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DEL.ICIO.USShould the Falcons have a new nickname?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
He’s no Dirty Bird, one sports talker says. So what should we call him?
In our understandable quest to flog every conceivable angle in writing about the the playoffs-bound Falcons, we’ve got an important question to ask fans.
Should the team have a new nickname?
Sure, some folks still call them the “Dirty Birds,” but that’s so last decade, says afternoon sports talker John Kincade of 680/The Fan.
“The Dirty Birds - that’s the ‘98 team,” said Kincade, noting his broadcast partner Buck Belue has consistently referred to “The New Falcons” all season long.
So what should we call them?
“Come up with something unique and fresh,” challenged Kincade, who didn’t have a new moniker in mind.
But Steak Shapiro, morning host at790/The Zone, was quick to come up with a new nickname.
“The New Blood,” he proffered. The name does work on many levels. The team has a new QB - rookie of the year Matt Ryan - and new head coach, Mike Smith.
“It’s kind of a badass name,” Shapiro continued. “Plus, they wear red.”
Do the Falcons need a new nickname? What should it be?
Comments
By Dan Boon
December 30, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
The Tenacious Talons! Borrowing from the Steelers a bit, the promotions team for the Falcons can design rubber talons on a string to wave around “The Terrible Talons” if you will, during games.
By Dan
December 30, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
And considering our current QB isn’t in prison, how about, “Freebird?”
By row3
December 30, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
You can call him ROY, just ROY.
By steve foster
December 30, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Falcons new nickname: Ryan’s Hope
By Lowndesfalc
December 30, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
The “New Deal Falcons” nuff said…
By Jeff
December 30, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
What about Champs come Feb?
By Wildebeast
December 30, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Gotta be Dirty Birds…we absolutely should sustain the legacy of and give props to the only Falcons team ever to go to the Super Bowl. Let’s honor Chris Chandler, Morten Anderson, Jamal Anderson, and especially Keith Brooking, the only remaining Dirty Bird. Imagine how many Monday mornings Brooking has woken up battered and sore waiting for this opportunity, perhaps his last, to come again.
By FBFalcon
December 30, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
No nickname for new team yet. But how about “The Cage” for the dome.
By Boo Boo
December 30, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Pitbulls?
By Reid in EAV
December 30, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
“The Falcons” is a good enough nickname for a team playing solid, meat-and-potatoes football. Gimmicky nicknames are kinda like Jerry Glanville’s California trophy — just a little bush league, if you ask me.
By Justin Colley
December 30, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
I think I have the perfect nickname: “The Ruthless Raptors”!!
That way, there could be an area of the Dome with the MOST Die Hard Fans called “The Cage”
Opposing Teams would be deemed ” “Beast Prey”, “Raptor Meat”, “Roadkill”, take your pick.
Teams would be warned to “Fear The Claw”
When an opposing team is defeated in the Dome, we could let them know that “You have just been CLAWED!”
What do you think?
By THE DIRTY FALCON
December 31, 2008 2:15 AM | Link to this
THE DIRTY FALCONS
By Heavy D
December 31, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Birds of Prey
By Mort Merkel
December 31, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Nicknames have to pop up on their own … unless you are Sean Combs. Grits Blitz and Dirty Birds didn’t come out of the marketing department, or from lame talk show hosts, I don’t think.
As far as player nicknames, I personally don’t roll with Matty Ice. I go old school and call him Red.
By George
December 31, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Chris Berman will come up with a nickname, sooner than later.
By GT 81
December 31, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
The Purty Birds
By fordcobra
December 31, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Well, I think maybe a new nickname might be in order. Let me see…. What about Von Ryan’s Express or maybe the Git Er’Done Gang! It ain’t always pretty but the job usually gets done.
By Michael
December 31, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
umm, I say free bird, and you can even do the song as their opening. And when matt ryan does something dumb or pulls a vick and throws an idiot brained interception you can play the song, folsom prison blues.
