RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
In 1965, after the Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium (then known simply as Atlanta Stadium) was built, the city of Atlanta felt the time was right to start pursuing professional football. One independent group which had been active in NFL exhibition promotions in Atlanta applied for franchises in both the AFL and NFL, acting entirely on its own with no guarantee of stadium rights. Another group reported it had deposited earnest money for a team in the AFL.
With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen (Cox Broadcasting) worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on June 8, contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city officials. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who had been moving slowly in Atlanta matters, was spurred by the AFL interest and headed on the next plane down to Atlanta to block the rival league's claim on the city of Atlanta. He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues; by June 30, the city picked Rankin Smith and the NFL.
The AFL's original expansion plans in June 1965 were for two new teams in 1966, in Atlanta and Philadelphia. It later evolved into the Miami Dolphins in 1966 and the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. The NFL had planned to add two teams in 1967; the competition with the AFL for Atlanta forced the first to be added a year early in 1966. The odd number of teams (15) resulted in one idle team (bye) each week, with each team playing 14 games over 15 weeks (similar to 1960: 12 games over 13 weeks). The second expansion team, the New Orleans Saints, joined the NFL as planned in 1967 as its 16th franchise.
The Atlanta Falcons franchise began on June 30, 1965, when Rozelle granted ownership to 40-year-old Rankin Smith Sr., an Executive Vice President of Life Insurance Company of Georgia. He paid $8.5 million, the highest price in NFL history at the time for a franchise. Rozelle and Smith made the deal in about five minutes and the Atlanta Falcons brought the largest and most popular sport to the city of Atlanta. The Atlanta expansion team became the 15th NFL franchise, and they were awarded the first overall pick in the 1966 NFL Draft as well as the final pick in each of the first five rounds. They selected consensus All-American linebacker Tommy Nobis from the University of Texas, making him the first-ever Falcon. The league also held the expansion draft six weeks later in which Atlanta selected unprotected players from the 14 existing franchises. Although the Falcons selected many good players in those drafts, they still were not able to win right away.
The Atlanta team received its nickname on August 29, 1965. Miss Julia Elliott, a school teacher from Griffin, was singled out from many people who suggested "Falcons" as the nickname for the new franchise. She wrote: "the Falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight. It never drops its prey. It is deadly and has a great sporting tradition."
Shek and Rank honor the classic divisional round playoffs with an equally spellbinding edition of the podcast. Highlights include Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (@Brendan311) discussing his tweet about the New England Patriots' "gimmick" offense, driving to the stadium with Ray Lewis, why Joe Flacco succeeds in January, and the response a gay player would receive from his teammates. NFL personnel guru Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) breaks down another postseason Peyton Manning choke, the emergence of Colin Kaepernick, and who to draft first in 2013. Around The League's Dan Hanzus (@DanHanzus) talks about where last weekend's games ranked all time, who was at fault for the Denver Broncos’ loss, the Atlanta Falcons' near-collapse, and the most annoying people in commercials inspired by Black Tie's (@TundeSMD) weekly shout out. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at
Week 16 recap / A room filled with heroes – Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling, and Marc Sessler –
Week 16 recap / A room filled with heroes – Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling, and Marc Sessler – go game-by-game breaking down all the Week 16 action including the Falcons pulling off a shocking upset over the undefeated Panthers, and some trouble on the “Throne of Ease” as the Patriots fall to the Jets in overtime. Plus, the heroes discuss which teams and matchups they’re most excited to watch in the playoffs as the regular season draws to a close. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Week 14 recap / A room filled with some heroes - Gregg Rosenthal, Marc Sessler, and Dan Hanzus – break
