The Falcons released their new-look uniforms today.
Allegedly leaked pictures appeared online Tuesday, but the team would not confirm or deny them.
The team was set to reveal them April 14.
The Falcons announced Jan. 14 that they would unveil new Nike uniforms in April.
» MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM: Why do fans hate the new look?
Falcons owner Arthur Blank wrote a letter to the ticket holders addressing the unrest with the team that saw many of them stay away from the home games last season.
It’s been 17 years since the Falcons made a uniform change. The Falcons have been working with Nike on the new design for the past two seasons and have received player and fan feedback, the team said in a news release.
“The Falcons have a proud tradition of bringing people and communities together from all walks of life, and our shared passion for winning football helps fuel this team,” Blank said. “As I stated when I purchased the Falcons in 2002, my promise remains the same: to bring a championship team to both our city and our community — on and off the field.”
» MORE: Opinions vary on the new looks
Blank released another letter with the new uniforms.
The new-look will feature black jerseys and black pants with the away look going white on white. The Falcons now have eight different color combinations, including the current throwback version paying homage to the 1966 team and a new “Rise Up” alternate uniform. The collection includes four jerseys (black home, white away, gradient alternate and the ’66 throwbacks), four pants (black, white, red and throwbacks) and one helmet (satin black).
The new-look was a hit with the players.
“There’s just a feeling to it,” quarterback Matt Ryan said in a statement released by the team. “I can’t explain it when you look in your locker and that color and head to toe in black is going to be good, too. I don’t know what it is, but I know there’s a feeling that comes with it for the guys, too, when we see that in our lockers.”
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett approved of the new uniforms.
“I think these new uniforms will give us, give the city a new energy and I think people are going to really be excited about it,” Jarrett said in the release. “ We know this is a tough time for everyone right now, but we hope this can bring some excitement and light to our city and our fans. Around the whole world everybody knows what ATL stands for, so we’re proud to represent that, today and every day.”
The “ATL” went over well in the locker room, too.
“Just letting them know exactly what we’re playing for, the city we’re playing for,” linebacker Deion Jones said. “There are a lot of people in this city that ride for the Falcons, and we want to let them know that we're riding for them, also. I like that.”
Falcons coach Dan Quinn also approved.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to see this look come together,” Quinn said in the release. “Not only will the players be happy, but I think our fans will be happy. I know the head coach is! During this tough time for so many, we hope this new look gives our fans something to look forward to.”
--
The Bow Tie Chronicles Podcasts:
Can be found on Google, iTunes and TuneIn
For more content about the Atlanta Falcons:
Follow me on Twitter @DorlandoAJC
On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now
Atlanta Falcons coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Have a question? Email me at dledbetter@ajc.com
About the Author
