NEED TO KNOW
- The team posted a throwback-inspired profile image before replacing it with a helmet graphic
- Social media users compared the design’s red background and stripes to Nazi Germany imagery
- A logo historian said the Falcons likely had no ill intent during their throwback weekend promotion
The Atlanta Falcons are under fire after showcasing a profile picture that’s drawn comparisons to imagery of Nazi Germany.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the NFL team posted the image on X, a throwback to the Falcons’ 1966 design centered on a red background with white, black and gold stripes. “New PFP [profile picture],” the Falcons captioned the post.
The image drew mixed reactions on social media, with some comparing the graphic to the World War II German eagle logo. “Who thought this was a good idea?” asked one X user, while another called out, “This looks like the symbol for a flag in a dystopian cyberpunk Video game where the Nazis won WW2.”
New PFP 👀 pic.twitter.com/gBXWISJav4
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 21, 2026
Another said, “The amount of people who had to approve this is staggering and yet here we are.”
Others called for the team to apologize, with one user stating: “Please admin don’t be soft and delete this or issue an apology.”
Credit: Atlanta Falcons/X
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The controversial image was replaced. As of Friday, Oct. 23, a graphic of a red helmet currently occupies the profile picture slot.
The organization has not publicly addressed the backlash as of Friday.
Sports logo historian Chris Creamer told NBC News he believes the Falcons had “no ill intent” with the image and he “can’t imagine in a million years” that the team did it purposefully.
The team also announced that it is unveiling a new “throwback” uniform. Described as a “modern interpretation of this historic fifty-year-old design,” the Falcons’ black Nike jersey will boast “a bold white name and number font trimmed in red, and the original Falcon crest on both sleeves” and will be “paired with white pants and socks — both highlighted by a distinctive bold red and black stripe pattern,” according to the team’s official website.
The Falcons host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 25.
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