Week 14 recap / A room filled with some heroes - Gregg Rosenthal, Marc Sessler, and Dan Hanzus – break down all the Week 14 action including the Patriots climbing to the top of the AFC with a win over the Texans, and the Panthers clinching a first-round bye after shutting out the Falcons. Plus, the heroes check in with Around the NFL correspondents Conor Orr and Kevin Patra to get their takes on who wins the NFC East, and the Panthers chances of winning out - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Week 6 Preview & Falcons vs. Saints recap / A room filled with heroes - Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris
Week 6 Preview & Falcons vs. Saints recap / A room filled with heroes - Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler - welcome in NFL Media's Andrew Siciliano as they break down each Week 6 matchup. Then, the heroes recap the Saints 31-21 victory over the Falcons, giving Atlanta its first loss of the season. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Week 5 recap / A room filled with heroes - Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling, Marc Sessler and Colleen Wolfe –
Week 5 recap / A room filled with heroes - Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling, Marc Sessler and Colleen Wolfe – break down each game from Week 5 of the regular season including the Bengals and the Falcons hanging on to undefeated records in overtime, and a thrilling ending to the Sunday night game between the Giants and the 49ers. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
MNF recap and Mrs. Lynch / A room filled with heroes - Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc
MNF recap and Mrs. Lynch / A room filled with heroes - Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler – recap the return of Monday Night Football including the Falcons taking down the Eagles and the 49ers defeating the Vikings. Then, the heroes preview the Thursday Night Football game between the Broncos and the Chiefs before Conor Orr joins the show to break down the latest NFL news. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Week 3 preview & Falcons vs. Bucs recap / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and
Week 3 preview & Falcons vs. Bucs recap / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler -- recap the Falcons lopsided 56-14 win over the Bucs and preview every other game on the Week 3 NFL schedule. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
NFL ATL: Minicamp winners & losers / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and
NFL ATL: Minicamp winners & losers / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler -- debate the winners and losers from the 2014 edition of minicamps. The heroic foursome also react to the latest news from around the league, including the Tom Brady and New York Jets' playbook fiasco, and the Atlanta Falcons’ new backup quarterback. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
NFL ATL: 'Hard Knocks' reaction & rookie whispers / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris
NFL ATL: 'Hard Knocks' reaction & rookie whispers / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler -- react to the Atlanta Falcons being tabbed for the upcoming season of "Hard Knocks" and delve into a fresh new batch of rookie whispers on Johnny Manziel and others. Plus, a Tennessee Titan appears on "Making the Leap" and the guys introduce the show's new producer. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 224: Terrell Suggs, Roddy White & Championship preview / Shek, Rank & Elliot Harrison are joined in Studio 66
DDFP 224: Terrell Suggs, Roddy White & Championship preview / Shek, Rank & Elliot Harrison are joined in Studio 66 for a comprehensive Championship Weekend preview and a debate on the matchup they’ll most like to see in the Super Bowl. Shek also catches up with the Ravens Terrell Suggs and Falcons Roddy White to discuss their personal rivalries with Tom Brady and Richard Sherman on a new installment of “Inside/Out”. Also, be sure to follow @NFLcomLIVE for entertaining playoff coverage leading up to the very unique “NFL.com LIVE: Super Bowl XLVIII” show featuring Dave Dameshek and Adam Rank. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
NFL ATL: Week 12 preview, TNF recap / A room full of heroes, Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus and Marc Sessler
NFL ATL: Week 12 preview, TNF recap / A room full of heroes, Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus and Marc Sessler give you the full Week 12 preview and break down the top games to watch. The crew also recaps the action from NFL Network’s “Thursday Night Football” matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. Don’t miss the gang’s hero picks this week. Join the conversation on Twitter: @NFL_ATL or #NFLATL. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