By Terry
December 31, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
“The Flockin Birds”
By CTfalconfan
December 31, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
As a 19 yr season tix holder who lives in CT I always want the Falcons to win but with winning comes 2 negatives. Higher ticket prices and STUPID BAND WAGON FANS who need nicknames and gimmiks to support a team. Let’s concentrate more on AZ and stopping their offense than cute little nicknames. COMMON ATL FOCUS!!!!
By The Swami
December 31, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
The Red Raptors
By Gene
December 31, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Yea I like it but I am still going to called them the dirty birds til they make it to super bowl.
By Doug
December 31, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
We don’t need no stinkin’ nicknames.
By Michael
December 31, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
The Race Healers? The Millionaires?
By DMFalcom
December 31, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
This is how we do it Birds or We did it our way Birds
By Rufus
December 31, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
They have a nickname already… Falcons. How ‘bout we just leave it at that.
By woodstockjakes
December 31, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Kincade Sucks!!!!
By Me
December 31, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
How about the Hummingbirds? They’re just about as exciting as one.
By 2 legit dirty bird
December 31, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
No nicknames!
Just win baby!!!
By Brain
December 31, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Red Zeppelin
By T2daD
December 31, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Let’s win four more games and the WHOLE WORLD WILL CALL US “CHAMPIONS OF WORRRRRRRRRRLLLLLD, THE ATLANTA FALCONS!”
By A Fan
December 31, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
How ‘bout the “Matt Pack”?
By Tbone
December 31, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
As compared to the old “front page a day jail blotter” we got sick of….you could now go with Arthur’s Angels…
By Rolltide23
December 31, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Remember “The Bears!” Just call the Falcons “The Birds!”
By FalFin Fan
December 31, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
‘Dirty Birds’ just brings back memories of stupid, rehearsed dances in the end zone and Eugene Robinson’s arrest record. No thanks.
By add14jazz
December 31, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Dirty Birds is just fine as is! Stop talking about last year and talk about the Dirty Birds of now! The Dirty Birds of the Dirty South!
By Dewey
December 31, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
I’m with Doug. Leave the silliness (typical of sports talk radio) out of it. The Falcons will do just fine, thank you very much.
By Michael Riordan
December 31, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
“2009 Super Bowl Champions” has a nice ring to it.
“Red Flight” for the passing game.
“Black ‘Dozers” for the running game. (Turner is an absolute bulldozer)
“Black Ice” for the team’s name. (combination of Matty Ice and the Falcons, which has been a perfect combination and a real thrill for long-time Falcon Fans)
I think we should thank last year’s coach, who quit on us. If not for him quitting, we probably wouldn’t have the great Mike Smith to celebrate, we probably wouldn’t have the great GM Dimitroff (sp?) , we probably wouldn’t have signed Michael Turner or drafted Matty Ice…so thanks go out to Bobby Petrino. Congratulations on your 4-7 season. Nice job.
Sorry, had to get that off my chest.
By Chelle
December 31, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
DIRTY BIRDS i love that name and the Falcons should continue using it…GOOD LUCK IN ‘09 MIKE VICK
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE
By Old Snarky
December 31, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
I agree with Dewey totally. ‘The Atlanta Falcons’ is an excellent name. We need to concentrate on supporting them and not calling them silly names
By Sicem
December 31, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Considering their past sins how about THE REDEMPTION.
By The Corporal
December 31, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
I’m not sure about a nickname but I refer to Vick as the ex Fal-con !
By G Mama
December 31, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
My son follows the falcons and is excited by the season turnout. I think a good njickname would be Phoenix. They rose from the ashes
By cjames
December 31, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Who cares? The Falcons are branded - they don’t need a nickname too.
But then again, if you’re the type who puts their barbeque grill in the back of your pickup truck before heading to the game, you may like a nickname for your favorite team.
By Dave G
December 31, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
I second the Freebirds!
