The Atlanta Falcons are marking their 60th anniversary, celebrating a history that began on June 30, 1965. On that date, then-NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle approved the franchise, with Rankin Smith Sr. as the owner. Smith’s purchase of the team for $8.5 million was a record at the time.
The Falcons were granted the first pick in the 1966 NFL Draft and selected All-American linebacker Tommy Nobis, who became known as Mr. Falcon. Over their history, they have played in two divisions: initially in the NFC West from 1970 to 2001 and currently in the NFC South.
The team has claimed three NFC West titles (1980, 1982, and 1998) and four NFC South titles (2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016). The Falcons have made it to the playoffs 14 times and won ten playoff games. Their most recent playoff victory was against the Los Angeles Rams in 2017.
In a notable achievement, they were the first team to win a road playoff game at Lambeau Field by defeating the Green Bay Packers on January 4, 2003. The Falcons have reached four NFC Championship games and won two of them.
Their first appearance in an NFC Championship game was during the 1998 season when they defeated the Minnesota Vikings in overtime. However, their Super Bowl hopes were dashed after star safety Eugene Robinson’s arrest before their loss to the Denver Broncos.
In subsequent years, under quarterbacks Michael Vick and Matt Ryan, they returned to championship contention but faced setbacks against teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
The Falcons’ offense in 2016 is considered one of NFL history’s best, averaging nearly 34 points per game. Despite leading Super Bowl LI by a significant margin against New England Patriots, they could not secure victory.
Matt Ryan earned recognition as he received the Most Valuable Player Award for his performance during that season—the only player from this franchise to do so.
Reflecting on its journey over six decades filled with memorable players like Deion Sanders alongside moments of resilience yet unfulfilled aspirations for winning an elusive Lombardi trophy—the Atlanta Falcons continue striving forward into another era of football legacy building upon past achievements while seeking future triumphs within America’s beloved sport landscape today
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