Atlanta Falcons Quarterback History: From Bartkowski to the Rise of Ridder

When you live in Atlanta, the story of the city isn’t just told through Peachtree Street or the BeltLine—it runs right through the huddle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And nothing shapes that story more than the player lining up at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.

If you’re trying to understand Atlanta Falcons QB history—whether you’re a longtime fan from College Park, a new arrival in Midtown, or a visitor catching a game downtown—this guide walks you through the key eras, star names, and what they mean to football in Atlanta.

How Falcons Quarterbacks Helped Shape Atlanta’s Football Identity

The Falcons were born in 1966, just as Atlanta was growing into a major Southern city. Over the decades, the team’s quarterbacks have often reflected where the city was at that moment:

• Early years: growing pains and looking for stability
• 1980s–1990s: flashes of excitement and the first true franchise stars
• 2000s–2010s: national spotlight, MVP play, and a trip to the Super Bowl
• Today: a fanbase ready for the next long-term leader under center

If you’ve ever watched a game in downtown Atlanta or at a sports bar in Buckhead or East Atlanta Village, you’ve probably heard at least a few of these names debated.

Early Falcons Quarterbacks (1960s–1970s): Finding a Foundation

In the early days at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, the Falcons cycled through quarterbacks while trying to build an identity.

Randy Johnson, Bob Berry, and the First Attempts

The Falcons’ first years featured several quarterbacks sharing time:

• Randy Johnson – the starter for the inaugural 1966 season
• Bob Berry – brought some stability in the late 1960s
• Others like David Archer came later as part of rotating casts

For fans today, these names come up less often, but they laid groundwork in an expansion era where winning seasons were rare and consistency under center was hard to find.

Steve Bartkowski: Atlanta’s First Franchise Quarterback

The first true franchise QB in Atlanta was Steve Bartkowski, drafted first overall in 1975.

Why Bartkowski matters in Atlanta history:

• He gave the team its first long stretch of continuity at quarterback.
• Led the Falcons to some of their first playoff appearances.
• Became a recognizable sports figure in Atlanta long before national eyes turned regularly to the city.

If you visit Falcons displays or team history features at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313), Bartkowski is one of the earliest names you’ll see highlighted as a cornerstone of the franchise.

The 1980s–1990s: Excitement, Change, and the Rise of “Vick-era” Expectations

After Bartkowski, the Falcons went through various quarterbacks while also building a new personality that matched the city’s growing energy.

Chris Miller and the Late ’80s

In the late 1980s, Chris Miller became the primary starter. He showed promise and helped the Falcons be more competitive, but injuries and inconsistency kept the team from building a sustained run.

Jeff George and the Mid-90s

In the 1990s, Jeff George brought a strong arm and big-play ability. For fans in Atlanta during the Georgia Dome years, George represented a talented but sometimes volatile chapter—huge throws, but not the long-term stability fans wanted.

Chris Chandler and the 1998 Super Bowl Run

For many Atlantans who followed the Falcons in the ’90s, Chris Chandler is remembered as the quarterback of the 1998 “Dirty Bird” team that reached the Super Bowl.

Key points about Chandler’s time:

• Led the Falcons to their first Super Bowl appearance after the 1998 season.
• Played in a high-energy offense that fit the city’s confident, rising identity.
• Cemented the idea for Falcons fans that Atlanta could realistically compete for championships.

If you tour Falcons memorabilia rooms or visit local sports bars near the stadium like those in Castleberry Hill, you’ll often see 1998 highlights featuring Chandler and that playoff run.

Michael Vick Era (Early 2000s): Star Power and National Spotlight

Ask many Atlantans which quarterback they instantly associate with the Falcons, and Michael Vick is near the top of the list.

Why Vick Was Transformational in Atlanta

Drafted first overall in 2001, Vick changed how a lot of people saw both the team and the city:

• Electrifying play style – elite speed and athleticism from the QB position.
• Turned games at the Georgia Dome into must-watch events.
• Brought massive national attention to Atlanta’s franchise.

For fans in neighborhoods from Decatur to Sandy Springs, Vick’s highlights were often a weekly talking point—especially during the mid-2000s when his rushing ability made the Falcons one of the league’s most unique offenses.

The End of the Vick Era

Off-field legal issues ended Vick’s time in Atlanta abruptly and painfully for many fans. For locals, it was more than a roster change; it was a major emotional shift, because Vick symbolized a bold, exciting era that felt tailored to Atlanta’s energy and culture.

Matt Ryan Era (2008–2021): Stability, Records, and an MVP in Atlanta

After Vick, the Falcons needed a steady presence. They found it with Matt Ryan, drafted third overall in 2008.

