What is the history of the Atlanta Falcons?

The Atlanta Falcons were established in 1965 and are one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League. The team was created by businessman Rankin Smith and was awarded to Atlanta as an expansion franchise. The Falcons played their first game in 1966, and they joined the NFL's Eastern Conference. During their early years, the Falcons faced a number of challenges in developing a competitive roster. The team struggled to make a significant impact in the postseason, and it was not until 1978 that they achieved any noticeable success by making their first playoff appearance. This marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise. The 1990s brought about a significant transformation for the Falcons. Under head coach Jerry Glanville, the team developed a reputation for its tough and gritty play. The highlight of this decade came in 1998, when the Falcons reached Super Bowl XXXIII. Although they ultimately lost to the Denver Broncos, this deep playoff run solidified the Falcons’ status in the league. As the 2000s progressed, the team experienced both highs and lows. The drafting of quarterback Michael Vick in 2001 generated considerable excitement among fans, but his tenure was marked by controversies and injuries. In later years, the Falcons enjoyed a resurgence, highlighted by making it to the playoffs multiple times, including a trip to Super Bowl LI in 2017, where they faced the New England Patriots in a historic game. In recent years, the Falcons have continued to build their team around a strong roster and have maintained a loyal fan base, often referred to as the Dirty Birds. The team plays its home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened in 2017 and has become a centerpiece of Atlanta's sports culture. The Falcons continue to strive for success, aiming to bring a Super Bowl championship to Atlanta.