles home field.

The Falcons failed to qualify for the post-season in 2005 and 2006. The 2007 season began without their star quarterback Michael Vick, as he pleaded guilty Conspiracy to travel Interstate Commerce in aid of Unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an Animal Fighting venture. It is highly likely that Vick will spend several years in prison due to his illegal activity.