The First (Official) Falcoholic WhereIs
by Adam Schultz on Jun 21, 2009 8:00 AM EDT
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PrintIt's been a while since I did one of these. Those of you who remember my last efforts at tracking our readership know that this is, technically, the fourth WhereIs. Since Dave made me a staff writer, I thought I'd pull out a tablua rasa and start over.
So, anyone and everyone, new and old, please leave your city, state, and age (or just state and age, if you'd prefer) in a comment and, if you feel up to it, share the story on how you became a Falcon fan. Since I'm the one asking, I'll be first to go.
I'm from Montgomery, Alabama. Never lived anywhere else. Our junior high unis and colors were copies of the Falcons'. So I started to watch Falcons games, if only to imagine myself on their defensive line. This started around 96/97. In 1998, I became a full Falcoholic, living and dying on Sundays with our Birds. And the rest, they say, is history.
I'll post the results with maps in a week or so.
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1992
Quit college & lived in the DC area where I grew up. Had a bunch of good pals that went to Emory. About a week before they came down to ATL we were sitting around drinking and joked about how I should move down with them. Surely enough a week later I was driving a rental truck with everything I own. I always had a soft spot for the Falcons for some reason. With each passing season I liked them more and more, then of course the 98 season rolled around and that was it.
While I pretty much live and breath the Birds these days, some of you old schoolers here might recall that I admitted to being a lifelong fan of another (and much hated team). Like I tell me pals though, it’s more of a 1a & 1b thing.
In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.
born and raised in the atl
born and raised in union city so i have been a falcons fan all my life… my interest in the team really exploded when they drafted vick as i just always watched seeing what he would do next… that being said, he may have made me a bigger fan and not want to miss a game but matt ryan has taken that to a whole new level… i never thought vick was a great (or even good) quarterback but i loved watching him play… i can’t think of any owner i would rather have for my team than blank and i think dimitrof(sp) is a genius and smith is the best coach we could have… its a good time to be a falcons fan… i have read this site for some time and finally had to sign up today as i could be silent no longer! ha… sorry if this went off subject or was a little long… chalk it up to first post jitters… awesome site… i am glad i found it…
Welcome to the site!
Glad to have you on board and glad to see you’re happy with the team.
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by Dave Choate on Jun 21, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Great first post!
its a good time to be a falcons fan
Amen to that. Welcome aboard!
In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.
Cartersville, GA
Grew up in VA playing soccer (still play soccer). Didn’t know much about football, but a few months of playing Madden took care of that – learning players and strategies. I moved down to GA in 2003, and didn’t have a team so I adopted the Falcons – for better or worse, for the rest of my days. Now I’m a full blown Falcoholic, as evidenced by the fact that I’m posting my story on this website.
Connecticut
My family moved to Atlanta in 1987 (when I was 2), and the Falcons weren’t much to watch back then. In 1991 they had a good year, but the whole city was completely captivated by the Braves at that point. The first Falcons game I went to was the last regular season game of the 1995 season when the Birds beat the heavily-favored division rival (back then) 49ers on a last-minute field goal to secure a wild card berth. Final score 28-27 to end San Francisco’s six game win streak.
I’ve been a fan ever since, even when we moved again to Connecticut a couple of years later. I maintain that the Bobby Hebert game in 1995 is the third best Falcons game of all time behind Michael Vick in Green Bay and the epic 1998 win at Minnesota. Matt Ryan’s last-minute win over Chicago this past season is 4, and that tie in Pittsburgh in 2002 is 5.
Salt Lake City, Utah
It was the first game against the Niners in 1989. My Father had just changed jobs and we had moved to a small rural town so my Father could teach at a boarding school. One of his other jobs was to run the student center. Up to this point I had not been interested in football, just spending time with my Dad. But for some reason that Sunday, while my Father was cheering at the drubbing the Niners were giving the Falcons, I decided that no longer would I cheer for the Niners but the Falcons were my new team. I was nine years old and have never looked back.
