Est. 1966
Atlanta
Falcons
Claude Humphrey - DE - 99.5 Sacks
AP via Clem Murray
Est. 1966
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Did you know?
The Atlanta Falcons’ mascot was a live falcon for their first 15 seasons. During a practice in 1966, the falcon escaped only to be found later at a nearby Kraft food plant before being returned.
Team History
- In 1965, the NFL awarded Rankin Smith the Atlanta franchise, marking the end of the city’s quest to obtain a professional football team.
- Owner Rankin Smith held a contest to decide the name of the franchise – won by a schoolteacher in Griffin, Georgia who suggested the “Falcons” name.
- In 1971, the Falcons recorded their first winning season under head coach Norm Van Brocklin, going 7-6-1.
- In 1998, the Falcons achieved their greatest season to date, winning the NFC West with a 14-2 record. They earned a trip to the 1999 Super Bowl, but lost to the Denver Broncos, 34-19.
- In 2016, the Falcons went 11-5 and defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game to advance to the Super Bowl, losing to the New England Patriots, 34-28.
Team Facts
- Seasons: 58 (1966-2023)
- Winningest Coach: (W-L-T) Mike Smith (66-46-0)
- Super Bowl Titles: 0
- Record going into 2023 season: (W-L-T) 383-493-6
- Playoff Record: 10-14
- Most Career Yards Rushing: Gerald Riggs, 6,631 (1982-88)
- Most Career Yards Passing: Matt Ryan, 59,735 (2008-21)
- Most Career Receptions: Julio Jones, 848 (2011-20)
- Most Career Sacks: Claude Humphrey, 99.5 (1968-78)*
- Most Career Interceptions: Rolland Lawrence, 39 (1973-80)
- Most Career Points: Matt Bryant, 1,163 (2009-19)
- Current Team Owner: Arthur Blank
*Sacks prior to 1982 are not official
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