This week, Atlanta Falcons fans are in for a treat as the team dons their beloved throwback uniforms against the Tennessee Titans. This isn’t a one-off occasion either; Falcons fans can look forward to seeing the black retro jerseys again on October 27th against the Seattle Seahawks and on Thanksgiving Day versus the New Orleans Saints. This resurgence of the retro look provides the perfect opportunity to delve into the history of the Atlanta Falcons uniforms and appreciate their evolution. Let’s journey back in time and explore the Falcons’ uniform heritage.
1966-1970: The Inception of a Classic
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The 1966 season marked the Atlanta Falcons’ entry into the National Football League, and with it came a distinctive uniform set. These inaugural Atlanta Falcons Retro Uniforms featured striking black jerseys paired with clean white numbers, crisp white pants, and vibrant red helmets. Interestingly, these early uniforms bear a strong resemblance to the throwback versions briefly revived by the Falcons in the early 2000s, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this original design.
A unique detail of these initial helmets was the inclusion of thin gold stripes. These stripes were reportedly added to address concerns from Georgia Tech, who felt the Falcons’ color scheme was too similar to that of the University of Georgia. From 1966 to 1969, these gold stripes became a signature element, and they remain a nostalgic favorite among many long-time Falcons fans. Legendary Falcons players like linebacker Tommy Nobis and defensive end Claude Humphrey proudly wore these iconic uniforms, cementing their place in Falcons history.
1971-1977: The Red Jersey Era Begins
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The 1971 season ushered in the first significant alteration to the Falcons uniforms. In a departure from their original look, the team transitioned from black jerseys to red jerseys as their primary home attire. This marked the beginning of the “red era” for the Falcons, a color that would become deeply associated with the franchise. Notable players such as quarterback Steve Bartkowski and wide receiver Alfred Jenkins sported these red uniforms, representing the team throughout the 1970s.
1978-1989: Silver Enters the Falcon’s Palette
The 1978 season witnessed the introduction of silver into the Falcons’ color scheme, adding a new dimension to their visual identity. The white pants were replaced with sleek silver pants, creating a more modern and dynamic aesthetic. This addition of silver proved to be a lasting element, remaining part of the Falcons’ color palette until the 2002 season. Furthermore, the collar stripes on the jerseys became more intricate, and the road uniforms underwent a change with the numbers shifting from black to red.
This particular uniform style resonates strongly with older Falcons fans, coinciding with a period of growing success for the team. The 1980 season, in particular, stands out as the Falcons achieved a then-franchise-best record of 12-4 while wearing these silver-accented uniforms. Another subtle change occurred in 1984 when the Falcons switched from white facemasks to black facemasks, a detail that has remained consistent ever since. Quarterback Steve Bartkowski and running back Gerald Riggs are among the prominent Falcons players who donned these memorable uniforms.
1990-1996: Back in Black with a Modern Twist
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As the Falcons entered the 1990s, they opted for another significant uniform overhaul. The team reintroduced black jerseys as their home uniforms, marking a return to their original primary color. However, this time, the black jerseys were accompanied by black helmets, creating a bolder and more contemporary look. Red was significantly de-emphasized, appearing only as thin stripes on the pants and outlining the numbers. Even the away jerseys featured black numbers and black socks, completing the monochromatic aesthetic. This uniform set signaled a new direction for the Falcons’ visual identity, paving the way for further evolution in the years to come.
1997-2002: Red Returns to the Road
The late 1990s saw the Falcons refine their look, building upon the 1990s design. While the home uniforms remained largely unchanged, the away jerseys were revitalized with the reintroduction of red accents. The away uniforms reverted to red numbers and red socks, adding a splash of color to the road game attire. Notably, the Falcons experienced unprecedented success while wearing these uniforms, reaching their first Super Bowl and achieving a historic playoff victory at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. These accomplishments have cemented these uniforms as a fan favorite and a symbol of a golden era in Falcons history.
2003-2008: A New Era of Falcon Branding
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Prior to the 2003 season, the Falcons underwent a revolutionary transformation, introducing a completely new visual identity that would define their look for years to come. This overhaul encompassed not only the uniforms but also a brand-new logo, marking a significant shift in the team’s branding. For the first time in franchise history, the Falcons also introduced an alternate jersey, rotating between red and black variations. The black alternate jersey, in particular, remains a popular choice among fans, showcasing the enduring appeal of the darker color palette. Another short-lived but stylish element introduced during this period was black pants, which added a sleek option to the uniform combinations but were phased out after the 2008 season.
2009-Present: Back to Basics with a Nod to the Past
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In 2009, the Falcons opted for a return to a more classic aesthetic, while retaining elements of their 2003 redesign. They maintained the core design introduced in 2003 but replaced the black alternate uniform with a throwback jersey that echoed their early uniforms. This throwback, similar to the ones they wear today, was initially paired with a silver helmet due to NFL rules at the time. Since then, the Falcons’ uniforms have remained largely consistent, with minor tweaks such as a Color Rush uniform and collar alterations in 2017.
Despite the debut of the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Falcons have not opted for a major uniform redesign in recent years. While some fans express apprehension about potential changes influenced by modern uniform design trends, many yearn for a return to a more classic Falcons look, particularly advocating for the re-emphasis of black in the team’s color scheme.
What are your favorite Atlanta Falcons uniforms throughout history? Do you believe the Falcons are due for a uniform refresh in the future, or should they continue to embrace their retro roots?
