The Best Atlanta Falcons of All Time
A list of the best Atlanta Falcons of all time. Formed in 1966, the first few decades of the team's history wasn't too promising. The Falcons didn't reach the playoffs until 1978, and had only five playoff berths in its first 30 years. Atlanta has had some of the most entertaining teams in the league with a bunch of superstar players. These Falcons can be considered some of the best players in team history.
Beginning in 1989 with the drafting of one of the best players of all time in Deion Sanders. With "Prime Time" and other great players like Andre Rison and Terence Mathis, the Falcons were fun to watch. In 1998, Jamal Anderson powered the Falcons to the franchise's first Super Bowl berth. Though the team lost to the Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII, it was a turning point for the Falcons. Under Michael VIck, the Falcons reached the playoffs twice. Say what you want about Vick, but he's one of the best Falcons of all time. More recently, Matt Ryan has been at the helm of the most prosperous era in Falcons history. The team had its first consecutive winning seasons in 2008-09 and the future looks bright with Ryan as the quarterback.
This is the list of the best Atlanta Falcons of all time. If you see someone missing from this list, feel free to add him. Vote or rerank this list according to who you think is the greatest Atlanta Falcons player of all time.
- 1Cornerback
- Birthplace: Fort Myers, Florida
- Age: 56
- Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers
- 2Wide receiver
- Birthplace: Foley, Alabama
- Age: 34
- Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The sensational combination of size, speed, and skill has made Julio Jones a nightmare for opposing defenses throughout his prolific career with the Atlanta Falcons. As a wide receiver, Jones is known for stretching the field with his deep-threat capabilities and incredible catching radius, regularly making circus-like catches that leave fans and commentators speechless. His dominance on the field, relentless work ethic, and ability to create separation from even the most skilled defenders make him a generational talent at his position.
- 3Tight end
- Birthplace: Torrance, California
- Age: 47
- Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons
An integral component of the Falcons' offense for five seasons, Tony Gonzalez redefined the tight end position with his versatility, athleticism, and sheer determination on the gridiron. Gonzalez's ability to be an effective blocker in the run game while also creating matchup problems in the passing game made him an unstoppable force throughout his illustrious career. As a trailblazer for the modern tight end, his impact on the sport cannot be understated, as his style of play has influenced countless players who followed in his footsteps.
- 4Quarterback
- Birthplace: Exton, Pennsylvania
- Age: 38
- Teams: Indianapolis Colts
Matt Ryan, the orchestrator of the Falcons' offensive success for over a decade, has displayed an unwavering commitment to excellence and a remarkable understanding of the game. As the team's signal-caller, Ryan is hailed for his poise, precise decision-making, and his ability to effectively read defenses, making him one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL. Beyond his physical attributes, it is his leadership qualities and unrelenting drive that make him an indispensable asset to the Falcons and their quest for the elusive Super Bowl title.
- 5Quarterback
- Birthplace: Newport News, Virginia, USA
- Age: 43
- Teams: Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bursting onto the NFL scene with remarkable speed and athleticism, Michael Vick's tenure with the Atlanta Falcons was nothing short of captivating. His electric style of play and unprecedented ability to both throw and run the football made him a dual-threat quarterback that defenses struggled to contain. Vick's dynamic performances captivated fans and the national media alike, leaving an indelible mark on the league as one of the most exciting players to ever don a Falcons uniform.
- 6Linebacker
- Birthplace: Griffin, Georgia
- Age: 58
Ferocious and relentless, Jessie Tuggle was the heart and soul of the Falcons' defense for over a decade, anchoring the unit with his hard-hitting style and unmatched tenacity. As a linebacker, Tuggle was a formidable tackler without peer, consistently displaying flawless form while taking down opposing ball carriers with ruthless efficiency. This combination of grit and finesse etched his name in Falcons' lore, cementing his status as one of the franchise's all-time greats.