By Still Waiting
December 31, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
STILL WAITING FOR THE AJC TO PUT THE DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE STORY ON THE HOME PAGE….WHY NOT AJC?? YOU GOT CHARLES BARKLEY ON THERE. WHY NOT THE REAL MVP OF THE TEAM - MICHAEL TURNER?? HOW FAR IN THE TANK FOR KING ARTHUR ARE YOU? ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU’RE UTILIZING ALL THIS DISCRETION…BUT WHY BARKLEY? IS HE AS RELEVANT TO THE SPORTS FANS OF METRO ATLANTA?? STILL WAITING AJC…YOUR BIAS IS SHOWING
By Phooey
December 31, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Blech! They don’t need a nickname. They need to learn to play football. But if they MUST have one, how about Failing Falcons?
By Michael Riordan
December 31, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
I think we should take Michael Vick back and turn him into the most exciting punt/kick returner in the history of the NFL. Then use him for the craziest options ever deployed by a football team. Imagine the possibilities.
2009 should be the year of recovery and forgiveness. He is very important to the AAA (African American Atlanta) community and to discard that is a major mistake.
He made a major mistake which should not be discounted in any way, but he also did a lot of good (raised millions for charities on his own time). I think it’s time to let go of the anger and embrace the rehabilitation of Michael Vick. I believe he will shine on the rest of his career and I hope it’s in Atlanta.
There will be NO QB controversy. Matt is our QB and will remain our QB. He is the goods and that’s clear to everyone. Period.
OK, maybe I’m dreaming, but it’s not a nightmare it’s more in the category of wishful dreaming.
Happy 2009.
Oh, nickname? See Above.
By BRS
December 31, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
The Bad Newz Birds
By falcons.
December 31, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Just leave it at the dirty birds. The name sticks.
By Todd Green
December 31, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Keep it the same * The Dirty Bird’s is the best out. Everyone I know fro opposing teams hate the name, SO KEEP IT…
By d
December 31, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
How about the “PHUNKY PHEASANTS”!
By manny
December 31, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
How about the “Atlanta Falcons?” They haven’t played their first playoff game since Mike Vick and we’re trying to give them a nickname.
This team isn’t a personality-based team. In 1998, you have Jamal Anderson,Andre Rison and other big-time personalities. Plus, you had folks like Hammer adopting the team and the “Dirty Birds’ mantra was appropriate.
But this team is almost pristine. There’s absolutely no personalities that is leading this team. It’s ran like a corporation, and everyone plays their role.
So, just call them “Atlanta Falcons.” And let’s leave all of this new name business to the radio personalities. They have nothing else to talk about.
(Oh, and the Atlanta Hawks can keep their name as-is, too.)
By Rip
December 31, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
No longer a fan if they move the stadium to I-285
By MountainDawg
December 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
While ad-hoc nicknames are overused & sometimes silly (btw, Berman’s a caste clown), it’s still fun every once & a while. Since it’s rare the Falcons make the playoffs, it’s just such an occasion for a new nickname. The “New Blood” is good & so is “The MattyIce Express”! ;-) GO FALCONS!!!!
By J-Money
December 31, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
I don’t have a new nickname for the team, but i like the nickname for Matt Ryan I heard when he was called “Matty Ice”
By raymondpickett
December 31, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
How about the New BLOODY BIRDS!!!!!That kicks a whole lot of a*!!!
By michael
December 31, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I say leave it as the Atlanta Falcons. Or we could call it not Mike Vick’s team!
By Thom
December 31, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Sorry Riordan, if they ever bring Vick back, I’m gone. For good.
By GA
December 31, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
How about the…’Clean, mean machine’?
By David
December 31, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
New Blood is cool but kind of creepy
How about the Redbirds…
I always hated the Dirty Birds, sounded like we were cheaters like our Atlanta politicians- same as the dirty south… what is that anyway?
I must say—— Did you guys see Dawkins leading Philly’s Fight Song for the Eagles fans last week? Now that was cool. We actually have one, although I have never heard it. That would be cool to sing that after Abraham rips somebody’s head off.
By MTB
December 31, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
The Panther Peckers
By MTB
December 31, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
The Panther Peckers
By Crazy Diamond
December 31, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
No new nickname. Dirty Birds is old news. JUST WIN.
