Falcons

Row 1: 2020-present, 2016-present alternate, 1994 alternate/throwback
Row 2: 2003-19
Row 3: 1990-96 (floating lines), 1997-02 (connected lines)
Row 4: 1978-83 (white facemask), 1984-89 (black facemask), 1985 (black facemask)
Row 5: 1966-69, 1970-77

Classic Falcons Logo History

The Falcons have had two falcon logos: the classic logo (1966-2002) and the modern logo (2003-present). However, there were many variations on the classic Falcons logo over the years. My research indicated six different classic logo helmets.

  • 1966-89: Floating feather lines, V-neck
  • 1985: Connected feather lines, V-neck. Note the two changes: 1) the lines on the feather now connect to the body and 2) the white line between the head and body has disappeared. There is evidence the Falcons continued to wear the 1984 helmet in 1985, even in the same game.
  • 1990-96: Floating feather lines, V-neck. The same logo as the previous year, but a different color helmet (from red to black).
  • 1997-2002: Connected feather lines, V-neck line. Note how the feather lines are connected for the first time since 1985.
  • 2009-12 alternate/throwback: This throwback to the 1966-69 helmet is identical, except for the straight line between the head and arm.
  • 2016-present alternate: This alternate to the 1990-96 helmet is identical, except for the straight line between the head and the arm.
1966-89
1985
1990-96
1997-2002
2009-12 throwback
2016-present
Image sources at the end of this page.

1966-69

Red helmet, grey facemask, gold-white-black-white-gold stripes, floating feather lines, V-neck

This red Falcons helmet is in the Throwback Series 1 and Throwback 2-bar sets.

The 1969 two-bar Falcons pocket helmets have an interestingly anomaly. All 1969 2-bar helmets have the Riddell brand name on the back in all capital letters (RIDDELL). The 2-bar helmets from the 36-piece set display a different in half-cursive (RIDDell). These helmets could be any year.

There are two versions of the 1969 Falcons helmets, one in all caps like all the other 1969 throwback helmets (RIDDELL) and the other with the cursive font (RIDDell). To my knowledge, the Falcons 1969 helmet is the only two helmets that display both versions of this font.

1970-77

Red helmet, grey facemask, white-black-white stripes, floating feather lines, V-neck

In 1970, the gold stripe was removed. Otherwise, the helmet is the same as the previous year. This helmet is available in the Throwback Series 2 and Throwback NFL 1969 2-bar sets.

1978-89, 1985

Atlanta switched to a white facemask in 1978 and a black facemask in 1983. No official pocket pro exist for this style, although one could buy the throwback and attach a new facemask. The helmet with the white facemask was worn as a throwback in the 1994 season.

Fellow collector Steve Foster sent me an article with evidence the Falcons wore the 1985 helmet along with the 1984 in the same season. In at least one game, the Falcons wore both helmets. There is no official pocket pro for this helmet style.

1985 helmet on top; previous year’s helmet on bottom. Source: Atlanta Constitution, 12/22/1985. E-mail from Steve Foster.

1990-96 and 1997-02

In 1990, the Falcons transitioned to a black helmet and got rid of the stripes. The logo is the same. Riddell did not manufacture a factory helmet for this style.

In 1997, the Falcons changed the logo to connected feather lines. Riddell did officially make this helmet. It is in the traditional and chrome sets.

  • 1990-96: Black helmet, black facemask, floating feather lines, V-neck
  • 1997-02: Black helmet, black facemask, connected feather lines, V-neck

2003-19

The present Falcons helmet is in the traditional, revolution, speed and chrome sets.

2020-Present

In 2020 the Falcons changed the facemask and the outline around the falcon to a chrome color. It’s available as a factory speed-style helmet.

Alternates and Throwbacks

The Falcons have worn the 2016-present helmet as a kind of throwback or alternate. It’s meant to honor the 1990-96 helmet. However, the neckline is slightly different. This helmet is not available as a factory helmet. I purchased this helmet as a custom on ebay from travistommark, who does really nice work.

The red helmet is a throwback to the 1966-69 helmet, albeit with a different neckline.

Prototypes

Apparently, the Falcons considered the red helmet in 1966 and white helmet in 1974.

Pocket Helmet Checklist

Last update: 1/10/2022

*All 1969 2-bar helmets have the Riddell brand name on the back in all capital letters (RIDDELL). The regular 2-bar helmets from the 36-piece set display a different in half-cursive (RIDDell). There are two versions of the 1969 Falcons helmets, one in all caps like all the other 1969 throwback helmets (RIDDELL) and the other with the cursive font (RIDDell). To my knowledge, the Falcons 1969 helmet is the only two helmets that display both versions of the font.

References

  • Helmet History.com, Atlanta Falcons
  • Gridiron Uniform Database, Atlanta Falcons
  • Chris Lukas, A Closer Look at Falcons’ Helmets Inconsistencies, Feb. 2016
  • Image sources:
    • Getty Images. Image for reference only, not for commercial use. Detroit Lions v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 15: Greg Brezina #50 of the Atlanta Falcons in action against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game October 15, 1978 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Willard played for 49ers from 1965-73. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
    • Getty Images. Image for reference only, not for commercial use. TAMPA BAY, FL – DECEMBER 13: Darion Conner #56 of the Atlanta Falcons in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL Football game December 13, 1992 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida. Conner played for the Falcons from 1990-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
    • Getty Images. Image for reference only, not for commercial use. PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 10: David Archer #16 of the Atlanta Falcons looks to pass the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game on November 10, 1985 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Archer played for the Falcons from 1984-87. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
    • Getty Images. Image for reference only, not for commercial use. 21 Sep 1997: Quarterback Steve Young #8 of the San Francisco 49ers and Terance Mathis #81 of the Atlanta Falcons talk to one another during a game at the 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Todd
    • Getty Images. Image for reference only, not for commercial use. 20 September 2009: An Atlanta Falcons throwback helmet in the Atlanta Falcons 28-20 victory over the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon SMI/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    • John Follett, Fansided, Atlanta Falcons “Back in Black” on Sunday vs San Francisco 49ers

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