Woodstock, GA
Well this is my first post here, although I’ve been reading the blog for sometime now. Let me say that you guys do a great job here, I love reading all the new stuff as well as the comments. And now, my story: I’m probably much younger than everyone else here so I didn’t get to see Steve Bartkowksi, Jessie Tuggle, or Tommy Nobis play. I did, however, get to see the great Michael Vick play and now my favorite QB Matt Ryan play. In fact, my earliest memory of the Falcons was way back in 1998 and sitting in my living room, praying Anderson could make the field goal, then going crazy when he did. But like I said, I’m a young guy, and although I’ve been a lifelong Falcon’s fan (I’ve lived in Metro Atlanta all my life), my interests didn’t peak until we drafted Vick. I was a huge Vick supporter, although I knew there was no way we’d have a shot at the Super Bowl with him, he just wasn’t a prototype QB, I just had tons of fun watching him play. I’ll never forget the Minnesota game when he opened up OT with a long touchdown run. Man, he was exciting to watch. Then last year, after the whole Vick drama and after seeing my beloved Falcons achieve a disastrous season, I saw them draft Matt Ryan. Now I gotta admit, I had seen this guy play in a few games at BC and I never really thought he had any potential. I told anyone who would listen that he was a bad pick. Boy was I dead wrong, and you know what? I’m glad I was. One things for sure as Falcons fans, we’re in for an exciting next few years.
wow, welcome to the site
I’m a Woodstock, GA native myself. I was actually born in Peachtree Hospital and spend my younger years (before I can remember) in Cobb County, GA, but spent my elementary-middleschool-highschool in Woodstock/Acworth area (Etowah HS). You’d be surprised how many young guys are on here, most of us younger guys just make sure to study up on our history so I can see where it makes a lot of us sound older than we are. I also became a Falcons fan on the Vick bandwagon – the guy was phenomenal to watch and I didn’t know enough about football to know we didn’t have a future with the guy. It really wasn’t until we got Matt Ryan that I really started to develop a passion for watching, studying and predicting football – honestly it wasn’t because of Matt Ryan either, but rather something to do while I was deployed to Iraq. Now I can’t stop learning all I can about the nit and grit of football.
I am currently in the Army and live in Ft. Stewart, GA.
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
That's funny, MIA...
I always got the sense you had been a Falcons fan for a long time…you really have studied up!
I take that as a compliment
thank you.
For the record, yeah, I’m only 21. I love math… I think it really is the numbers that suck me into this game so much.
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jun 22, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Youngster...
It was meant as a compliment, and you are welcome.
I like when people run into each other. Really hard. And stuff.
Just kidding (sorta). I’ve grown to appreciate the character of the athletes quite a bit. I love their stories and their personalities, especially when it’s matched by their on-the-field skill.
it's hard not to let character suck you in
when you are a fan of this team (referring to our most recent improvements) – I think it would be hard to indulge in player personalities if you had a group that included players like Chad Johnson (Ochocinco) or TO… even Tony Romo gets on my nerves (not just ’cause I hate the Cowboys).
I really hope C4 can make some nasty licks like Law Dawg could. Remember that hit he made on LJ Smith last season? man that was pretty.
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jun 22, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I've always valued sportsmanship...
over winning. While it’s nice to win, I wouldn’t want to do it with a bunch of unlikeable guys.
Yeah, Milloy could lay it on pretty good, eh? I’d say that Lofton is our biggest hitter these days…I think I only saw him lose ground after one hit all season (vs. Pierre Thomas of the Saints). He was pissed, too. On every other occasion, he was a brick wall. Let’s hope C4 can bring the pain too.
Hey, Tloz, Nikolas gave me an idea
assuming people are willing to admit their age around here, I think it would be cool to find out the average age of our fanbase (at least on the site) – kinda like a whereis thing, but much simpler, I mean this would just be number crunching.
