Atlanta Falcons

Founded: June 30, 1965

Uniform colors: The Falcons' home jerseys are black with white letters and red trim. The away jerseys are white with black letters and red trim.

Helmet design: Black helmets with a black face mask and white bordered falcon logo on both sides.

League or conference championships won: NFC West Champions, 1980 1998; NFC champions, 1998.

Timeline / Important Years

1965 - The Atlanta Falcons are born. NFL Commisioner Pete Rozelle, grants ownership to Rankin M. Smith Sr.
1971 - The Falcons finish with a winning record, 7-6-1.
1977 - The Falcons defense sets an NFL record for the fewest points allowed in a 14 game season, 129.
1978 - The Falcons make the playoffs for the first time, and beat visiting Philadelphia Eagles, but lose to the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas.
1980 - Another playoff berth for the Falcons, as they win the NFC West, but again lose to the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs.
1982 - The Falcons make the playoffs in this strike-shortened season with a record of 5-2, and lose to the Minnesota Vikings in Minnesota.
1991 - The Georgia Dome becomes the new home for the Atlanta Falcons, as they move from the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
1995 - In the final game of the season, the Falcons beat the San Francisco 49ers to secure a playoff spot. They go on to lose to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
1998 - The greatest season for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons finish with a 14-2 record and win the NFC Championship after beating the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings, but lose to the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.
2002 - The Falcons are bought from the Smith family by Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank.

Franchise Firsts

First Draft Pick: Tommy Nobis, University of Texas

First Game: Aug. 1, 1966 (Preseason) vs. Philadelphia Eagles

First Win: Nov. 30, 1966 at Yankee Stadium vs. New York Giants

First Monday Night Football game in Atlanta: Nov. 30, 1970 vs. Miami Dolphins

Football Hall of Famers: No Falcons' players have been elected to the Hall of Fame.

Current stars: Up and coming stars for the Falcons are QB Mike Vick and LB Keith Brooking.

Retired numbers:

- 60, Tommy Nobis (1966-1976; number retired in 1976)
- 57, Jeff Van Note (1969-1986; number retired in 1986)
- 31, William Andrews (1979-1986; number retired in 1986)

Not to be forgotten:

Three Decade Falcons

- - Jeff Van Note 60's, 70's, 80's
  - Mike Kenn 70's, 80's, 90's
  - Jesse Tuggle 80's, 90's, 00's

Former players still involved with the organization.

- - Jeff Van Note, Broadcaster (WGST 640 AM)
  - Billy "Whiteshoes" Johnson, Coordinator of Player Programs (Front Office), Broadcaster (WGST 640 AM)