September 10, 2021 – ATLANTA, GA – The Atlanta Falcons have unveiled a spectacular new home for their esteemed Ring of Honor, marking a significant enhancement to the fan experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This reimagined space, revealed at an exclusive event last night, is dedicated to celebrating the Falcons legends, both past and future, whose remarkable on-field achievements and community contributions have shaped the team’s legacy and resonated throughout the National Football League and the Atlanta community.
Located within the vibrant 100-yard club on the 300 level of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this dedicated area invites Falcons fans to immerse themselves in the team’s rich history. The “Ring Mercedes” experience allows visitors to engage with the stories of each honoree, gaining a deeper understanding of their lasting impact and the heritage of the Atlanta Falcons. The 100-yard club, along with the tunnel-walk leading from the Falcons locker room (updated in 2020 with the team’s refreshed brand identity), stands as a space within Mercedes-Benz Stadium uniquely devoted to celebrating the Atlanta Falcons.
The unveiling event was attended by prominent figures including Falcons 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. A host of Ring of Honor inductees graced the occasion, including Georgia’s own 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 the Falcons’ all-time leading rusher Gerald Riggs. Also present were 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. Steve Bartkowski, the No. 1 overall draft pick and Rookie of the Year in 1975, joined the celebration, alongside family members representing the legacies of six-time Pro Bowler and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Claude Humphrey, and the revered five-time Pro Bowler and “Mr. Falcon” Tommy Nobis.
Other distinguished members of the Falcons Ring of Honor, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recipient Warrick Dunn and electrifying eight-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, are also celebrated in this new space.
“This new location for our Ring of Honor within Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a further investment in elevating our fan experience,” stated Rich McKay, President of the Atlanta Falcons. “Fan input is integral to the selection process for Ring of Honor inductees, and this reimagined space ensures that these celebrated figures are accessible to our fans, allowing them to delve deeper into the Falcons’ storied heritage. It truly enhances the ‘ring mercedes’ experience by connecting fans with the legends who built this team.”
Established in 2004, the Falcons Ring of Honor recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the team and captivated fans throughout Falcons history. In this new, enhanced location, each dedicated column for a player provides a comprehensive career overview, key statistics, details of their community impact and activism, and highlights of their post-football careers. This detailed presentation ensures that visitors gain a holistic understanding of each inductee’s significance to the Atlanta Falcons and the wider community, making the “ring mercedes” tribute a truly enriching experience.
Click here for video and photos of the new Ring of Honor location and event.
About the Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a premier professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL). Based in Flowery Branch, Georgia, where their headquarters and training facility are situated on a 50-acre campus, the Falcons have a proud history. Established as an NFL expansion franchise in 1965, the team was acquired in 2002 by current owner Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot. Under Mr. Blank’s ownership, the Falcons have flourished into one of the NFL’s leading organizations, both on the field and in the community. For more information, please visit www.atlantafalcons.com.
