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19 years ago: The greatest moment in Falcons history

Jan. 17, 1999. Morten Andersen's field goal sent the Falcons to the Super Bowl. It was the greatest moment in Falcons history. The Falcons beat the Vikings 30-27. The Falcons were 14-2 in the regular season. The game was played in The Metrodome in Minnesota. The Falcons lost to the Broncos in the Super Bowl. Falcons coach Dan Reeves had heart surgery just a few weeks before the game. The Falcons did not reach the Super Bowl again until 2017. The Vikings were 15-1 that season but failed to advance to t
By Mike Luck
Jan 17, 2018

It's hard to believe it was 19 years ago.

On Jan. 17, 1999, Falcons kicker Morten Andersen drilled a 38-yard field goal in overtime in the NFC Championship Game to beat the Vikings and send the Falcons to their first Super Bowl.

It was the greatest moment in franchise history and perhaps the most exciting moment in Atlanta sports history, only competing with the night the Braves won the World Series in 1995.

The Falcons fell short of the NFC Championship Game this season, losing to the Eagles last Saturday, but no one can take away that special day in 1999. Watch the video above to reminisce about it.

About the Author

Mike Luck is an Audience Specialist on the sports team at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has worked at the AJC since 1980.

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