Falcons Turn 49 Years Old
Take a look at some of the firsts that followed the Falcons' induction into the NFL on June 30, 1965.
Tommy Nobis became the Falcons' first ever draft pick in 1965, but did you know that he was also selected by the AFL's Houston Oilers? He was the first player drafted by both the NFL and AFL.
National Football League Commissioner Pete Rozelle chalks in the name of Texas linebacker Tommy Nobis as the Atlanta Falcons' selection at the start of the opening round of the league's draft of college players in New York on Nov. 27, 1965
All-America Texas linebacker Tommy Nobis, left, and Rankin Smith, owner of the Atlanta Falcons, announce Nobis' signing of a contract with the Falcons in Austin, Texas on Dec. 14, 1965.
Tommy Nobis gets a first look at where he'll play his professional football when he holds up a photo of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
Rankin Smith, left, met with NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to determine a formula that would give the Falcons 42 veteran players from 14 other clubs during a five-hour meeting in February 1966.
Atlanta is a full-fledge member of the National Football League, after Commissioner Pete Rozelle, left, presented this certificate of membership to Rankin Smith on Feb. 15, 1966 in Palm Beach, Fla.
Tommy Nobis became the Falcons' first Pro Bowl honoree and also earned the 1966 Rookie of the Year award.
The first ever Atlanta Falcons team photo, in 1966.
The Falcons' first head coach, Norb Hecker, meets Vince Lombardi before a game between Atlanta and the Packers.
