In 2022, the Falcons have been fighting the good fight in the NFC South division, with NFL odds reflecting how they have outperformed the low expectations most fans had for them heading into the season. Sure, they may not be ready to compete for a Super Bowl like the Bucs, Bills, or Chiefs, but they are hardly at the bottom of the NFL like the Bears or Texans (no offense).
In addition to team performance, the Falcons have had their share of legendary players over the years. In this post, we take a look at a few of those Falcons players who proved themselves to be the greatest "Dirty Birds" of all time!
Matt Ryan: QB (2008-2021)
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In 2009, Ryan kept his hot hand going with 2,916 yards and 22 touchdowns, and then topped it in 2010 with 3,705 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the Falcons to a division title and a 13-3 record.
Ryan would go on to dominate the NFL for the next decade, throwing for over 4,000 yards per season for the next decade. His career highs came in 2016 at the age of 31 when he threw for 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns and an impressive 69.9% completion percentage, winning the NFL Most Valuable Player award and leading the Falcons to the Super Bowl.
Deion Sanders: DB, KR, PR (1989-1993)
Sanders was "Prime Time" for the Falcons after being drafted in 1989. His career with the Falcons was somewhat short, but when Deion was on the field, he was exceptional. His style helped define a smooth and swaggy culture that the Falcons adopted during this period with heavy hip-hop influence, with rapper MC Hammer jumping on the bandwagon.
Sanders had plenty of arrogance about him, but he was all business once he stepped onto the field, and he was certainly once of the most talented athletes to ever wear a Falcons uniform.
In his rookie year, Sanders made 5 interceptions as a cornerback and ran back a punt return for touchdown.
In 1991, Sanders had 6 interceptions (including one pick-six), ran back a kick return for a touchdown, and a sack, good enough for Second-team All-Pro and helping lead the Falcons to the playoffs.
Sanders would play two more seasons after that, making First-team All Pro both seasons. In 1992 he led the NFL in kickoff return yards, yards per return and return touchdowns, while in 1993 he led the NFL in INTs with 7.
Although he only spent five years in Atlanta, there is no question that he made his impact felt during that era.
Julio Jones: WR (2011-2020)
The following year, Jones racked up 1,198 yards on 79 receptions, scoring 10 touchdowns and earning a spot in his first career Pro Bowl.
After injuries derailed his 2013 season, he rebounded in 2014 with 1,593 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Jones then went on to lead the NFL in receiving yards and receptions in 2015. His 1,871 yards receiving set a Falcons record and still stands as the third-highest single-season total in NFL history.
In each of the next four seasons, Jones racked up over 1,300 yards and made the Pro Bowl, including the 2018 season where he once again led the NFL in receiving yards.
Jones left Atlanta after an injury-plagued 2020 season, but his legacy will stand as one of the best Falcons receiver of all time.
Michael Vick: QB (2001-2006)
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He was drafted by the Falcons in 2001, and he quickly became a star in Atlanta with his speed, athleticism, and mobility. In his second season he started 15 games for Atlanta, throwing for 2,936 yards and 8 touchdowns while rushing for 777 yards for 8 touchdowns and was named to his first Pro Bowl.
In the 2002 playoffs, Vick led the Falcons to an upset victory over the Packers in the Wild Card round. Unfortunately, Vick broke his fibula in a preseason game the following year, cutting his season short.
Vick made the Pro Bowl in 2004 and 2005, and in 2006 he became the first NFL QB to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
