Atlanta Falcons are a professional football team that plays in the National Football League (NFL) . The team plays in the South Division of the National Football Conference. The Falcons play their home games in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Falcons began competition in the NFL in 1966 as an expansion team. Atlanta made its first playoff appearance in 1978 and won its first division championship in 1980. From 1983 to 1997, the Falcons had only two winning seasons. The team competed in Super Bowl XXXIII (played in 1999) and Super Bowl LI (played in 2017), but lost both games. 
Atlanta Falcons legends have included quarterback Steve Bartkowski (1975-1985), linebacker Keith Brooking (1998-2009), offensive tackle Mike Kenn (1978-1994), running back Gerald Riggs (1982-1988), linebacker Jessie Tuggle (1987-2000), center Jeff Van Note (1969-1986), and quarterback Michael Vick (2001-2006). Recent stars have included kicker Matt Bryant, wide receiver Julio Jones, quarterback Matt Ryan, and wide receiver Roddy White.
