when did the atlanta falcons become a team
June 30 , 1965
22315
team, the New Orleans Saints, joined the NFL as planned in 1967 as its sixteenth franchise. The Atlanta Falcons franchise began on June 30, 1965, when Rozelle granted ownership to forty-year-old Rankin Smith Sr., an Executive Vice President of Life Insurance Company of Georgia. He paid $8.5 million, the highest price in NFL history at the time for a franchise. 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 team became the fifteenth NFL franchise, and they were awarded the
Atlanta Falcons
22315
team, the New Orleans Saints, joined the NFL as planned in 1967 as its sixteenth franchise. The Atlanta Falcons franchise began on June 30, 1965, when Rozelle granted ownership to forty-year-old Rankin Smith Sr., an Executive Vice President of Life Insurance Company of Georgia. He paid $8.5 million, the highest price in NFL history at the time for a franchise. 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 team became the fifteenth NFL franchise, and they were awarded the
Atlanta Falcons
12510726
1966 NFL expansion draft The 1966 NFL expansion draft was a National Football League (NFL) draft in which a new expansion team, named the Atlanta Falcons, selected its first players. On June 30, 1965, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle awarded the first NFL franchise in the Deep South to the city of Atlanta and granted ownership to Rankin Smith Sr. So that the Falcons could become competitive with existing teams, the league awarded the Falcons the first pick in the 1966 NFL Draft, supplemented with the final pick in the first five rounds. The NFL also gave the new team the
1966 NFL expansion draft
12510728
paid $8.5 million for the franchise. (Feb 17, 1966 "St. Petersburg Times".) 1966 NFL expansion draft The 1966 NFL expansion draft was a National Football League (NFL) draft in which a new expansion team, named the Atlanta Falcons, selected its first players. On June 30, 1965, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle awarded the first NFL franchise in the Deep South to the city of Atlanta and granted ownership to Rankin Smith Sr. So that the Falcons could become competitive with existing teams, the league awarded the Falcons the first pick in the 1966 NFL Draft, supplemented with the final pick in
1966 NFL expansion draft
14179343
2010 Atlanta Falcons season The 2010 Atlanta Falcons season was the 45th season for the team in the National Football League. In 2009, the team posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history, with a 9–7 record, but did not make the playoffs. The Falcons improved on their 2009 record, winning 13 games. The team won their first NFC South title since 2004, a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and the top seed in the NFC. In the playoffs, the Falcons fell to the eventual Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers in the
2010 Atlanta Falcons season
11776797
1990 Atlanta Falcons season The Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 25th season in the National Football League (NFL). Jerry Glanville was hired to be the team’s new coach. The franchise changed their helmets from red to black. Atlanta looked to improve on its 3–13 record from 1989. The team did improve by finishing 5–11, but the Falcons still suffered an eighth consecutive losing season. 1990 started out pretty well for Atlanta, as they beat playoff contenders Houston, New Orleans, and Cincinnati at home. The team sat at 3–4 after their win against Cincinnati. It then lost seven games in
1990 Atlanta Falcons season
22358
season, the team's games are seen on Fox's O&O affiliate WAGA. When the Falcons challenge an AFC team, CBS affiliate WGCL will air those games while Sunday night games are televised on WXIA, the local NBC affiliate. Source: Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The Falcons joined the NFL in 1965 as an expansion team, after the NFL offered then-owner Rankin Smith a franchise to keep him from joining
Atlanta Falcons
14179379
history. It was the second worst defeat by a top seed before a Super Bowl, with the worst being a 28–0 loss by the Los Angeles Rams to the Dallas Cowboys in the 1978 season. 2010 Atlanta Falcons season The 2010 Atlanta Falcons season was the 45th season for the team in the National Football League. In 2009, the team posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history, with a 9–7 record, but did not make the playoffs. The Falcons improved on their 2009 record, winning 13 games. The team won their first NFC South title since
2010 Atlanta Falcons season
9869298
8 out of their next 9, pausing only to beat Glanville's former division rival Cincinnati before winning their last two games to finish at 5–11. On October 28, Atlanta-based Turner Network Television, a subsidiary of the Turner Broadcasting System, did its first NFL game not only involving the Falcons, but also played in Atlanta. Mentions were made of these connections during the broadcast as the Falcons beat the Cincinnati Bengals 38-17. The 1991 team, also known as the "2 Legit 2 Quit" Falcons, as they appropriated the song by MC Hammer as their team theme song after several Falcons appeared
History of the Atlanta Falcons
11776798
a row before winning its last two to end the season. Atlanta went 5–3 at home, but winless on the road, which cost the Falcons a trip to the postseason. 1990 Atlanta Falcons season The Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 25th season in the National Football League (NFL). Jerry Glanville was hired to be the team’s new coach. The franchise changed their helmets from red to black. Atlanta looked to improve on its 3–13 record from 1989. The team did improve by finishing 5–11, but the Falcons still suffered an eighth consecutive losing season. 1990 started out pretty well
1990 Atlanta Falcons season
11902018
wonder of a unit: the 1976 Falcons possessed one of the worst defenses in the league (22.3 PPG); and it largely fell apart in 1978 (18.1 PPG). The most famous personality on the 1977 Falcons was not a player but defensive assistant Jerry Glanville, who installed in a swarming style of play in Atlanta remembered as the "Grits Blitz" defense." 1977 Atlanta Falcons season The 1977 Atlanta Falcons season was the team's 12th year in the National Football League. The team finished the season 7–7, and did not make the NFL's postseason. Although the Falcons' offense struggled, the defense was
1977 Atlanta Falcons season
11902048
2004 Atlanta Falcons season The 2004 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 39th in the National Football League (NFL). It was the first year under head coach Jim Mora. Under Mora, the team went 11–5, advancing to the playoffs. After easily handling the 8–8 St. Louis Rams in the Divisional round, the Falcons advanced to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1998, but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Falcons did not make the postseason again until 2008 and would not appear in the NFC Championship again until 2012. The team led the NFL in rushing in
2004 Atlanta Falcons season
18264103
of the 1977 NFL draft. Spiva was released by St. Louis that year when the team made its final preseason cuts. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons shortly thereafter. Falcons coach Leeman Bennett said that the team had become impressed with Spiva when they played Spiva and the Cardinals in a preseason game. He played in 13 games for the Falcons in 1977. Prior to the 1978 season, Spiva was the top middle linebacker on Atlanta's depth chart before suffering a preseason knee injury. He underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments a few days after sustaining the injury. On
Andy Spiva
9869328