By Brain
December 31, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Deliverance
By EddieKang
December 31, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Will you people stop always trying to change the face of the city to fit this mold that you feel everyone is comfortable with. People outside this city recognize the Falcons as the Dirty Birds. It’s a good name for them, besides this is the Dirty South. Sorry people it’s no way you will ever live that name down. So stop trying to change the city. Anything that you feel is urban you want to change, well news flash this city experienced much of the diversity and growth because it is an urban mecca. We won’t play a last place schedule next year. So let’s just enjoy this for now.
By marko
December 31, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
I would suggest Vickless Wonders, but I don’t that one is going to fly. Since the great turn around seemed to start with Turner’s signing, I’d suggest Burner Birds. The Dirty Birds were a great team, but could’nt quite close the deal. What we need this time around is Dirtier Birds.
By dansfae
December 31, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
The nickname “Dirty Birds” and the dance ushered in the thug culture in sports. Stop the “look at meism. I say drop it.
By Lombardi
December 31, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
TEAM
By Outhoused
December 31, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Asskickers is the name and the game!
By Buster
December 31, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
They used to be called the “Gritz Blitz”. How bout the “Hash Brownz”? We scatter, we smother, and we cover! Now get us some yellow helmets with a “WH” on the side and we’re good to go!
By Cecil
December 31, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
BIRDS OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER..
CAUSE THEY FLOCK TOGETHER
GO BIRDS !
By Mr. T
December 31, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
THE DOME DEFENDERS
By Karst
December 31, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
By Heavy D December 31, 2008 8:25 AM Birds of Prey
I second that.
BIRDS OF PREY and our Klingon Warriors
By Mrbeas
December 31, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
I have a name that used all season.
(Birds With An Attitude)
The new attitude we first noticed when the Falcons played the Titans during the preseason.
(Birds With An Attitude)
By happyjack
December 31, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
How about “Winners!”
By Dr. R
December 31, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
How about just the Falcons? Why do they need another nickname? This is a blue-collar team with a work ethic and grit that doesn’t need any extra flash like a funked up nickname. But if you insist, let’s make it real absurd, like Smitty’s Gritty Gritz Blitz.
By Bob Ichter
December 31, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Ryan’s song
By Hutchy
December 31, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
The Millennial Falcons
By kevin
December 31, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
steve, you old bigot!
By Harmon Wages
December 31, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
BLANK’S BIRDS,not really,THE FALCONS,that says it all. Next year will be tough,very hard schedule.Please get rid of Space Ghost Falcon on helmet,bring back the original red helmet and design. GO FALCONS!!!
By RonMexico
December 31, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Please, please, please just stick with “The Falcons”
Good teams don’t need stupid nicknames. When you think of successful teams… The Patriots, The Colts, etc… you don’t have some stupid ‘extra’ nickname.
What that does, is say… “Hey, the ‘Falcons’ are normally bad, but this team is different… this team is ‘The Dirty Birds’, we’re not ‘The Falcons’ because they suck”.
Screw that. We’re the Falcons, we’re Atlanta, and we’re here to kick your butts on the grid iron, each and every year!
By Brett
December 31, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Falco
By Scott
December 31, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
“Flyin With Ryan” instead of “Bein In The Dog House With Vick”
By Syrupmaker03
December 31, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
This is easy…COOL RUNNINGS
Matty Ice is as COOL as the other side of the pillow and the RUNNING game speaks for itself. Matty Ice is the next Tom Brady and the Falcons, with maybe a few more key pieces, could be the new Patriots. Stay on for the ride Falcon fans, a lot of success looms in the near future. Take that to the bank!