Why Matt Ryan Is Central to Falcons QB History

Matt Ryan, often called “Matty Ice”, gave Atlanta something it had rarely had before: long-term, high-level consistency at quarterback.

Highlights of Ryan’s time in Atlanta:

• Rookie splash (2008): Immediate starter, led the Falcons back to the playoffs after the uncertainty of the post-Vick years.
• Franchise passing leader: Over his tenure, he set many of the team’s major passing records.
• 2016 MVP season: Guided one of the most explosive offenses in the league and earned the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award.
• Super Bowl LI appearance: Led the Falcons to the Super Bowl after the 2016 season.

If you go to a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium today, you’ll still see plenty of Ryan jerseys in the stands from longtime fans in areas like Marietta, Alpharetta, and across the metro region.

The 2016 Super Bowl and Its Lasting Impact

Super Bowl LI is a major chapter in Atlanta sports history. While the outcome is often painful for locals to revisit, it’s impossible to talk about Falcons quarterbacks without noting:

• Ryan played at an elite level that season.
• The Falcons’ offense under his command became one of the most productive in the league.
• The run deepened the emotional bond between many Atlantans and their football team, reinforcing the idea that the city could reach the sport’s highest stage.

For many fans, that era still shapes expectations of what a Falcons quarterback should deliver.

Transition Years After Matt Ryan: Searching for the Next Leader

After more than a decade with Matt Ryan, the Falcons entered a transition period, and fans around Atlanta began asking what the next chapter at quarterback would look like.

Bridge Quarterbacks: Marcus Mariota and Others

As the team shifted its roster and salary structure, it turned to short-term options:

• Marcus Mariota started during a rebuilding phase, providing a mobile, veteran presence.
• Other backups and spot starters filled in as the team evaluated long-term plans.

These were years when many Atlanta fans were watching closely, wondering when the next franchise quarterback would emerge.

Desmond Ridder and the Current Era

Recently, Desmond Ridder has been at the center of the Falcons’ plans as they explore whether he can be the next steady presence under center.

What Ridder Represents for Atlanta Fans

For locals following training camps in Flowery Branch or games downtown:

• Ridder symbolizes a youth movement and a potential long-term answer.
• His development is a frequent topic on Atlanta sports radio and in neighborhood watch parties.
• Fans are watching to see if he can bring together a strong supporting cast into a consistent offense.

As the team continues to evolve, the quarterback position remains the focal point—just as it has been since the franchise’s earliest days.

Quick Reference: Key Falcons Quarterbacks by Era

Below is a simplified look at some of the most significant Falcons QBs and the eras most Atlanta fans associate them with:

This isn’t a complete list of every starter, but it reflects the names most often discussed by Falcons fans across the Atlanta metro area.

How to Experience Falcons QB History in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and want to connect more directly with the team’s quarterback legacy, there are a few practical ways to do it.

1. Visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Things you can look for:

• Team history displays that highlight major eras and star players like Bartkowski, Vick, and Ryan.
• Museum-style exhibits available on some stadium tours, often featuring memorabilia, photos, and milestone moments.
• Game-day experiences where you can see how today’s quarterback is embraced (or critiqued) by the home crowd.

Tip: Stadium tours typically run on non-game days and can give you a behind-the-scenes look at the locker room areas, field, and display spaces that honor past Falcons teams.

2. Explore Team Coverage and Discussions Around Atlanta

To follow current quarterback debates and historical comparisons, many Atlanta residents turn to:

• Local sports radio stations based in the city
• Pre-game shows and post-game call-in segments
• Community watch parties at sports bars near downtown, in Buckhead, or around the suburbs

These conversations often connect the current QB’s performance back to Vick, Ryan, or earlier eras, helping you understand how fans see the big picture of Falcons QB history.

What Falcons QB History Means for Fans in Atlanta Today

For someone in Atlanta, understanding Falcons quarterback history helps you:

• Put today’s games in context—are we in a rebuilding stage, a rise, or a peak?
• Understand why older fans compare every new QB to Bartkowski, Vick, or Ryan.
• Appreciate how closely the team’s identity has been tied to whoever lines up under center at the old Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, the Georgia Dome, or now Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

From the first days of Bartkowski, through the electricity of Vick, the steady excellence of Ryan, and the current search for the next long-term answer, the quarterback position has been at the heart of Atlanta’s football story. If you live here or are just visiting and catch a game, knowing that history makes every snap at Mercedes-Benz Stadium feel a little more meaningful.