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The History Of The Atlanta Falcons

Perhaps no professional sports league wears their history more proudly than the National Football League. The Atlanta Falcons franchise has contributed heavily to the rich history of the league, and appears poised to continue that trend long into the future. Though they haven't compiled heaps of championship rings like a handful of other teams, the Atlanta Falcons have certainly put together some very strong campaigns and have groomed some of the finest players the league has seen.

The Atlanta Falcons entered the National Football League in 1965; the franchise was given to Rankin Smith as an incentive to keep the experienced owner from leaving in favor of their rival, the American Football League. The AFL team that was destined for Smith’s ownership went on to be awarded to Florida, and became the popular Miami Dolphins. In 45 years of existence, the Falcons have put together a record that includes 298 wins and 402 losses. This record—which works out to a winning percentage of just .422—is indicative of one of the Falcons’ least popular claims to fame: From 1966-2008, a streak of 42 seasons, the Atlanta Falcons failed to put together back-to-back winning campaigns, making them the only team in any major American sport in history to do so. Despite this shortcoming, they have won the title in their division four times—1980, 1998, 2004, and 2010—and have played in one super bowl, Super Bowl XXXIII, which they lost 34-19 to the Denver Broncos.

In their 45 seasons, the Atlanta Falcons have seen some huge names come and go. Some of these players now reside in the National Football League Hall of Fame in Canton. Eric Dickerson, RB, Tommy McDonald, WR, and Deion Sanders, CB, have all been inducted into the Hall of Fame having served with the Atlanta Falcons, though only one player, Deion Sanders, has ever been inducted based on his time with the franchise.

Some of Atlanta’s biggest stars have come in recent seasons as the Falcons have slowly gained rank and become one of the league's more popular teams. The biggest player in establishing Atlanta’s relevance over the past decade has been, unquestionably, Michael Vick. Drafted first overall in 2001, Vick has gone on to become one of the most electric players of the current generation. Released in 2007 after being convicted of involvement in illegal dog-fighting, Michael Vick now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. During his time in Atlanta, Vick single-handedly increased the Falcons fan base and put the team on the map, even leading them to their first NFC championship game since 1998.

Now quarterbacked by Matt Ryan, a number three overall pick, the Falcons have cemented their place as a power in the NFC. Ryan, a more traditional pocket passer, has certainly helped fans in Atlanta deal with “life after Vick” as he has turned in quality numbers every season since taking the reins. Helping Ryan in his quest for a Super Bowl are Pro Bowlers Michael Turner and Roddy White, future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, and rookie hotshot Julio Jones. With such a talented cast, the Falcons are finally perennial playoff contenders.

With a rich history featuring many high-quality players and a presently top-end team littered with talent, Falcons fans certainly have something to cheer about now, and into the distant future.