On Wednesday, the Atlanta Falcons shared a nostalgic look at their logo from the 1960s as part of a teaser for their throwback helmets, which they plan to wear during their Week 4 matchup. The team likely expected fans to celebrate the announcement, embracing the retro vibe and their classic design. However, things quickly took an unexpected turn on social media, with reactions spiraling out of control.
What was intended to be a fun tribute to their history turned into controversy, as fans and social media users began drawing uncomfortable comparisons between the vintage Falcons logo and imagery associated with Nazi Germany.
Instead of excitement over the throwback helmet, many comments were filled with jokes and harsh criticisms, suggesting the logo had an unsettling resemblance to something from World War II-era Germany.
The comparisons were so prevalent that it wasn’t long before social media was flooded with posts mocking the Falcons. Users pointed out the perceived similarities between the old logo and Nazi symbolism, whether they were serious or not.
One user wrote, “What in the 1940s Germany is this?” echoing the sentiments of others who found the logo strikingly similar to historical insignias. Another fan commented, “This looks like something from Germany in 1942,” further fueling the comparison.
The online roasting didn’t stop there. One person took it a step further, likening the Falcons’ design to dystopian fiction: “This looks like the symbol for a flag in a dystopian cyberpunk video game where the Nazis won WW2.” Another Twitter user went all-in with historical humor, writing, “December 16th, 1944, and the Falcons are moving through the forest of Ardennes looking to crush the allied forces,” referencing the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.
It’s important to note that the Falcons had no intention of sparking such controversy, and the uproar was largely fueled by social media’s tendency to react quickly and sometimes hyperbolically. Despite the backlash, the Falcons are set to wear their throwback red helmets this Sunday in an important NFC South showdown against the New Orleans Saints.
For the Falcons, the game holds significant weight as they look to bounce back from a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Saints are hoping to prove that their recent defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles was just a minor setback and not a sign of trouble ahead.
The Falcons-Saints rivalry is always a heated contest, and with both teams eager to get back on track, this Week 4 matchup is shaping up to be a pivotal game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on FOX, where fans can see whether the throwback helmets will be more of a distraction or a rallying point for the Falcons.
While the helmet controversy might have taken an unexpected turn online, the Falcons will be focused on what’s happening on the field. Social media may have its opinions, but when it comes to the game, it’s all about winning—and that’s the goal for both the Falcons and the Saints this Sunday.
