Here is a comprehensive summary of the Atlanta Falcons' Wikipedia article:

  • The Atlanta Falcons, founded on June 30, 1965, joined the NFL in 1966 as an expansion team after NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle swooped in to block a rival AFL franchise, selling the team to Rankin Smith Sr. for a then-record $8.5 million.
  • Over their history, they have compiled a regular-season record of 398–512–6, won six division championships (1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016), and hold the dubious distinction of being the oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships.
  • They have appeared in two Super Bowls: a 34–19 loss to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII (1998 season) and a heartbreaking 34–28 overtime defeat to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI (2016 season).
  • Currently, the team plays at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened in 2017, with its headquarters and practice facilities located in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
  • The franchise's origin was sparked by intense competition between the NFL and the AFL for the Atlanta market, which forced the NFL to add its 15th franchise a year earlier than originally planned.