September 19, ending punter Michael Koenen's audition as the sole kicker on the team (Koenen continued to placekick in long-yardage situations). The next week, the team had a bye and prepared to face the New York Giants. The Falcons would lose to the Giants 27–14. The only bright spot of the game was a 90-yard 3rd-quarter touchdown run by Warrick Dunn, the longest touchdown run in Atlanta Falcons history. The Atlanta Falcons hoped to bounce back the next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they did so with a huge game. In a shootout rivaling the following week's Indianapolis-Denver game,
History of the Atlanta Falcons
12896947
they had led 10-0. A highlight for the 1973 Falcons was defeating the Vikings when that team was 9–0 and looking at emulating the previous season‘s Dolphins’ perfect season. Despite the Falcons’ success between 2008 and 2012, this was the last time the Falcons defeated the last unbeaten NFL team until they defeated the 14-0 Carolina Panthers in week 16 of the 2015 season. 1973 Atlanta Falcons season The 1973 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's eighth year in the National Football League (NFL). The team improved on their previous season’s output of 7–7 and achieved their best record until
1973 Atlanta Falcons season
11902016
1977 Atlanta Falcons season The 1977 Atlanta Falcons season was the team's 12th year in the National Football League. The team finished the season 7–7, and did not make the NFL's postseason. Although the Falcons' offense struggled, the defense was dominant. The Falcons' 129 points allowed not only led the league, but established an all-time NFL record for fewest points allowed in a 14-game NFL season. Atlanta's 3,242 total yards allowed were second-fewest in the league, and the Falcons' 1,384 passing yards allowed was by far the best in the NFL in 1977. Football analytics site "Cold Hard Football Facts"
1977 Atlanta Falcons season
14549945
player which best exemplifies Grizzly football. He had 90 tackles and started every game as a senior, when he was named All-Big Sky, first team. Schillinger wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine but did participate in the Texas vs. Nation showcase. Schillinger was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round (171st overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. On June 6, 2010, the Atlanta Falcons signed Schillinger to a four-year contract. Schillinger was signed by the Tennessee Titans on November 27, 2013. After playing in one game for the team, Schillinger was released by the Titans on December
Shann Schillinger
11902109
another touchdown pass to Chad Lewis. The Eagles won 27 to 10 and advanced to the Super Bowl. 2004 Atlanta Falcons season The 2004 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 39th in the National Football League (NFL). It was the first year under head coach Jim Mora. Under Mora, the team went 11–5, advancing to the playoffs. After easily handling the 8–8 St. Louis Rams in the Divisional round, the Falcons advanced to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1998, but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Falcons did not make the postseason again until 2008 and
2004 Atlanta Falcons season
12481038
had the third-worst pass defense they had ever tracked. The season was notable when Jeff George was engaged in a shouting match with June Jones in a nationally televised game against Philadelphia. The next day, George was suspended for his act and was eventually released by the team. As for coach Jones, he was fired at the conclusion of the season. 1996 Atlanta Falcons season The 1996 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise’s 31st season in the National Football League (NFL). The Falcons were unable to match their previous season’s output of 9–7 and failed to reach the playoffs. Atlanta
1996 Atlanta Falcons season
22348
initially estimated to be around $1 billion, the total cost was revised to $1.5 billion according to Blank. In March 2013, the Atlanta City Council voted 11–4 in favor of building the stadium. The retractable roof Mercedes-Benz Stadium broke ground in May 2014, and became the third home stadium for the Falcons and the first for the new Atlanta United FC Major League Soccer club upon opening in 2017. The Atlanta Falcons' colors are red, black, silver and white. When the team began play in 1966, the Falcons wore red helmets with a black falcon crest logo. In the center
Atlanta Falcons
11303805
construction of the Falcons’ next stadium, the Georgia Dome, threatening to move the Falcons elsewhere if a new stadium was not built. When Smith backed out from the AFL agreement, the AFL franchise was then awarded to Miami, which would start play as the Dolphins in 1966. Smith continued to manage day-to-day operations of the team until 1990, when he turned control of the team over to his son Taylor Smith. The team was sold to Arthur M. Blank in 2002 for $545 million. On Interstate 985 in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, Exit #12—which leads to the Atlanta Falcons
Rankin M. Smith Sr.
214594
St. Louis Cardinals. Lamping is the second team president in franchise history and the first since 1997, when David Seldin left that position. On January 10, 2012, former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey was named head coach of the Jaguars. On January 13, it was announced that interim head coach Mel Tucker would remain on the staff as defensive coordinator/assistant head coach and that former Falcons quarterbacks coach Bob Bratkowski would become offensive coordinator. On January 20, 2012, the team hired John Bonamego as special teams coordinator. The Jaguars began the 2012 season with a new coaching staff and
Jacksonville Jaguars
11401203
and no interceptions for a 135.0 passer rating. Ryan finished the game with a season-high 194 passing yards. The Falcons posted a touchdown on their first offensive possession of the game when Ryan led the team 81 yards on 10 plays and completed a one-yard touchdown strike to tight end Justin Peelle, his first as an Atlanta Falcon and the eighth of his career. Center Ben Wilkerson saw his first action of the season at the center position when he briefly replaced Todd McClure on Atlanta first offensive drive of the game. Wilkerson was at center when the Falcons scored
2008 Atlanta Falcons season
6090109
then headed back for the first game in the Superdome since the 2005 preseason, a Monday Night date with the Atlanta Falcons on September 25. The Saints entered the game 2–0 against the 2–0 Falcons with many expecting the Falcons' powerful running game to overwhelm the team. The game kicked off to fanfare of the Saints' official return to New Orleans. The game also featured pregame festivities featuring Green Day and U2 performing a song that would become the team's unofficial anthem, "The Saints Are Coming". New Orleans dominated the game right from the start when Steve Gleason blocked a
History of the New Orleans Saints
17665296
On November 21, 2016, Schraeder signed a five-year contract extension with the Falcons. After starting all 16 games at right tackle for the Falcons in 2016, Schraeder started 14 games in 2017, missing two games due to a concussion. Ryan Schraeder Ryan Schraeder (born May 4, 1988) is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He played college football at Valdosta State. Schraeder did not play high school football. He walked-on to the Butler Community College football team
Ryan Schraeder
3330333
designed by a joint-venture team of FABRAP (Finch Alexander Barnes Rothschild & Paschal) and Heery, Inc. Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, often referred to as Fulton County Stadium and originally named Atlanta Stadium, was a multi-purpose stadium in the southeastern United States, located in Atlanta. It was built to attract a Major League Baseball team and in 1966 succeeded when the Milwaukee Braves relocated from Wisconsin. The Braves and expansion Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League shared the venue for 26 years, until the Falcons moved into the newly completed Georgia Dome in 1992. The Braves continued to
Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
22310
Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The Falcons joined the NFL in 1965 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). In their 51 years of existence (through 2016), the Falcons have compiled a record of 350–450–6 ( in the regular season and in the playoffs), winning division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004,
Atlanta Falcons
9869320
carries in a season(410) and the team record for rushing yards (1,846). The team also sent six players to the Pro Bowl, the second highest total in team history. Atlanta was also the first dome team in league history to make the Super Bowl. After the adrenaline rush of the 1998 season, Atlanta football would cool down when RB Jamal Anderson endured an early season-ending torn ACL injury. The team tumbled to a 5-11 record in 1999, and an even worse 4-12 record in 2000. In the 2001 NFL Draft, the Falcons orchestrated a trade with the San Diego Chargers
History of the Atlanta Falcons
8724569
2006 Atlanta Falcons season The 2006 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 41st in the National Football League (NFL). The team attempted to improve on their 8–8 record in 2005. Falcons quarterback Michael Vick became the first quarterback in modern NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards, with 1,039. Running back Warrick Dunn rushed for 1,140 yards, making the 2006 Falcons only the fourth team since the AFL-NFL merger to have two 1,000-yard rushers. The Falcons are, however, the only team to have multiple 1,000-yard rushers and finish the season with a losing record. This was the end of
2006 Atlanta Falcons season
15151352
Venues of the 1996 Summer Olympics For the 1996 Summer Olympics, a total of twenty-nine sports venues were used. Several sports venues for the 1996 Olympics were built before the 1960s as college venues. The first professional teams in Atlanta came in 1966, when Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves moved from Milwaukee and the NFL added the Atlanta Falcons as an expansion team. In 1968, the NBA came to the city when the Atlanta Hawks arrived from St. Louis, and the NHL arrived four years later with the expansion Atlanta Flames. The Braves and Falcons shared Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium from
Venues of the 1996 Summer Olympics
13793614
aired most Atlanta Falcons 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
Primary NFL television stations
22353
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
Atlanta Falcons
17665294
Ryan Schraeder Ryan Schraeder (born May 4, 1988) is an American football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He played college football at Valdosta State. Schraeder did not play high school football. He walked-on to the Butler Community College football team three days before camp started and ended up making the team. He hit a late growth spurt and grew a foot in one year. Some say he put a Valdosta IHOP on a temporary hiatus because of how many
Ryan Schraeder
20469780
assures that the Super Bowl host team will not play the championship game on their own field. 2018 Atlanta Falcons season The 2018 season is the Atlanta Falcons' 53rd in the National Football League, their second playing their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (the venue for Super Bowl LIII) and their fourth under head coach Dan Quinn. The Falcons attempted to be the first team to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium as an expected Super Bowl contender. However the Falcons were riddled with injuries, losing 7 starters to IR with the Falcons stumbling to a 1–4 start.
2018 Atlanta Falcons season
11776796
quarter. 1991 Atlanta Falcons season The Atlanta Falcons season was the team's 26th season in the National Football League (NFL). It was also the final season they played at Fulton County Stadium, before moving into the Georgia Dome the following year. The season would be the most successful Atlanta compiled in almost a decade, with the team recording a winning record for the first time in nine years. Additionally, the team won its first playoff game since 1978, by defeating the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card Game. The Falcons' most notable selection in the 1991 NFL draft
1991 Atlanta Falcons season
11776793
1991 Atlanta Falcons season The Atlanta Falcons season was the team's 26th season in the National Football League (NFL). It was also the final season they played at Fulton County Stadium, before moving into the Georgia Dome the following year. The season would be the most successful Atlanta compiled in almost a decade, with the team recording a winning record for the first time in nine years. Additionally, the team won its first playoff game since 1978, by defeating the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card Game. The Falcons' most notable selection in the 1991 NFL draft was
1991 Atlanta Falcons season
3330322
Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, often referred to as Fulton County Stadium and originally named Atlanta Stadium, was a multi-purpose stadium in the southeastern United States, located in Atlanta. It was built to attract a Major League Baseball team and in 1966 succeeded when the Milwaukee Braves relocated from Wisconsin. The Braves and expansion Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League shared the venue for 26 years, until the Falcons moved into the newly completed Georgia Dome in 1992. The Braves continued to play at the stadium for another five years, then moved into Turner Field in 1997, the
Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
12871869
coach Mike Smith. 2009 Atlanta Falcons season The 2009 Atlanta Falcons season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League. The team looked to match or improve upon their 11–5 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs, however the Falcons were eliminated from contention in Week 15. Despite not making the playoffs, the team, with a record of 9–7, posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The only Falcon this year to play in the Pro Bowl was Roddy White. He finished the game with 8 catches and 84 yards. The
2009 Atlanta Falcons season
12871836
2009 Atlanta Falcons season The 2009 Atlanta Falcons season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League. The team looked to match or improve upon their 11–5 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs, however the Falcons were eliminated from contention in Week 15. Despite not making the playoffs, the team, with a record of 9–7, posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The only Falcon this year to play in the Pro Bowl was Roddy White. He finished the game with 8 catches and 84 yards. The 2009 NFL Draft
2009 Atlanta Falcons season
12481037
1996 Atlanta Falcons season The 1996 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise’s 31st season in the National Football League (NFL). The Falcons were unable to match their previous season’s output of 9–7 and failed to reach the playoffs. Atlanta started the season 0–8, going winless until November. Two of the team’s three wins were over the equally inept New Orleans Saints, who also finished 3–13. This was the final season were the Falcons wore the screen printed numbers on the jerseys. The Falcons allowed 461 points in 1996, the most in team history. "Football Outsiders" calculates that the 1996 Falcons
1996 Atlanta Falcons season
11776802
