The Browns, Buccaneers, Chargers, Falcons & Rams are all unveiling new uniforms in the coming days (Tampa Bay’s is today at Noon), so I figured I’d rehash this thread outlining the @AtlantaFalcons full uniform history.

1966, the inaugural uniform: Black, red, a hint of gold
The following season, Atlanta makes a tiny change and wears a white Falcon crest on the home jerseys:
1968: Sleeve stripes replace the logo on the jerseys. Also, in 1970 they remove the gold trim from the helmet stripes.
1971: Red jerseys replace black, the white jerseys remain the same
1978: The first major template change is made, adding silver, bolder stripes, the crest back into the sleeves. Facemask color, tone of the silver pants, and small details in collars and sleeve stripes vary rightly based on player, uniform cuts, year, etc.
1984-1989: Black facemasks and gigantic shoulder pads, brought to you by Gerald Riggs and Scott Case
In 1987, the Falcon logo is moved down onto the sleeves. This is the busiest the uniform ever looked in my opinion. Worn one season by Primetime. Atlanta also chose to wear white at home every game in 1989.
I bring that up because in 1990, Jerry Glanville takes over and makes his mark with black jerseys. Atlanta wears all black, at home, outdoors. The original away jerseys had black numbers as well.
In 1994, every NFL team wore throwbacks for the 75th anniversary. Atlanta chose the early 70s uniforms (there was a red and white version, but Google has failed me)
In 1997, Dan Reeves takes over. The Falcons switch the road numbers to red and swap the pants stripe to add some more red to the uniform. This team goes to the Super Bowl in 1998! Dirty Birds! (I was 8 years old, and this is where my fandom begins)
2003: Arthur Blank takes a massive interest in the team brand, unveils new logo and uniforms. At the time, these were the preferred style as opposed to “boring.” They only wore black as the primary for one season. Vick models uniform for EA Sports, gets bit w/ Madden curse.
2003-2006: Red jerseys become the designated home uniform in 2004, Atlanta also tinkers with a very not good black-red-black look
2009: the Falcons unveil extremely popular 1966 throwbacks. The collective desire from the fan base to get new uniforms grows legs.
2012: Nike becomes the official uniform of the league. Atlanta’s template doesn’t transition well, making the sleeves even busier. Apparently Dan Quinn, in his arrival in 2015, asks Blank to look into getting new uniforms.
2017: The Falcons wear these insanely loud “Color Rush” uniforms in a win against New Orleans. It’s the only time the Falcons have worn red pants. The promo graphic was way cooler than reality.
2016-2019: B/c of the league’s one helmet rule, Atlanta gets stuck in a pickle with throwbacks — and makes a happy accident. A 1966/1990s mashup is worn, and is unquestionably the most beautiful uniform worn. Sports Twitter collectively lusts for these.
You can follow @MikeFoster_ATL.
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