Atlanta Falcons face backlash over social media logo resembling Nazi imagery

The Atlanta Falcons encountered criticism after updating their social media profile picture to one resembling Nazi imagery on Wednesday. The altered logo featured the team's old falcon symbol from the 1960s and 1970s, encircled by red, white, and black stripes. This change was made prior to the team's game against the San Francisco 49ers, during which they will wear uniforms with a throwback design.

The announcement of the new profile picture on X/Twitter sparked thousands of comments pointing out the resemblance to Nazi symbolism. Users manipulated the falcon symbol onto images of Nazi flags and armbands of marching Nazi soldiers. The official Encyclopedia Britannica X account addressed the post with a clip of comedian Norm Macdonald discussing Germany, stating: "I don't know if you guys are history buffs."

Additionally, the Stop Antisemitism account responded, asking, "Can we have a word..." Sports logo historian Chris Creamer told NBC that there was no malicious intent behind the profile picture and that he couldn't imagine the Falcons deliberately aligning themselves with Nazis. "It’s throwback weekend for the team, and the social media team just wanted to dress up like the players were going to, and it’s a very common thing that social media accounts do across all sports," he added.

A team representative stated that the Falcons do not possess a new logo but declined further comment. The profile picture was subsequently reverted to an image of an Atlanta Falcons helmet.