as the Cowboys got the ball and ran down the clock. The Falcons won their first playoff game in team history after they overcame a 13–0 deficit by scoring 2 touchdowns in the final 5 minutes of the game. Dallas' "Doomsday Defense" limited Atlanta quarterback Steve Bartkowski to only 8 completions in 23 attempts and intercepted him 3 times en route to victory. After the Falcons led 20–13 at halftime, the Cowboys scored 14 unanswered points in the second half. 1978 Atlanta Falcons season The 1978 Atlanta Falcons season was the Falcons' 13th season. It was the first postseason appearance
1978 Atlanta Falcons season
7626811
and then checked in at the Pit Stop before they even made it to Portugal. Moreover, they become the first team ever in The Amazing Race history to be eliminated at the airport. Ephraim Salaam Ephraim Mateen Salaam (born June 19, 1976, in Chicago, Illinois) is a former American football offensive tackle. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round (199th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at San Diego State. Salaam has played for the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and Houston Texans. Salaam played high school football at
Ephraim Salaam
9486104
survived several coaching changes (Switzer, Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells) and was rumored to have been a candidate for the head coaching job at the University of Nebraska (circa 2003). In 2005, he implemented the 3-4 defense favored by head coach Bill Parcells, although Zimmer had no prior experience with it. When Bobby Petrino was hired to coach the Atlanta Falcons early in 2007, Mike Zimmer agreed to become the new defensive coordinator in Atlanta. Zimmer coached in Atlanta for only one season after Petrino left the Falcons for the University of Arkansas after thirteen games. Zimmer has been
Mike Zimmer
3315297
slide toward a 4–12 season finish. When he was healthy enough to return, Rypien performed spot duty, sharing time with the newly acquired Rich Gannon. The Redskins hired Norv Turner as their head coach in 1994. Rypien participated in offseason workouts, but the team released him from his contract. He went on to become a backup, serving with the Cleveland Browns in 1994, the St. Louis Rams in 1995 and 1997, and the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996. He signed with the Atlanta Falcons for the 1998 season but never made it to Atlanta. His son's death from a malignant brain
Mark Rypien
431629
team once, plus the Seahawks. Tampa Bay did not win their first game until the 13th week of their second season, starting with a record of 0–26 (though the Bucs had beaten the Atlanta Falcons 17–3 in a 1976 pre-season game before their first regular season). Until the Detroit Lions in 2008, the 1976 Bucs were the only Super Bowl-era team to go winless in a whole season. Their losing streak caused them to become the butt of late-night television comedians' jokes. Their first win came in December 1977, on the road against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints' head
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
14225546
and had an overall record of 46-21-1 during Mack's tenure there. Mack left Winnipeg in 1987 to become a pro scout for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Two years later, he moved to the Washington Redskins to become the team's director of pro scouting and was a member of the Redskins front office when the team won Super Bowl XXVI. After five years in Washington, Mack spent four seasons with the expansion Carolina Panthers as assistant general manager, before becoming the interim director of player personnel for the Cleveland Browns. He helped build another expansion team in 2001 as the director
Joe Mack (Canadian football)
12916584
1970 Atlanta Falcons season The 1970 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's fifth year in the National Football League (NFL). The team failed to improve on their previous season's output of 6–8, winning only four games. They failed to reach the playoffs for the fifth straight season. The team began its season by winning two of its first three games. However, following their 21–20 win over the San Francisco 49ers the Falcons went 2–7–2 in their final 11 games. Their tied games, 10–10 with the Los Angeles Rams and 13–13 with the Philadelphia Eagles, occurred in back-to-back weeks. The Falcons
1970 Atlanta Falcons season
20469778
2018 Atlanta Falcons season The 2018 season is the Atlanta Falcons' 53rd in the National Football League, their second playing their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (the venue for Super Bowl LIII) and their fourth under head coach Dan Quinn. The Falcons attempted to be the first team to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium as an expected Super Bowl contender. However the Falcons were riddled with injuries, losing 7 starters to IR with the Falcons stumbling to a 1–4 start. Following a 31–17 loss to the Saints in Week 12, the Falcons fell to 4–7 and failed
2018 Atlanta Falcons season
11776748
1984 Atlanta Falcons season The 1984 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise’s 19th season in the National Football League (NFL). The season saw Atlanta attempting to improve on its previous record of 7–9 from 1983. The Falcons would split their first six games, but then suffer a franchise-record 9-game losing streak to knock the team down to 3–12. The Falcons would win their finale against the Philadelphia Eagles and finish the season 4–12, their worst record since 1976. The National Football League held a draft for college seniors who had already signed with either the United States Football League (USFL)
1984 Atlanta Falcons season
11401173
2008 Atlanta Falcons season The 2008 Atlanta Falcons season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Football League (NFL). Overcoming a disappointing 4–12 record, quarterback Michael Vick's dog fighting scandal and head coach Bobby Petrino's abrupt resignation in 2007, the Falcons, who were expected to be in a rebuilding phase, completed the regular season with a surprising 11–5 record and earned the #5 seed in the NFC playoffs under first-year head coach Mike Smith; however, the team fell to the eventual NFC champion Arizona Cardinals in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Mike Smith was named 2008
2008 Atlanta Falcons season
12896946
1973 Atlanta Falcons season The 1973 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's eighth year in the National Football League (NFL). The team improved on their previous season’s output of 7–7 and achieved their best record until 1980, but failed to reach a maiden playoff berth due to an unexpected home loss to a Cardinals team that had won only one of its last ten and was playing an unknown quarterback, Gary Keithley. Keithley completed only ten of thirty-two passes, but the Cardinals’ rushing game was completely unexpected and along with six field goals from Jim Bakken destroyed the Falcons after
1973 Atlanta Falcons season
7704624
established National Football League; he signed with the 49ers. He was also voted into the 1965 All Rookie team. Wilson played in San Francisco for two seasons and then, at his request, was dealt to the Atlanta Falcons, who were just starting up. It was during his time with the Falcons that he was approached by Georgia wrestler and promoter Ray Gunkel to wrestle during the football off-season. He agreed to do so, as most NFL contracts at that time did not pay during the off season. The Falcons did not approve of his off-season wrestling, and as a result,
Jim Wilson (wrestler)
12328185
2002 Atlanta Falcons season The 2002 Atlanta Falcons season was their 37th in the league and first in the newly-formed NFC South. The team improved upon their previous season’s output of 7–9 and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in four years. The team was also involved in a rare tie, matching the Pittsburgh Steelers 34–34 at the end of overtime. Before the season, the Falcons acquired running back Warrick Dunn to help with the team’s running game. Their running game has suffered the past three years. Dunn finished the season with 927 rushing yards and 9 total
