The Atlanta Falcons have elevated the fan experience to a new level by unveiling a re-imagined space for their esteemed Ring of Honor at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This newly dedicated area, revealed at a special private event, celebrates the enduring legacy of Falcons legends, recognizing their on-field achievements and profound impact on both the National Football League and the vibrant Atlanta community. The “Mercedes Ring,” as it’s becoming affectionately known due to its prominent location within the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, offers fans an immersive journey through the team’s rich history.
Nestled within the Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s 100-yard club on the 300 level, this redesigned Ring of Honor provides Falcons fans with an engaging and educational walkthrough of team history. The 100-yard club, an exclusive space within Mercedes-Benz Stadium solely dedicated to the Atlanta Falcons, now proudly showcases the legacies of honored players. This enhancement complements the tunnel-walk outside the Falcons locker room, previously updated to reflect the team’s modern brand identity launched in 2020. The strategic placement within the “mercedes ring” location ensures these legends are celebrated in a space befitting their contributions.
The unveiling event was graced by the presence of prominent figures including Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank, team President Rich McKay, General Manager Terry Fontenot, Head Coach Arthur Smith, and CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment Steve Cannon. Adding to the prestige of the occasion, numerous Ring of Honor inductees attended, including Georgia native and four-time Pro Bowler William Andrews, five-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year Mike Kenn, and three-time Pro Bowler and Falcons all-time leading rusher Gerald Riggs. Five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro Jessie “The Hammer” Tuggle, four-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro Roddy White, and six-time Pro Bowler Jeff Van Note were also present, alongside Steve Bartkowski, the 1975 No. 1 overall draft pick and Rookie of the Year. Family members of the late six-time Pro Bowler and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Claude Humphrey, and of the esteemed five-time Pro Bowler and “Mr. Falcon” Tommy Nobis, further honored the event with their presence. Other notable Ring of Honor inductees include Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recipient Warrick Dunn and the electrifying eight-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro Deion “Prime Time” Sanders.
Rich McKay emphasized the fan-centric approach behind this initiative, stating, “This new location for our Ring of Honor is yet another investment in our fan experience. Fan feedback is part of the criteria to determine who is inducted into the Ring of Honor, and this is a way for those fans to have their inductees among them and learn more of the Falcons’ heritage.” The “mercedes ring” concept directly addresses fan desires to connect with the team’s history and celebrated players within the modern stadium environment.
Established in 2004, the Falcons Ring of Honor was created to formally recognize individuals who have significantly shaped the team’s history and resonated with fans. In this updated “mercedes ring” location, each honoree’s column provides a comprehensive career overview, including key statistics, community engagement, impactful activism, and post-football career endeavors. This detailed presentation ensures that fans gain a deeper understanding of each player’s multifaceted contributions to the Falcons legacy and the wider community.
The Atlanta Falcons, a distinguished member of the National Football League (NFL), continue to prioritize fan engagement and honor their storied past. Located in Flowery Branch, Georgia, the team’s headquarters and practice facility underscore their commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Since joining the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1965 and under the ownership of Arthur Blank since 2002, the Falcons have solidified their position as a premier NFL organization. The reimagined Ring of Honor at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the “mercedes ring,” stands as a testament to this ongoing commitment to fans and the celebration of Falcons greatness.