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
Ardmore, Al
Orig LaGrange, Then 45 yrs in ATL. Been retired here couple yrs now. I have been a fan and critic since 1966. Still remember a meet and greet with Tommy Nobis and Randy Johnson at Piedmont park. My how the years go by. Go Falcons
welcome to the Falcoholic
I am very fond of the input of long-faithful veteran fans such as yourself. It goes without saying, after all this team has put you through over the years, you probably have a much different perspective than those of us that got sucked in around our lone SB apperance or the Vick era.
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
Hope makes you an addict
Every year at draft time and now before training camp you’re always looking for that ray of light at the end of the tunnel. Will these new pieces of the puzzle be the catalyst that takes us all the way? As usual (lol) stay tuned. But all in all I love the ride and my Birds.
Horse Cave, KY USA
As I’ve said many times here, I’ve been a fan since 1970, when I was 10 years old. When I was younger than that, and started watching football on TV, I liked Johnny Unitas and the Colts- but at some point in ‘70, and I don’t remember exactly what game it was, i saw the Falcons on TV, and enjoyed the game- then saw some pics in a football magazine, perhaps a Punt, Pass and Kick guide, and got bit by the bug really hard. I liked the helmets, the logo, the colors; admired the way Tommy Nobis made hits and tackled. I was hooked.
Oh, and I’m 49, for the record.
Camarillo, CA
It started with “Prime Time”. Lured in by the flashiness, dual pro sport Athlete, also fond of Bo ( but i’m Anti-Raiders). Stationed at Ft. Benning, GA from 97’ -01’ & the Dirty Bird year of 98’ sealed the deal, actually Mike Vick had ALOT of influence as well (best of luck). No turning back now. My 1st Falcons game was last year @ San Diego, Great game, thought we knocked em out of the playoffs… Gotta get to the G-dome!!!
Lorton,VA
Born in Savannah,GA. Raised across the river in Bluffton,SC. I followed them when I was younger (age 11) from 92 till 99 until Jamal Anderson left the team. Which I’ll never forgive him for. Stayed away for about 3 yrs until some guys I knew from school that had moved to Charlotte moved back to Bluffton and were real big Panthers fans. So naturally I had to show support for my team just for rivalry’s sake. So we wentt to the Atl-Car games each yr in both cities (4 hr drive each way) until I moved to VA last yr.
If I had a nickel for everytime someone told me I should shutup, I'd probably have 5 or 6 bucks.
Where's Lorton?
I’m a VA native myself – orig from near Chartlottesville (Schuyler).
Northern VA
I’m from Great Falls VA. And yes, the only thing I know about Lorton VA is that there is a prison there. Myself? I am a ripe 38 years old. I am at the point where I actually like getting carded for beer/smokes. I usually get the same reaction from the clerks “Wait, are you really this old?”. I look much younger thanks to my dads side of the family (Chilean). I even once visited my daughter for lunch (she was 8 a the time) and one of the lunch ladies said “It’s just so sweet that you visit your little sister so often”. Granted she was like 75 years old, but at my age I take any compliment I can.
In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.
28 yrs old
If I had a nickel for everytime someone told me I should shutup, I'd probably have 5 or 6 bucks.
What, no story?
Crazy bloke probably just flipped a 5-pence…haha!
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
Currently: Jacksonville, FL
Born in Fulton County, raised in Griffin, GA just south of the Speedway. I was born a Falcon fan. Every single Sunday was dinner at the grandparents and there were only two things ever on TV, Awesome-Bill from Dawsonville (NASCAR) and the Falcons. I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember, well, just because that’s the way it was/is. Nothing will ever change that and I hope to pass it along to my three sons (and hopefully some daughters in the future if fate is willing, haha).
Jesse-28 (my number in highschool as well as my age today)
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
Most of you know where I'm from
But for all the new folks—who I’m extremely glad to have, by the way—I was born in Massachusetts, moved up to Maine when I was a wee lad and now live in New Hampshire. It’s never been easy being a diehard Falcons fan living in New England, but it’s made me work that much harder to keep up with the team, which I have done since I was about five years old.