2002 Atlanta Falcons season
11210282
made 8 tackles. The Bears finished the season with a record of 10-6 and did not make the playoffs. Weems appeared in all 16 games with the Bears in 2013. He recorded only one reception for eight yards. Weems returned five kickoffs for 57 yards. Weems recorded nine tackles in the season and forced one fumble. After the Bears signed Santonio Holmes, Weems was released by the team on August 16, 2014. On August 21, 2014, Weems signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Weems appeared in all 16 regular season games with the Atlanta Falcons in 2014. On October 5, Weems
Eric Weems
15206386
Atlanta Falcons. On September 14, Quinn won his first game as the head coach of the Falcons, when his team beat the visiting Philadelphia Eagles 26–24 on "Monday Night Football". The Falcons got off to a 5–0 start in Quinn's first season, but finished the season 8–8 and missed the playoffs. In the 2016 season, Quinn's Falcons finished the year with an 11–5 record, which was good enough to win the NFC South and clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs. In the Divisional Round, the Falcons defeated Quinn's former team, the Seattle Seahawks, 36–20, advancing to the NFC Championship
Dan Quinn (American football)
12324486
a 6–10 start. 1979 Atlanta Falcons season The 1979 Atlanta Falcons season was the Falcons' 14th season. The Falcons were trying to improve upon their 9–7 record in 1978 and make it to the playoffs for the second time in team history, their first appearance being the year before. Rookie fullback William Andrews rushed for 167 yards in a 40–34 overtime win over the Saints in the season opener in New Orleans. Andrews set a club record with 1,023 yards, while quarterback Steve Bartkowski became the first Falcon to surpass the 2,000-yard mark with 2,505. However, the Falcons' defense allowed
1979 Atlanta Falcons season
11776790
from the Falcons’ training facilities. Just under a month later, on December 19, backup tight end Brad Beckman was also killed in an auto accident. It marked the death of three players of the team in the space of two seasons (the previous year, cornerback David Croudip died of an overdose). The Falcons drew a franchise-low attendance of 7,792 for their finale, a 31–24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Dec. 24. 1989 Atlanta Falcons season The 1989 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise’s 24th season in the National Football League (NFL). The Falcons drafted Deion Sanders with their first
1989 Atlanta Falcons season
11915636
a playoff run."" While Mora later claimed that he was only kidding, he was criticized by many Falcons fans as well as members of the national media who claimed that making such comments was irresponsible. Following the season, the Atlanta Falcons announced that they had fired Jim Mora. Arthur Blank told the media, Mora turned to broadcasting after being fired from the Falcons when he became a contributor to NBC's playoff coverage. History of Atlanta Falcons head coaches In the History of Atlanta Falcons head coaches Vince Lombardi was initially pursued as the first Atlanta coach, but after deciding to
History of Atlanta Falcons head coaches
12891136
later he is thrown for a six-yard loss and ends the season with 995 yards, as the Falcons lose and finish 7–7. 1972 Atlanta Falcons season The 1972 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's seventh year in the National Football League (NFL). The team failed to improve on their previous season's output of 7–6–1, finishing 7–7 and failing to reach the playoffs. Standing at 7–5 the Falcons traveled to San Francisco with the NFC West division title on the line. However, the Falcons were never in the game and saw their playoff hopes end with a 20–0 shutout loss. Facing
1972 Atlanta Falcons season
12324485
1979 Atlanta Falcons season The 1979 Atlanta Falcons season was the Falcons' 14th season. The Falcons were trying to improve upon their 9–7 record in 1978 and make it to the playoffs for the second time in team history, their first appearance being the year before. Rookie fullback William Andrews rushed for 167 yards in a 40–34 overtime win over the Saints in the season opener in New Orleans. Andrews set a club record with 1,023 yards, while quarterback Steve Bartkowski became the first Falcon to surpass the 2,000-yard mark with 2,505. However, the Falcons' defense allowed 388 points in
1979 Atlanta Falcons season
12328200
Jefferson, then Mark Simoneau blocked a Packers punt at their 1-yard line and Artie Ulmer scored. The Falcons defense bullied the Packers into three fumbles and Brett Favre’s reputation for playoff recklessness led to two interceptions by Keion Carpenter. The Falcons rushed for 192 yards, 128 of them split between Vick and Warrick Dunn, as the Falcons raced to a 27–7 win, Green Bay’s first ever home playoff loss. 2002 Atlanta Falcons season The 2002 Atlanta Falcons season was their 37th in the league and first in the newly-formed NFC South. The team improved upon their previous season’s output of
2002 Atlanta Falcons season
11401406
2005 Atlanta Falcons season The 2005 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise’s 40th in the National Football League (NFL). It began with the team trying to defend their NFC South division title and 11–5 record in 2004. The Falcons started 6–2, but injuries on defense caused them to finish the second half 2–6. Bright spots included the Falcons ending their Monday Night Football jinx by going 3–0, and on Thursday, November 24, the Falcons played on Thanksgiving Day for the first time in franchise history with a 27–7 victory over the Detroit Lions. On the next-to-last game of the regular
2005 Atlanta Falcons season
11401183
who did not play in the preseason because of a sore groin, sprained an ankle in the fourth quarter. Falcons rookie LT Sam Baker was hit in the head in the first half and did not return. A week after beating Detroit in his pro debut, Matt Ryan threw incompletions on his first nine passes before settling down to keep Atlanta in the game with three field goal drives that trimmed a 17-point deficit to eight with five minutes to go. Michael Turner ran for three touchdowns and the Atlanta Falcons scored the first 24 points to beat Kansas City
2008 Atlanta Falcons season
11210280
NFL postseason history. The Atlanta Falcons re-signed Weems to a one-year contract on July 31, 2011. He appeared in all 16 games with the Atlanta Falcons, He made 2 starts at the wide receiver position. Weems caught a career-high 11 catches for a career-high 90 yards. Weems returned 24 kicks for 563 yards. He also returned 32 punts for 315 Yards. Weems also recorded 12 tackles on special teams. He did not score any touchdowns. Weems was selected as a first-team alternate for the 2012 Pro bowl as a special teams player. Weems returned four kickoffs for an average of
Eric Weems
6619493
December 9, and he has said that he would like to become a college football coach one day. Ulbrich was hired by the Seattle Seahawks as a special teams assistant on January 29, 2010. He became the UCLA Bruins special team and linebackers coach in 2012 and helped leading the Bruins to the Pac-12 South Division Championship in his first year. One of his players, Anthony Barr led the nation in sacks with 13.5. After three years at UCLA, Ulbrich left to become the linebackers coach of the Atlanta Falcons. In the 2016 season, Ulbrich and the Falcons reached Super
Jeff Ulbrich
11401191
