NFL team mocked for logo redesign’s resemblance to Nazi Germany
The Atlanta Falcons NFL team has been widely mocked online after a retro logo and uniform they released for this upcoming week’s game drew comparisons to Nazi iconography.
The photo uploaded to X on Thursday morning, featuring a black falcon on a red, gold, black and cream striped background, has garnered nearly 40 million views.
The Atlanta Falcons’ uploaded throwback logo ... and some of the immediate reaction on Instagram. Atlanta Falcons
Hoping to pay tribute to the franchise's 1960s and 1970s heritage, the design will be worn by the team for their clash with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday.
The colours are supposed to invoke the city’s history, and ties to the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech football programs.
Unfortunately, almost immediately upon being revealed to the world, its apparent design similarities to the Nazi imperial eagle quickly spread across the internet.
The Falcons have not deleted the post, nor sought to clarify the coincidental likeness. They will likely return to their regular uniform and logo next week.
While the uniforms and helmets in full do not invoke Nazi themes, the flag-shaped logo posted, without context to social media, certainly had people pointing out the similar themes.
Nine.com.au is not suggesting the Falcons’ re-design has intentionally copied Nazi themes.
Social media has had its fun with the design, referring to the Falcons as the "Bird Reich". Photoshopped images of coach Kevin Stefanski with Adolf Hitler's moustache have also spread quickly.
One post questioned how the design got through the entire organisation without being flagged.
The throwback logo and uniforms have been worn by the Falcons before, including in 2024, 2022 and 2009, among other years.
Atlanta has started the NFL season with a 2-4 record, though quarterback Michael Penix has missed time through injury.
Here’s some of the best feedback to their throwback logo.