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And I'm 24
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by Dave Choate on Jun 22, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Dave,
Since I joined, I’ve seen you mention that you were in the NE, but I assumed you moved up there after growing up in the south… How in the world did you start following the Falcons if you’ve been up there all your life??!
It's a cool story.
I’d retell it but it’d rob Dave of the satisfaction ;)
You have opinions. Share them.
by Adam Schultz on Jun 22, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Here you go
This is the first time I talked about it:
It’s a story of much woe.
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Cool
It’s still insane to me that somebody that’s never lived in GA would choose to be a Falcon fan…
You think it's insane to you?
Try being my friends and family. I’ve almost gotten in fistfights with people who have told me to just switch to being a Patriots fan like it’s something you can turn on and off. I’ve changed a lot in my lifetime, and I firmly believe that you have to re-examine your deeply held beliefs every year or so, but I wouldn’t abandon the Falcons if you threatened to do the Dirty Bird on my grave.
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New Hampshire? Maine?
Aren’t those Canadian provinces?
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
Back off, you hockey hose!
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Haha
It’s ok, some of us are born imperfect, the rest of us are southern!
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
Wow
im an old fart… I was born and raised in Marietta GA. Born in Kenestone hospital. Starting playing football at 9 and when I was 10 (1970) Harmon Wages came to our practice and gave a pep talk. That got me watching the games. I was hooked immediatley. I will die a Falcoholic no matter what our future is. I think we are headed in the right direction now though and I look forward to some really good seasons ahead. Go Falcons!
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jun 22, 2009 11:14 AM EDT reply actions
You old fart!
Oh, wait, we’re the same age. Anyway, how cool is that, to have Harmon Wages come to your practice?!
by johnnybacardi on Jun 22, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Looking back
yes it was, at the time I had no clue who he or the falcons were. I was just playin football. it all got a little more serious to me after I started watching the games.
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jun 22, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Greenville, SC
Joined the site in May ’08. Born and raised in Atlanta, GA before moving up here after graduating college. I was sold on the Birds during the ’98 season, and i remember flipping out watchin that field goal sail through the uprights.
I think the Falcoholic is the best Falcons blog out there. Dave (and now tloz) do a fantastic job. Keep up the good work you two. And go Falcons!
I’m 24.
"If you can’t get excited for Ryan throwing to Gonzalez, you’re either a robot or clinically dead. Or you’re a zombie robot, which is just plain awesome."
Dave the Falconer
by Pregame with Pabst on Jun 22, 2009 11:46 AM EDT reply actions
I'm 24, for those keeping count.
And yes, let’s start giving out our ages. Good idea(s) Nikolas and MentallyMIA
You have opinions. Share them.
London, England
to be honest, the Vick Madden cover. That didn’t turn out so great, but things are looking brighter…
oh, yeah, 21.
41 old years
I started watching back in 80 with my grand dad. Bartkowski and the gang went 12-4 that year and I thought they’d be winning every year after that (funny how kids dreams aren’t based in reality). I still watch every game with the same enthusiasm as always. Thank god we finally have a quarterback that can hit the receivers between the numbers. I’m pumped for the season to start! GO FALCONS!
Columbus, Oh
When I was about 6, around 1981, all I wanted for Christmas was a football helmet. At the time I didnt have a favorite football team. Being in Ohio you would think that my parents would have gotten a Browns or a Bengals helmet, but as fate would have it my Mom went to some discount store and got a steal on a red Atlanta Falcons helmet. From then on I was a Falcons fan. I still have that helmet in my man cave to this day.
A little embarassing, possibly
I grew up in Central Florida, and was a HUGE Bucs fan.
Really.
Mike Alstott and John Lynch were my heroes, and I emulated both of them playing football with my friends.