stellar performance against the Chiefs which included 10 tackles to lead the team and one forced fumble, and Grimes intercepted his first career pass when he stepped in front of a Tyler Thigpen pass in the second quarter. Grimes returned the interception 25 yards, which led to a Falcons touchdown. The Falcons defense allowed only 14 rushing yards in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs, continuing their trend of holding opponents to under 15 rushing yards over the first three contests of the season. Against Tampa Bay in Week 2, Atlanta held the Bucs to two rushing yards
2008 Atlanta Falcons season
11776749
or the Canadian Football League (CFL) on June 5, 1984, in New York City. The draft was for players who would have been eligible for the regular 1984 NFL draft, but who had already signed a contract with either a team from the USFL or CFL prior to it. 1984 Atlanta Falcons season The 1984 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise’s 19th season in the National Football League (NFL). The season saw Atlanta attempting to improve on its previous record of 7–9 from 1983. The Falcons would split their first six games, but then suffer a franchise-record 9-game losing streak
1984 Atlanta Falcons season
19121786
that point) coming against the Seahawks. This was speculated to be the last NFL game ever in the Georgia Dome, but when the fourth-seeded Green Bay Packers upset the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys in the other Divisional Playoff the next day, Atlanta was named the host of the NFC Championship Game, the last ever game in the Dome. This was the Falcons' final game ever in the Georgia Dome after 25 seasons, as the team moved into the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. The Falcons never trailed in the game, scoring 31 unanswered points until Rodgers threw a touchdown pass halfway through
2016 Atlanta Falcons season
12916585
are the last team in NFL history to have two tied games in two straight weeks, as overtime was added to the NFL game in 1974. The following were selected in the 1991 NFL Draft. 1970 Atlanta Falcons season The 1970 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's fifth year in the National Football League (NFL). The team failed to improve on their previous season's output of 6–8, winning only four games. They failed to reach the playoffs for the fifth straight season. The team began its season by winning two of its first three games. However, following their 21–20 win
1970 Atlanta Falcons season
8724587
of Falcons territory. After getting the touchdown from their running back, the Browns scored again on a slant rout to their receiver once again burning the Falcons secondary and were ahead 14–0. The Falcons could only manage to score a field goal before half-time, and even this field goal was preceded by wacky play of laterals by the Falcons failing to find the endzone. Nevertheless, the Falcons managed to score a touchdown via Michael Jenkins diving in the endzone, and it seemed Atlanta could make a stand. However, the Falcons did not get a call for a safety, and on
2006 Atlanta Falcons season
11776779
acquire the running back. Due to the addition of the team for the 1966 NFL Season, the Falcons were allotted the first pick in all twenty rounds of the 1966 NFL draft, as well as five compensatory picks and the end of the first five rounds. The Falcons played their first game (preseason) on August 1, 1966, against the Philadelphia Eagles before a crowd of 26,072 at Atlanta Stadium, a two-point Falcons loss, 9–7. In their inaugural regular season, Atlanta played each of the fourteen other teams in the league once. The Falcons lost their first nine regular season games;
1966 Atlanta Falcons season
12891135
1972 Atlanta Falcons season The 1972 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's seventh year in the National Football League (NFL). The team failed to improve on their previous season's output of 7–6–1, finishing 7–7 and failing to reach the playoffs. Standing at 7–5 the Falcons traveled to San Francisco with the NFC West division title on the line. However, the Falcons were never in the game and saw their playoff hopes end with a 20–0 shutout loss. Facing the Kansas City Chiefs in their final game of the season, Running Back Dave Hampton surpassed the 1,000-yard mark. However, a play
1972 Atlanta Falcons season
20017126
team for the first time. He also converted every field goal and extra point attempt in a Divisional playoff round victory against the Arizona Cardinals the week before the NFC Championship. Entering the NFC Championship Game, his last miss was on December 15, 1997, against the Denver Broncos, when he was a member of the San Francisco 49ers. The Atlanta Falcons had "frustrating" team history, as described by Atlanta sports journalist Terence Moore. Moore singled out the 1980 divisional playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, in which the Falcons gave up a 14-point lead en route to a defeat, as
1998 NFC Championship Game
11776791
1997 Atlanta Falcons season The Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 32nd season in the National Football League (NFL). It was their first season with new Head Coach Dan Reeves, who had been hired on January 21. For the season, they added a new logo and added the numerals & socks on the road jerseys are switched from black to red. And this was also the season were they debut the authentic stitched up name and numbers on jerseys. The season was marked with tragedy, as team owner Rankin Smith died on October 26, 1997. The following week, the team
1997 Atlanta Falcons season
16187349
Michael Vick found McCoy to make the score 30–17, but couldn't do anything when they got the ball back, making the final score, 30-17. With the win, the Falcons improved to 7–0 for the first time in franchise history. The team also moves to 2–0 against the NFC East. The Falcons returned home to take on the Cowboys. The Cowboys drew first blood with their 23-yard field goal from Dan Bailey to take a 3–0 lead. With this field goal, the Falcons' trend then simmered to 4 out of their last 5 games trailing a team. The Cowboys then put
2012 Atlanta Falcons season
11915628
History of Atlanta Falcons head coaches In the History of Atlanta Falcons head coaches Vince Lombardi was initially pursued as the first Atlanta coach, but after deciding to stay with Green Bay, was asked for recommendations for Atlanta's first coach. At the time, Lombardi did not recommend Hecker and the Atlanta owner, Rankin Smith Jr., thinking Lombardi was trying to pull one over on him, decided to hire Hecker. The next three years would be an exercise in frustration for Hecker who managed just four wins in his 31 games at the helm. One bad omen of this misery came
History of Atlanta Falcons head coaches
11096357
their division. On June 23, 2007, Grimes appeared in World Bowl XV and was part of the Hamburg Sea Devils team that defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy 37–28. After winning World Bowl XV, Grimes returned to the Atlanta Falcons and attended organized team activities and training camp. Throughout camp, Grimes competed against Antoine Harris and David Irons for a job as a backup cornerback and special teams player. On September 2, 2007, the Atlanta Falcons waived Grimes as part of their final roster cuts, but re-signed him to their practice squad the following day. On December 17, 2007, the Atlanta Falcons
Brent Grimes
11705207
1998 Atlanta Falcons season The 1998 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise’s 33rd in the National Football League (NFL). The Falcons qualified for the Super Bowl for the first time under the guidance of second-year head coach Dan Reeves. The Falcons won their final nine regular season games to earn the #2 seed in the National Football Conference (NFC) for the postseason and the first-week bye. They beat the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional round and the #1-seed Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game before losing to Reeves’ old team, the Denver Broncos, 34–19 in Super Bowl XXXIII.
