The Atlanta Falcons Are 49 Years Old Today

The Atlanta Falcons are nearly 50 years old, having just turned 49 today. It's sort of a trip to realize they've been around that long.

Happy 49th birthday to the @Atlanta_Falcons! #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/g31IEbT6lC

— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) June 30, 2014

@TheFalcoholic @FalconsJAdams @juliojones_11 @roddywhiteTV @M_Ryan02 @HDouglas83 pic.twitter.com/LUoZeB97cG

— Marcellus V Jones (@MarcellusVan) June 30, 2014

The history of the Falcons hasn't been all—or even mostly—sunshine and bubbles, but it's been a fun ride. Take a moment to acknowledge those fans who have been with this team since the very beginning, because that takes enormous dedication to the team.

Feel free to use this as your afternoon open thread, as well.