Well, I’m sure you’ve heard of the NFL franchise, the Atlanta Falcons. But have you ever heard of the Atlanta Yellow Jackets? Sure, you’ve heard of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, but this is an entirely different team. Well, let me tell ya, the Atlanta Yellow Jackets were an NFL team back in the day.
Yep, believe it or not, the Yellow Jackets were an original member of the NFL way back in 1932 when the league was first established. They were put together by a group of potential owners from the Atlanta area at the time. It was mainly comprised of former college players. In the inaugural season, the Yellow Jackets won an impressive 7 games, finished tied for first in the division, and made it all the way the championship game.
Unfortunately for the team, they couldn’t keep up their winning ways. Just one year later, they only won 2 games and had to disassociate with the NFL. It’s a real shame too, as the team had lots of potential and some pretty impressive talent, including halfback Benny Friedman, who went on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
It was definitely a sad day for the Atlanta Yellow Jackets fans, but it wasn’t the end for the franchise. After the team disbanded in 1933, the NFL granted them an expansion franchise in 1965. This version of the Yellow Jackets lasted just one season, going 3 – 11, before they were sold to the Miami Dolphins and relocated.
All in all, the Atlanta Yellow Jackets were an impressive team in the NFL. They may not have made a big impact in the league, but their short time in the spotlight was a great run and a great display of football. They’re remembered fondly by many fans, even to this day.
Now, I know what ya’re thinking. What about the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets? Well, while it’s true that they do have the same name, they’re not actually related. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are an NCAA team, and they’re named after a technician who was working on the team’s uniforms one year. He couldn’t stop talking about how he was a ‘Yellow Jacket’, and thus the name was born. Never the less, it’s cool, because it’s a strong connection to the original franchise.
So, there you have it. The Atlanta Yellow Jackets may be a thing of the past, but they’re still remembered fondly by many football fans. Perhaps one day they’ll make a triumphant return to the NFL—you never know!