This week, Atlanta Falcons fans are in for a treat as the team sports their beloved throwback uniforms against the Tennessee Titans. Adding to the excitement, these black throwbacks will also make appearances on October 27th against the Seattle Seahawks and on Thanksgiving Day versus the New Orleans Saints. This resurgence of classic styles provides the perfect occasion to delve into the fascinating history of the Falcons Uniform. Let’s take a visual journey through the evolution of the Atlanta Falcons’ on-field attire.
1966-1970: The Inaugural Falcons Uniform
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The 1966 season marked the Atlanta Falcons’ entry into the National Football League, and their initial Falcons uniform was distinctive for its time. It featured black jerseys with crisp white numbers, paired with white pants and striking red helmets. This original design bears a strong resemblance to the throwback uniforms that Falcons fans fondly remember from the early 2000s, showcasing a timeless aesthetic.
A unique detail of this early Falcons uniform was the addition of thin gold stripes on the helmet. Legend has it that these stripes were incorporated to appease Georgia Tech fans, who felt the Falcons’ color scheme was too similar to their rival, the University of Georgia. From 1966 to 1969, these two thin gold stripes adorned the Falcons helmets, becoming a cherished element for many longtime supporters. Iconic Falcons players like linebacker Tommy Nobis and defensive end Claude Humphrey proudly wore this inaugural Falcons uniform.
1971-1977: The Red Jersey Era Begins
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The 1971 season ushered in the first major alteration to the Falcons uniform. The team transitioned from their signature black jerseys to vibrant red jerseys, marking a significant shift in their visual identity. This red Falcons uniform became synonymous with players like quarterback Steve Bartkowski and wide receiver Alfred Jenkins, who were prominent figures during this era. Atlanta continued to sport this red-dominant look throughout the majority of the 1970s, solidifying it as a recognizable part of their uniform history.
1978-1989: Silver Enters the Color Palette
Silver made its debut in the Falcons uniform design in 1978. The white pants were replaced with sleek silver pants, adding a new dimension to the team’s color scheme. This addition of silver, which many fans appreciated, remained a part of the Falcons’ visual identity until the 2002 season. Further refining the design, the collar stripes became more intricate, and the numbers on the road uniforms shifted from black to red, enhancing visibility.
This iteration of the Falcons uniform is particularly memorable for older fans, as it was worn during the team’s most successful season up to that point, a remarkable 12-4 run in 1980. Another subtle but lasting change occurred in 1984 when the Falcons switched from white to black facemasks, a feature that has remained consistent ever since. Legendary Falcons players such as quarterback Steve Bartkowski and running back Gerald Riggs proudly represented the team in this silver-accented Falcons uniform.
1990-1996: The Black Helmet and Jersey Return
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As the Falcons entered the 1990s, they embraced another significant uniform transformation. Black jerseys were reintroduced as the team’s home attire. While not the first time black jerseys had been part of the Falcons uniform history, this time they were accompanied by striking black helmets, creating a more unified and modern aesthetic. Red was largely minimized in this design, appearing only as thin stripes on the pants and around the jersey numbers. Even the Falcons’ away jerseys adopted black numbers and socks, completing the bold, black-dominant look. This Falcons uniform marked a new direction in the team’s visual identity, setting the stage for further evolution.
1997-2002: Red Accents Return to the Away Uniform
The Falcons uniform design of the late 1990s built upon the previous look by reintroducing red accents, particularly to the away jerseys. While the home uniforms remained largely unchanged, the away jerseys were revitalized with the return of red numbers and red socks, providing a balanced color palette. Notably, the Falcons achieved unprecedented success while sporting this Falcons uniform, reaching their first Super Bowl and making history as the first NFL team to win a playoff game on the road at Lambeau Field. This era holds a special place in the memories of many Falcons fans, forever linked to these iconic uniforms.
2003-2008: A Modern Logo and Alternate Jerseys
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Prior to the 2003 season, the Falcons underwent a revolutionary brand refresh, reflected in their Falcons uniform. This update included not only new uniforms but also the introduction of a brand-new team logo, signifying a modern era for the franchise. For the first time in their history, the Falcons also incorporated an alternate jersey into their rotation, alternating between red and black versions, offering fans more visual variety. The black alternate Falcons uniform from this period remains a fan favorite, with many still hoping for its return. Another short-lived but stylish element was the introduction of black pants, which added a unique twist but disappeared from the Falcons uniform rotation after the 2008 season.
2009-Present: Back to Basics with a Throwback Nod
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In 2009, the Falcons uniform strategy shifted towards a more classic approach. They retained the core design elements introduced in 2003 but replaced their black alternate uniform with a throwback design. This throwback Falcons uniform is similar to the one they wear today, although initially it featured a red helmet which was later adjusted due to NFL regulations. Since 2009, the Falcons uniform has remained largely consistent, with minor tweaks such as a Color Rush uniform and adjustments to the collar in 2017.
Despite anticipation for a potential uniform update coinciding with the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Falcons have maintained their current look. While some modern uniform designs across the league might inspire apprehension about change, many fans express a desire to see the Falcons embrace a more classic aesthetic and bring back black as a prominent color in their Falcons uniform.
Now, it’s your turn! Which Falcons uniform era is your favorite? And do you think the Atlanta Falcons should consider another uniform change in the future?
