The Atlanta Falcons are a professional football team that plays in the NFC South Division of the National Football League. The team was created as an expansion team in 1966. The franchise was granted to Rankin Smith June 30, 1965 for $8.5 million, the largest sum paid at that time for a professional football franchise.http://cdn.atlantafalcons.com/docs/History.pdf For most of the franchise's existence, they have struggled to achieve winning seasons, except for a few winning years in the late 70’s and early 80’s. However, during the 1990's, the Falcons would go to the playoffs four times, including losing a Super Bowl to John Elway and the Denver Broncos. http://cdn.atlantafalcons.com/docs/History.pdf

In 2002, long time Falcons owner Rankin Smith sold to the team to Arthur Blank. A year earlier, the franchise had drafted Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick. Vick played for the Falcons until his conviction on dog fighting charges in 2007.http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3148549 The 2007 season also saw the departure of Bobby Petrino as Falcons head coach during the regular season.http://cdn.atlantafalcons.com/docs/History.pdf In 2008 the Falcons hired new head coach Mike Smith, drafted Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, and returned to the playoffs for the ninth time in team history.http://cdn.atlantafalcons.com/docs/History.pdf

Although the Atlanta Falcons didn't make the playoffs in 2009, it was the first time in franchise history that a Falcons team had back-to-back winning seasons. The Falcons ended the year on a winning streak and a 9-7 record. They were assisted in this effort by quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner.http://www.atlantafalcons.com/