1998 Atlanta Falcons season
11401255
RB and WR duo to be voted to the Pro Bowl in the same year (first since 1980). White is the fourth Falcons wide receiver to earn Pro Bowl accolades and the first since Terance Mathis in 1995. Turner is the eighth different Falcons runningback to earn Pro Bowl honors. Matt Ryan finished second amongst rookies in fan Pro Bowl voting, Ryan (416,468 votes) was the top rookie quarterback in the category but ranks behind Titans running back Chris Johnson (534,170 votes). 2008 Atlanta Falcons season The 2008 Atlanta Falcons season was the 43rd season for the team in the
2008 Atlanta Falcons season
8724603
completing an 89-yard touchdown pass to WR Hank Baskett. With the loss, the Falcons ended their season at 7–9. In the aftermath, Jim Mora, Jr. ended up getting fired on New Year's Day, ending his three-year tenure as head coach. 2006 Atlanta Falcons season The 2006 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 41st in the National Football League (NFL). The team attempted to improve on their 8–8 record in 2005. Falcons quarterback Michael Vick became the first quarterback in modern NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards, with 1,039. Running back Warrick Dunn rushed for 1,140 yards, making the
2006 Atlanta Falcons season
8847044
Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens In this round, the top team (in bold) advanced to the semi-finals. St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers<br> In this round, the top two teams (in bold) advanced to the finals. San Diego Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, St. Louis Rams<br> In a rematch of episode 10, the San Diego Chargers team (Casie and Shantel) defeated the Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams squads to win the overall championship. This time, all the teams finished
NFL Cheerleader Playoffs
9869291
Denver in 1998), as many fans and the team itself took almost a decade to recover. The 1981 season was plagued with injuries as the Falcons lost 3 key starters for the season. The Falcons would lose six games by less than a touchdown and finish with a 7–9 record. In the strike-shortened 1982 season, the Falcons finished 5-4 and returned to the (expanded) playoffs, but lost to Minnesota 30-24 in the first round. In 1983, the Falcons finished 7-9. In 1984, the Falcons suffered a huge loss when RB William Andrews suffered a career-threatening knee injury on the last
History of the Atlanta Falcons
10956484
and 19 touchdowns. Marsh signed a contract with the Atlanta Falcons in July 1987, reuniting with former Cardinals head coach Jim Hanifan who had taken over as the Falcons' offensive coordinator. Marsh was released by the Falcons after the first week of September 1987, and he did not appear in any regular season games for the team. In November 1987, he tried out for the New England Patriots. Marsh signed with the Indianapolis Colts in the spring of 1988 and played with them through the preseason, but he was cut at the end of August. Doug Marsh Douglas Walter Marsh
Doug Marsh
9869283
Football" game in Atlanta during the 1970 season on November 30, when they played the Miami Dolphins. The Falcons would end up losing 20–7 in front of an audience of 30 million TV viewers. The Falcons would end up going 4–8–2 for the 1970 season. Atlanta would have their first winning season in 1971. On November 22, the Falcons won their first nationally televised game with a 28–21 triumph over the Green Bay Packers in Atlanta. The Falcons would enter their final game of the season in New Orleans on December 19 with a 6–6–1 record, needing to beat the
History of the Atlanta Falcons
16200517
to Atlanta. The Atlanta Dream are a 2008 expansion team in the Women's National Basketball Association. From their inception until the 2016 season, the Dream shared Philips Arena with their NBA counterpart; however, the Dream has since moved to McCamish Pavilion on the campus of Georgia Tech due to renovations of Philips Arena conflicting with the WNBA schedule. Atlanta was selected in April 2014 for an expansion team to join Major League Soccer and begin play in 2017. The team, operated by Falcons owner Arthur Blank (co-founder of The Home Depot), shares Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the Falcons and is named
Sports in Atlanta
9861171
loss, the Falcons fell to 3–11. 2007 Atlanta Falcons season The 2007 Atlanta Falcons season was the 42nd season for the franchise in the National Football League (NFL). They finished the 2007 season with a record of 4–12 and failed to improve upon their 7–9 record in 2006 after finishing third place in the NFC South. The team attempted to overcome the controversy surrounding starting quarterback Michael Vick and his involvement in an illegal dog fighting ring. Bobby Petrino was hired to help develop Vick into a more complete quarterback, but with Vick's absence, journeyman quarterbacks Joey Harrington and Byron
2007 Atlanta Falcons season
13025996
from weight-lifting equipment to office furniture to uniforms to souvenirs and memorabilia from the team store, be confiscated to pay the debt. This move effectively ended any chance of the Bandits returning to the field, though the league itself did not officially cease to exist until 1988. The Atlanta Falcons traded their 4th round draft pick in the 1986 NFL Draft to the Raiders for the rights to Clark, and he signed a contract with the team soon thereafter. As a member of the Falcons, Clark returned to the Bandits' home field of Tampa Stadium for an August 1986 preseason
Bret Clark
19819969
elected to open the roof if weather permitted, marking the first time since the 1991 season, the team's final season at their original home of Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, that the Falcons played a home game in Atlanta under open air. The Falcons controlled most of the game, went up by as much as 24, and won 34–23. They were led by Devonta Freeman (19 rushes, 84 yards, 2 TD) and Julio Jones (108 yards, 5 receptions). The 2017 Falcons became only the fourth team in NFL history to start 2–0 after they lost the Super Bowl the previous year. In
2017 Atlanta Falcons season
9869336
Boston College, was drafted third overall to be the new face of the franchise. Free agent Michael Turner was also acquired to help in the run game. Defying expectations, the Falcons managed an 11-5 season in 2008 and earned a wild card playoff berth. They did not get beyond that however, as they lost a 24-30 match against the Arizona Cardinals. In 2009, the Falcons suffered numerous devastating injuries to defensive players and to Turner (ankle) and Ryan (toe). The Week 13 game against Philadelphia saw Michael Vick return to play his former team, in which he scored two touchdowns,
History of the Atlanta Falcons
4274596
$15 million contract with Atlanta. Later, in 2008, he requested to be traded from the team saying he didn't want to be a "just-in-case guy" for the Falcons. On August 19, 2008, the Falcons cut him. In his only season with the Falcons he made 27 receptions for 243 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. Horn worked out for the Lions, Giants, and Titans, but they ultimately passed and he did not play in the 2008 or 2009 seasons. In May 2010, Horn was selected for induction into the Saints Hall of Fame. On June 23, 2010, it was
