Who Is the Quarterback for Atlanta’s NFL Team?
If you’re in Atlanta and wondering “Who is the quarterback for Atlanta?”, you’re almost always talking about the Atlanta Falcons, the city’s NFL franchise that plays at Mercedes-Benz Stadium downtown.
Because NFL rosters change, it’s helpful to understand who the current quarterback is and how the position works in Atlanta, rather than just memorizing a single name that could be out of date.
Below is a clear guide to how the quarterback position works for Atlanta, what locals mean when they say “Atlanta’s quarterback,” and how you can stay updated.
What People Usually Mean by “The Quarterback for Atlanta”
In Atlanta, when someone asks about “the quarterback for Atlanta”, they almost always mean:
- The starting quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL – professional football)
- Occasionally, the most talked-about quarterback associated with the city (for example, a star college QB at Georgia Tech or a high-profile former Falcons quarterback)
However, in sports media, local talk radio, and fan conversations, “Atlanta’s quarterback” is basically shorthand for:
If you live here, you’ll hear that a lot on game weeks, especially around Downtown, the Gulch area, and sports bars in Midtown, Buckhead, and the Battery.
Understanding Atlanta’s Quarterback Situation
Because names change, it helps to know how the position is structured rather than focusing on one player.
H2: The Falcons’ Quarterback Depth Chart
NFL teams, including the Falcons, typically keep:
- 1 starting quarterback – the main player expected to lead the offense
- 1 backup quarterback – steps in if the starter is injured or benched
- 1 additional depth or practice squad QB – developmental or emergency option
This group of players is called the quarterback depth chart. On any given week, the “quarterback for Atlanta” may technically refer to several people, but fans usually focus on who starts on Sunday.
Common reasons the starter may change
- Injury during practice or a game
- Coaching decision to “shake up” the offense
- Resting players near the end of the season
- Performance issues or strategic game planning
Because of this, if you’re visiting Atlanta and going to a game, the quarterback in Week 3 might not be the same as the one in Week 10.
Quick Reference: How to Find Atlanta’s Current Quarterback
Here’s a simple guide to keep things straight without memorizing changing rosters:
| If you are… | What you probably want to know | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Living in Atlanta and following the team casually | Who is starting at QB this season | Check the Falcons’ official roster or local sports coverage |
| Visiting Atlanta for a game | Who will start at QB for the game you’re attending | Look up the Falcons depth chart a day or two before the game |
| Talking sports with locals | Who Atlanta fans are focused on at QB | Listen to local sports radio or TV sports segments |
| New to football | What “quarterback for Atlanta” even means | Understand it as the player who leads the Falcons’ offense on the field |
Where the Atlanta Quarterback Plays: Local Stadium Context
The quarterback for Atlanta’s NFL team plays home games at:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Key points for locals and visitors:
- Located near Downtown Atlanta, close to State Farm Arena and the CNN Center area
- Accessible via MARTA (typically the GWCC/CNN Center Station is used for events)
- The stadium’s design gives you a good view of the quarterback and offense from most seating sections, including upper levels
If you’re planning to watch the quarterback in person:
- 🏈 Arrive early to see pre-game warmups, where quarterbacks throw on the field
- 🏈 Look for the offensive huddle – the quarterback stands behind the center and calls the play
- 🏈 If you’re on the Falcons’ side of the stadium, you’ll get a better look when the offense is on your side of the field
How Atlanta Fans Talk About Their Quarterback
In Atlanta, the quarterback is often at the center of football conversations. You’ll hear discussions about:
- Leadership – Does the quarterback read defenses well and control the huddle?
- Arm strength and accuracy – Can he push the ball downfield or hit tight windows?
- Mobility – Can he escape pressure and extend plays?
- Fit with the coach’s system – Does his style match what the Falcons’ coaching staff wants to run?
Local sports bars in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, the Old Fourth Ward, and near the Battery often have spirited discussions about whether Atlanta has found its “quarterback of the future.”
Where to Check the Current Falcons Quarterback in Atlanta
Since names can change from season to season, here are practical ways to confirm who the quarterback is right now if you’re in or around Atlanta:
1. Official Team Sources
Look for:
- Atlanta Falcons official roster
- Weekly depth chart before each game
- Press conferences where coaches name the starter
These are typically updated regularly during the NFL season.
2. Local Sports Media in Atlanta
If you live here or you’re in town, Atlanta-based outlets regularly mention the current quarterback:
- Local TV news sports segments (often in the evening news hour)
- Sports talk radio stations covering the Falcons daily
- Newspapers and online sports sections that follow the team closely
These sources usually discuss how the quarterback is performing, whether changes are coming, and how fans are reacting.
3. Game Day Announcements and Scoreboards
If you’re at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
- Watch the pre-game introduction videos – they almost always highlight the starting quarterback
- Listen for the public address announcer who will mention the quarterback on key plays
- The in-stadium scoreboard often displays quarterback stats like passing yards and touchdowns
Other Quarterbacks People in Atlanta Might Mean
While “quarterback for Atlanta” almost always refers to the Falcons, there are a few other possibilities someone could be talking about in local conversation:
H3: College Quarterbacks in the Atlanta Area
Some fans in Atlanta also follow:
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (NCAA – based in Midtown Atlanta)
- Nearby college programs with strong followings, such as the University of Georgia (Athens), even though it’s outside the city
In these cases, people might say:
- “Georgia Tech’s quarterback”
- “UGA’s quarterback”
But they usually specify the school. If they just say “Atlanta’s quarterback”, they’re almost always talking about the Falcons.
H3: Former Atlanta Falcons Quarterbacks
Locally, people may also bring up well-known former Falcons quarterbacks in conversation when comparing the current player to previous eras. This can come up in:
- Barbershops
- Sports bars
- Office chat on Mondays during the NFL season
That sort of talk is usually about legacy and expectations, not who is currently under center.
How to Talk About the Quarterback Like a Local
If you’re new to Atlanta or visiting and want to sound informed:
- Use phrases like:
- “How do you feel about the Falcons’ quarterback this year?”
- “Do you think the QB fits what the coach is trying to do?”
- Recognize that fans may have strong opinions, especially after close games
- Understand that the quarterback often gets both the credit and the blame, even though football is a team sport
For Atlanta residents, knowing who the quarterback is and how they’re playing is part of everyday sports culture, especially during football season.
In summary, when someone in Atlanta asks “Who is the quarterback for Atlanta?”, they are almost always referring to the current starting quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, who plays home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta. Because that player can change, the most reliable approach is to check the Falcons’ latest roster or depth chart or follow local Atlanta sports coverage to know exactly who is leading the team right now.
