New photos: The first Atlanta Falcons of 1966

Atlanta Falcons

New photos: The first Atlanta Falcons of 1966

Photos from the first year of the Atlanta Falcons franchise. The 1966 team finished with a 3-11 record.

The Falcons joined the NFL in 1966, 51 seasons ago. It wasn't a pretty beginning as the team went 3-11. Take a look at photos from that season, including this one that shows Falcons kick returner Ron Smith recovering from a hard hit. AJC file photo

This Falcons place-kicker was big and kicked straight ahead. AJC file photo

Atlanta police check on two wise-guy fans during a game at Atlanta Stadium. AJC file photo

Future Falcons head coach Dan Reeves carries the ball for the Dallas Cowboys against the Falcons. AJC file photo

This Falcons tight end, Vern Burke, only wore a single-bar facemask. AJC file photo

Junior Coffey of the Falcons fights for a few more inches. AJC file photo

A fan is excited about catching a football at Atlanta Stadium. AJC file photo

Would you want to have to tackle John David Crow of the 49ers? He has his game face on. AJC file photo

Former Georgia Tech player Taz Anderson heads toward the end zone after a reception. AJC file photo

Falcons running back Junior Coffey is brought down. AJC file photo.

Falcons tight end Billy Martin hauls in a pass. AJC file photo

This fan caught a football in the stands and was proud of it, very proud. AJC file photo

Two Falcons players collide with a 49ers back. AJC file photo

Falcons QB Randy Johnson is hit as he releases the ball. AJC file photo

Falcons linebacker Tommy Nobis (60) moves in on a 49ers ball carrier. AJC file photo

The Falcons' Billy Lothridge was one of the NFL's best punters. AJC file photo

Check out the styles on 1966, from eye glasses to hair cuts, to police uniforms. AJC file photo

The Falcons' Tommy Nobis (60) stops Dallas at the goal line. AJC file photo

Falcons linebacker Tommy Nobis (60) gets a little help as he makes a tackle. AJC file photo

Falcons running back Junior Coffey fights for yards against Dallas. AJC file photo

Ron Smith of the Falcons is smacked on a kick return. AJC file photo

Falcons running back Junior Coffey reaches the end zone thanks to blocks by Verne Burke (84) and Alex Hawkins (25). AJC file photo

Falcons defenders close in on Cowboys QB Don Meredith. AJC file photo

Falcons and Cowboys players get together after the game. Cornerback Ken Reaves is No. 36. AJC file photo

The Falcons' mascot flies around Atlanta Stadium before a game. AJC file photo

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The Falcons joined the NFL in 1966, 51 seasons ago. It wasn't a pretty beginning as the team went 3-11. Take a look at photos from that season, including this one that shows Falcons kick returner Ron Smith recovering from a hard hit. AJC file photo

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