NFL ATL: Week 11 MNF recap, TNF preview / A room full of heroes, Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler
NFL ATL: Week 11 MNF recap, TNF preview / A room full of heroes, Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler and Chris Wesseling breakdown the Week 11 victory for Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers over the New England Patriots on “Monday Night Football.” Get caught up with the latest headlines from around the league and find out which three unlucky teams join the forked club. The crew also previews the Week 12 “Thursday Night Football” matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. Join the conversation on Twitter: @NFL_ATL or #NFLATL. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 190: Week 3 recap / Shek & Rank are joined in Studio 66 by 'Around The League' scribe/podcaster Chris
DDFP 190: Week 3 recap / Shek & Rank are joined in Studio 66 by 'Around The League' scribe/podcaster Chris Wesseling & Miami Dolphins superfan Handsome Hank to break down the fast starts of Chicago, New Orleans & Miami and the deep holes dug by the likes of the Steelers, Falcons, Redskins & Packers in a spirited edition of 'Dead or Alive'; the gang also finds to time to breakdown Cialis ads and (almost) discuss 'Breaking Bad'. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 160: Kibitzing with Roddy White / Shek, Rank and Handsome Hank are joined by Atlanta Falcons pass catcher Roddy
DDFP 160: Kibitzing with Roddy White / Shek, Rank and Handsome Hank are joined by Atlanta Falcons pass catcher Roddy White to break down the latest list of names on the "Top 100" countdown, the competition between Roddy and teammate Julio Jones, and facing athletic quarterbacks. Then, the "ATL Debate Club" takes a look at which teams are poised for a surprise season and chat with their favorite "Tecmo Super Bowl" guru. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 124: Flacco 2, Elite 0 / Shek and Rank are joined by Around The League heroes @DanHanzus and @MarcSesslerNFL,
DDFP 124: Flacco 2, Elite 0 / Shek and Rank are joined by Around The League heroes @DanHanzus and @MarcSesslerNFL, 12-year-old Baltimore Ravens commentator Cullen Little, and birthday boy Handsome Hank to look ahead to Super Bowl XLVII and break down the conference championship games. Subjects discussed include the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick legacy, where the New England Patriots' dynasty ranks all time, where Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons go from here, plus, the risk/reward of drafting Notre Dame’s Manti Te'o. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 92: NFL Week 2 recap & Patrick Willis / On Episode 92, Shek and Rank welcome the 49ers’ world-class
DDFP 92: NFL Week 2 recap & Patrick Willis / On Episode 92, Shek and Rank welcome the 49ers’ world-class linebacker Patrick Willis to the show to discuss the influence of Jim Harbaugh and the team's matchup with the Vikings on Sunday. Around The League scribes @DanHanzus & Mr Fancy Pants @MarcSesslerNFL join in to talk Schiano v Coughlin, Sanchez v Tebow, and Peyton Manning after his three-pick performance vs. Atlanta. Plus, Black Tie continues giving shout outs to the working class and begins the “No more kneel-downs” crusade BEFORE Jerry Jones. Lastly, the guys end the show with a tribute to the great Steve Sabol. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 87: NFL Fantasy experts draft / Shek & Rank are joined by NFL.com's fantasy guru @Michael_Fabiano, as the trio provide
DDFP 87: NFL Fantasy experts draft / Shek & Rank are joined by NFL.com's fantasy guru @Michael_Fabiano, as the trio provide commentary during the “NFL Fantasy Live” experts league fantasy football draft. Walk and chew gum at the same time? No problem for these experts (and Shek). They debate Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones’ fantasy value, when to draft your starting quarterback and much more -- all while taping the podcast and ignoring Black Tie’s cry for a tight 45. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The DDFP: Talkin' ball with Jamie Dukes / With only a fortnight left 'til the season kicks off, Dave and
The DDFP: Talkin' ball with Jamie Dukes / With only a fortnight left 'til the season kicks off, Dave and Rank welcome NFL Network/Atlanta Falcon/Florida State Seminole/good guy Jamie Dukes to the studio to kibbitz about Peyton Manning and the Colts' QB situation; Chris Johnson's future in Tennessee; and the Miami Hurricanes' mess. The fellas also throw a pity party for a couple of deserving NFLers. You know who else deserves a pity party? Anyone who doesn't listen to this show. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com