Flashback photos: The Atlanta Falcons in the 1960s

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Flashback photos: The Atlanta Falcons in the 1960s

The Atlanta Falcons came into existence in June 1965, when commissioner Pete Rozelle made the team the 15th NFL franchise. The team began pre-season play in August 1966. Here’s a look back at those first few seasons.

Norb Hecker became the first coach of the Atlanta Falcons when the franchise came to Atlanta in 1966. (Marion Crowe/Staff/Undated)

Former Falcons owner Rankin Smith (from left), Julia Elliott, former Georgia Bulldogs coach Vince Dooley and former Atlanta Constitution sports editor Jesse Outlar before a game in 1966. Elliott was credited with selection of Falcons as the name for the new franchise. (AJC file)

Atlanta Falcons owner Rankin Smith congratulating linebacker Tommy Nobis in December 1966. Charles Pugh Jr./AJC file

Quarterback Randy Johnson in September 1968. AJC file

Bob Whitlow, a former Falcons center who played on the 1966 inaugural team. AJC file

Quarterback Randy Johnson of the Atlanta Falcons in 1969. AJC file

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Bill Jobko gets ready for action in this 1966 photo. (Photo courtesy of Bob Johnson).

A portrait of Falcons' quarterback Randy Johnson in the late '60s. AJc file

Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Randy Johnson takes a break during a game, circa 1960s. AJC file.

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tommy Nobis (#60) on the sidelines in Atlanta in 1966. Nobis was the Falcons' first draft pick. AJCfile

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tommy Nobis on the field on December 13, 1967. AJC file

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tommy Nobis receiving a trophy and portrait from Phillip Morris Tobacco Company Vice President John Landry after being picked NFL rookie of the year, Los Angeles, California, January 22, 1967. AJC file

Atlanta Falcons' Harmon Wages (#5) with teammate Mike Freeman(#28) during practice, July 1969. Charles Pugh Jr./AJC

Billy Lothridge practices punting in an empty stadium, November 1967. Floyd Jillson/AJC file

Atlanta Falcons owner Rankin Smith (right) and Coach Norb Hecker (left) join defensive end Claude Humphrey in listening to the news of his signing over the radio. AJC file

Falcons' owner Rankin Smith relaxes in an oversized bed for the team, 1966. From the original caption: "Giant-Size beds installed for big linemen. Smith finds ample room for afternoon snooze. June 5, 1966."

The original caption from August 1969: "In the Driver's Seat. It's a happy homecoming for the unbeaten Atlanta Falcons, who meet the Washington Redskins in the first home game Saturday at 8 p.m. Quarterback Bob Berry is in the driver's seat with punting specialist Billy Lothridge his star passenger."

One of the Atlanta Falcons' original football players, kicker Billy Lothridge, in November 1967. Floyd Jillson/AJC file

Crawfordville, Georgia-born Bill Asbury (left) was a Falcons draft pick in the team's first season, but was cut during training camp. He was picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's seen here with Steelers QB (and later, briefly, Falcons assistant coach) Bill Nelson in 1966. Joe McTyre/AJC file

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Norb Hecker became the first coach of the Atlanta Falcons when the franchise came to Atlanta in 1966. (Marion Crowe/Staff/Undated)

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