Joe Horn
10306503
Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach Larry Beightol. Perkins also overhauled the scouting staff, firing most of them (including Jim Gruden, father of future Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden) shortly after the draft. No reason was given, but some observers, most outspokenly "Boston Globe" columnist Will McDonough, felt that the Buccaneers’ office was staffed heavily with people whose main experience was in college football, and that the team suffered from a lack of NFL knowledge. Recently fired Falcons coach Dan Henning turned down the offensive coordinator position, as he had been trying to rebuild the Falcons and did not want to relive
1987 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
2756068
Calder. At first, the team struggled under his leadership, making the playoffs only two times in his first five years at the helm. A name change to the Detroit Falcons in 1930 did not improve the team's performance. Detroit's fortunes changed in 1932, when Chicago grain merchant James E. Norris bought the Falcons and renamed them the Detroit Red Wings. Norris gave the Red Wings the financing they needed to become an NHL power. Adams led the team to three Stanley Cups before stepping down in 1947 to concentrate on his duties as general manager. His coaching career tallied 413
Jack Adams
9869301
draft pick. For the 1993 season, Deion Sanders continued to be the star player of the Atlanta Falcons, picking off 7 passes while shutting down some of the league's top receivers. Despite Sanders's amazing performance, the Falcons finished once again with a 6–10 record. After the season coach Jerry Glanville was fired and replaced by June Jones. TNT did a game from the Georgia Dome for the first time on October 17, as the Falcons beat the Rams 30-24. The Falcons would lose Sanders to free agency in 1994, and they would also acquire QB Jeff George, who had managed
History of the Atlanta Falcons
16192674
St. Louis persuaded them to stay with the promise of a stadium—what would become Busch Memorial Stadium (a new expansion team, the Falcons, was eventually created for Atlanta, and a St. Louis team would move to Atlanta—the NBA Hawks in 1968). The Cardinals got off to a good start, and tied the Cleveland Browns 33–33 on the road. They finished 9–4–1 and second in the Eastern Conference, but a victory by the Browns over the New York Giants denied them a playoff berth. The team finished the year with a meaningless win over the Packers. A 4–1–0 start to the
History of the St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)
16191306
first year on the Falcons practice squad, but did get into a game late in the season. Cone played in 29 games with the Atlanta Falcons from 2011-2013. He played primarily on special teams, but did catch a 49-yard touchdown in a pre-season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug 30, 2012. Cone was released by the Atlanta Falcons on March 19, 2014. Cone signed with the Miami Dolphins on April 2, 2014. After a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns, Cone re-signed with the Dolphins on August 4, 2015. On August 30, 2015, he was released by the Dolphins.
Kevin Cone
14179350
Tim Hightower scampering 80 yards for a TD run, but Atlanta increased their lead when Ryan threw a 19-yard TD pass to FB Jason Snelling, followed by Snelling getting a 1-yard TD run. In the third quarter the Falcons continued to dominate the game when Ryan completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Finneran, followed by Bryan nailing a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter Atlanta scored once again with FB Jason Snelling getting a 7-yard TD run. With the win, Atlanta improved to 1–1. Coming off their win over the Cardinals the Falcons traveled to Louisiana Superdome
2010 Atlanta Falcons season
9869299
in the accompanying music video. Hammer himself would make several appearances on the Falcons sideline during the season. Atlanta made the playoffs as the sixth seed with a 10–6 record, snapping a streak of eight consecutive losing seasons. Notable personalities on this team were CB Deion Sanders, WR Andre Rison, and CB Tim McKyer, a talented but brash player who had quickly worn out his welcome with the Miami Dolphins the year prior but emerged as a leader for Atlanta. Also new to the team was QB Brett Favre, drafted from Southern Mississippi during the off-season. Atlanta tied the San
History of the Atlanta Falcons
9869337
one passing and one rushing. Atlanta was very nearly shut out, but in the closing seconds of the game scored a touchdown and brought the final score to 34-7. The following week, the team lost a close match against New Orleans, which mathematically excluded them from the playoffs. Nonetheless, Atlanta managed to win their final three games and end the year with a 9-7 record, the first time in its history the team achieved back-to-back winning seasons. The Falcons lost their 2010 opener in Pittsburgh before crushing the Cardinals at home in Week 2. Atlanta then played its first divisional
History of the Atlanta Falcons
22346
2017. The first was the Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, sharing with the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team until 1991. In 1992, the Georgia Dome was built, and the Falcons played there from its opening to the 2016 season. The Dome has been frequently used for college football, including Georgia State football and college bowl games such as the Peach Bowl. In an effort to replace the aging Georgia Dome and potentially host a future Super Bowl, team owner Arthur Blank proposed a deal with the city of Atlanta to build a new state-of-the-art stadium not far from where the Georgia
Atlanta Falcons
11096369
the season, ahead of Asante Samuel. He started in the Atlanta Falcons' season-opener at the Kansas City Chiefs and recorded six solo tackles before exiting in the fourth quarter of their 40–24 victory with a calf injury. On September 11, 2012, the Atlanta Falcons placed Grimes on injured reserve for the rest of the season after it was discovered he would have to undergo surgery for a torn Achilles tendon. After the 2012 season, Grimes became an unrestricted free agent. The Atlanta Falcons did not offer Grimes a contract. During free agency, Grimes attended visits with the Cleveland Browns and
Brent Grimes
20017154
that, "The 1998 season was a dream come true ... For once, the Atlanta Falcons made believers of us all." In 2010, ESPN named the 1998 team as the greatest Falcons team of all-time, and the network also voted Morton Andersen's game-winning field goal as the top play in Falcons' history. Falcons coach Dan Reeves was praised for his ability to lead the team after having heart surgery only weeks prior, as Reeves' comeback proved to be an emotional rallying point for the team. Austin Murphy of "Sports Illustrated" noted that Reeves' return "[galvanized] the already close-knit Falcons", and Falcons
1998 NFC Championship Game