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.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, GA
Built: 2017
Capacity: 71,000
Surface:FieldTurf
AP via Danny Karnik
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Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Population: 496,461 (2021)
AP via Mike Stewart
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Team Colors
Red/Black
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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 VanBrocklin, 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)