winklogo200.png

Atlanta Makes Its Pro Football Choice

Our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day comes from the July 1, 1965, edition of the...

Our Latest Book is Out
Explore the 1925 NFL season and the saga of an NFL franchise the Pottsville Maroons

Marooned:The Rise, The Fall, and The Redemption of the 1925 Pottsville Maroons

FREE Daily Sports History
You are only seconds away from receiving the Pigpen's Newsletter everyday filled with new items

SUBSCRIBE BY CLICKING _________________________  
FOOTBALL TEAM | Atlanta Falcons

"Atlanta Makes Its Pro Football Choice"

Last updated 📅 2025-06-30

Our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day comes from the July 1, 1965, edition of the Atlanta Constitution, when they described in print:

Atlanta Selects NFL After Rankin Smith is Awarded Franchise: AFL Bows Out As Lease is Granted at $9 Million

The Atlanta franchise that would soon be called the Falcons was officially opening up shop. Original franchise owner Rankin Smith was offered to become an NFL expansion team to help prevent him from starting his club in the rival AFL. The AFL aggressively pursued to get a team in the Atlanta market as they staged two pre-season tilts in the city in 1962 to attract interest. The big battle was on who could secure a lease with the Atlanta Stadium Authority.

The article suggests that the Stadium Authority ultimately chose which of the rival Leagues would play in Atlanta. Commissioner Pete Rozelle personally flew to the Georgia city and urged the authorities in Atlanta to decide between the two leagues, and eventually, the NFL was chosen. The brand-new 57,000-seat stadium had just been built at a price tag of $18 million, and now half of its cost would be covered by the new Rankin franchise. This was son after the Milwaukee Braves had moved to Atlanta too. 1966 would indeed be a banner year for sports fans in that area!

  • HASHTAGS: #June30 #AtlantaFalcons
  • EVENTDAY: June 30
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Atlanta Falcons
football team

"Atlanta Falcons Dive into the Soaring Saga of the NFL Franchise"

Rise Up! It's a rallying cry, a battle cry, and the heartbeat of Atlanta Falcons fandom. But beyond the iconic chant lies a rich tapestry of gridiron history, woven with moments of triumph, heartbreak, and unwavering passion.
Prepare to embark on a journey through the nest, exploring the Falcons' evolution from fledgling expansion franchise to Super Bowl contenders. We'll witness the early days under the legendary Norm Van Brocklin, the electrifying era of "Dirty Bird" Michael Vick, and the rise of Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and the "Legion of Boom." But this isn't just about victories. We'll relive the sting of near misses, the crushing defeats, and the resilience that always pulls the Falcons back into the fight. We'll delve into the magic of Black Hammer Yards, the controversy of the 28-3 Super Bowl collapse, and the unwavering spirit that keeps fans chanting long after the final whistle. This series isn't just for die-hard Falcons faithful; it's for anyone who appreciates the drama, the dedication, and the raw emotion that unfolds on the gridiron...