I moved to South Georgia (Valdosta, GA) in 2000 at age 15, and continued watching the Bucs (easy to do here, as half the time I get their games and not the Falcons).
Then came Michael Vick.
He was electric, and I couldn’t get enough. I started watching the Falcons more and more, and began to feel…..an attraction. Could I, a Bucs fan, really fall for a hated rival? Was the amazing running ability of one man enough to make me abandon my allegiance to Tony Dungy’s Buccaneers?
Well, I’m here, aren’t I?
I became a huge fan of the Atlanta Falcons, and ended up liking them more than I did Vick. I traded my Vick jersey in for a Jessie Tuggle one (always my favorite player growing up, and he played at my University!), and at 24, I’m dedicated to this team for life.
It's so crazy for me to hear stories like this
No judging here, as you’re a Falcons fan now and that’s what counts. I’ve just never been able to wrap my head around how it happens.
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Hey, me either.
I think part of it was the fact that I was a kid.
That, and I thought Jon Gruden was an a-hole.
Either way, I couldn’t fathom doing it now.
Bainbridge Island, WA
Born in Washington, raised in Georgia. But in this economy, a fresh start was needed so back to Washington it was. My first Falcons game(and first football game period) was at Jacksonville municipal against the 49ers back when they were trying to see if football would work there and I have been hooked ever since.
Welcome to the site!
It’s always interesting to see where folks are hailing from now.
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They were fooled!
It doesn’t. Sure, people go to the games, but it’s like an ACC football championship game every Sunday in Jacksonville.
2007 in J-Ville:
2008 in Tampa:
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eH8cOkejkeWC/610×.jpg
That’s what it is like going to a Jags game!
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
Notre Dame, IN
Born and raised.
I lived in atlanta until I was 13. My parents live in phoenix, so I’ve been able to go to Falcons-Cardinals games the past two years. Both have been heart breakers…
Its true. I'm a Falcoholic! I just can't live without Falcohol!
by phoenix falcoholic on Jun 22, 2009 9:46 PM EDT reply actions
confusing, much
sorry, i was born and raised in atlanta. I’m also 20.
Its true. I'm a Falcoholic! I just can't live without Falcohol!
by phoenix falcoholic on Jun 23, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Atlanta Ga
38 years old. Born in Atlanta, earliest memories are from living on Northside Dr and MLK. Been a fan since I was old enough to understand what was going on…around 1978. Saw all the hopes and disappointments, watching Bart, Lynn Cain, Van Note, the Alfreds (Jackson and Jenkins), White Shoes, and of course, my hero, William Andrews (still have his autograph, sitting besides Dominique’s)!
Spent about 15 years out of the state as an adult, and have tried to follow wherever I was (kinda hard to do so from Greece, but I managed…) Back now and still hoping…maybe this year we’ll actually get that back-to-back winning season! We’re due!
Well, as long as we “Whoop Dat Saint” (e.g. defeat New Orleans, for the non-initiated), I’ll be happy!
Welcome to the site!
I’ve gotta say, it’s impressive you kept up with them in Greece. Can’t imagine they have much of a following over there.
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by Dave Choate on Jun 23, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm amazed at how many people...
became fans because of Michael Vick. While I never really thought he was going to answer our prayers, it is undeniable that he was a huge attraction for people from all over the world. Good luck to him turning his life around and rebounding from his mistakes of the past.
Falcon from the beggining!
I am a native Georgian. Born in 1959. I was 7 years old when the falcons were born. My earliest rememberence of the falcons was watching a rather small bulldog of a man terrorize opposing quarterbacks with incredible tenacity. That bulldog was Tommy Nobis. I have NEVER lost faith in my team, and I never will! The Falcons have never ceased to amaze and entertain me. I bleed red and black. My reward for standing by my team for all these years is coming very soon. I feel extremely honored that I will see the Falcons win the Superbowl! GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice!
My feelings exactly.
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jun 24, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
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