By Boo Got Shot
December 31, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Proposed New Falcoons Nicknames:
The BooShooters
The JoDo Jive Talkers
The Baby Momma Beaters
The Ebonics Elitists
The Dog Rapers
The Blank Starez
Blank’s Buffoons
The ATL Panhandlers
Bad Newz Kennelz
THE “NEW & IMPROVED” FALCONS: Now with Intelligent White Players
By Scott
December 31, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
“Flyin With Ryan” instead of “Bein In The Dog House With Vick”
By Scott
December 31, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
“Flyin With Ryan” instead of “Bein In The Dog House With Vick”
By Michael
December 31, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
I really like the way they got rid of the Warrick Dunn who was useless near the goal line and replaced him with a a good sized back. Call the team the Domestic Disputes.
By Barry
December 31, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Juat say “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!”. That will do it.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!
"ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!"Ringold
By Altambb57
December 31, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
How about these for nick names: 1.Bad A Beaks 2.Beaks of Belief 3.Talons of Terror
Falcon Fan since Tommy Nobis and Claude Humphry days
By Singletary
December 31, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
ESPN’s Stuart Scott at one point last year mentioned that a lot of folks call the Dome, the “Dirty Dirty.” Is that true? I’d never heard that nickname before.
I thought Burner Birds & Cool Runnings were novel ideas.
I guess I’m more interested in what other teams feel when they face our Predators: DREAD the PRED.
By FalconFan
December 31, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
AJC, why did you allow “ALL GOOD” to post that comment on here? That is very very inappropiate.
By dylan
December 31, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I agree with Michael Riordan.
Lets not have blogs for thugs like ALLGOOD block his access.
By dylan
December 31, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
what your problem ALL GOOD
how about SOARING RED
By Jennifer Brett
December 31, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
All Good is All Gone.
His racist rant has been deleted from this blog. If he persists, we’ll block him for good.
Thanks to dylan and Falcon Fan for alerting us to the problem.
By gabby21
December 31, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Because of Matt Ryan and all the other great players, how about “The Talons of Ice”. All of our players have played like they have ice water flowing through thier veins. They have remained calm even when the fans were having a heart attack at afew of our home games.
By cityofdecatur
December 31, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Team name don’t attach one player to the name DIRTY BIRDS is just fine if one must DB2 will do ———-GO FALCONS———
By Jim P.
December 31, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
I gotta new name for the Georgia Dome… We have Matty Ice, how ‘bout we call the Dome, the “Ice House”?
By rico rodriguez
December 31, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
FALCON’Z FIERCE!!!!
By Jim P.
December 31, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Hey gabby, I like that “The Talons of Ice”. and the Ga Dome called the Ice House.
By gabby21
December 31, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Thanks Jim P. If they choose “The Talons of Ice” . Can you imagine all the differant kinds of graphics on the Falcons merchandise. I can see a huge claw made of ice and the talons sharpened to razor points shreading all the jerseys of everyone we play.
By Andrew S.
December 31, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
The FALCONS NEW NAME:
THE ICE MAN’S TEAM
By Andrew S.
December 31, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
THE ICE MAN’S TEAM or
THE ICE MAN’S DREAM TEAM
By Andrew S.
December 31, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
THE ICE MAN AND TEAM
By row3
December 31, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
THE RED ZONE
By Heather
January 3, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
How about “The Blazing Beaks”
By Kenzie
January 3, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this
The Raging Feathers
By Christopher B
January 3, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
Considering the Falcons past struggles and QB issues, followed by a recent rise to new heights, a suggestive moniker might be “The Feisty Falcons”.
Consider the definition of Feisty: Tenacious, energetic, spunky; Belligerent; prepared to stand and fight, especially in spite of relatively small stature or some other disadvantage.
I think it sums up the Falcons very well…not to mention it roles off the tongue well.
Christopher Bryant - Atlanta, GA
By Gentry
January 3, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
The Bird is the Word
By Mike W
January 3, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this
I nominate “Von Ryan’s Express” as the new nickname for the Falcons. It’s a reference to the 1965 movie with Frank Sinatra. It just sounds like the Falcons’ offensive attack.
By Mel K
January 4, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this
The Flying Predators
By Cinned
January 5, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this
How about “The Fever”? As in “Can’t fight The Fever!” “Burning up with The Fever” “Go, Falcon Fever!”