How They Got Their Name: Atlanta Falcons

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It was the result of an effort that lasted many years, but in 1965, the city of Atlanta, Georgia was finally awarded a professional football team.  41-year-old Rankin Smith (a life insurance executive) bought the team for $8.5 million, making it the 15th NFL franchise.  It was a very big deal for the city and the state of Georgia, exemplified by the 45,000 season tickets sold that inaugural 1966 season.  One of the first orders of business for Rankin Smith was to come up with a nickname to represent his team.  In coordination with a local radio station, a “name the team” contest was held, which drummed up more than 500 unique names.

Among the 500 unique names submitted by new fans of the team were the Lancers, Thrashers, Vibrants, Firebirds, Confederates, Rebels, Knights, and of course, the Falcons.  Believe it or not, the name “Peaches” was also included.  The Thrashers would actually end up being the name of Atlanta’s NHL team that formed in the 90s.  Though many people submitted the name “Falcons” for the new football team, Georgia schoolteacher Julia Elliott was chosen as the winner of the name contest with her declaration, “The falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight.  It never drops its prey.  It’s deadly and has a great sporting tradition.”  Rankin Smith agreed by saying, “I think the Atlanta Falcons is a good name, and we’ll do our best to make it a famous one.”

Garett