40 Facts About The NFC South

The NFC South: A Brief Overview

The NFC South, part of the National Football League (NFL), is home to four teams: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This division has seen its fair share of highs and lows, producing some of the league's most memorable moments and players.

Atlanta Falcons Facts

The Atlanta Falcons, established in 1965, have a rich history filled with remarkable achievements and notable players.

1. The Falcons' first season was in 1966, and they finished with a 3-11 record.
2. In 1998, the Falcons made their first Super Bowl appearance but lost to the Denver Broncos.
3. Michael Vick, drafted in 2001, became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.
4. The Falcons' home stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, features a retractable roof and a 360-degree video board.
5. In 2016, the Falcons reached the Super Bowl again but lost to the New England Patriots in an overtime thriller.

Carolina Panthers Facts

The Carolina Panthers, founded in 1993, have quickly become a competitive team in the NFL, with several playoff appearances and a couple of Super Bowl runs.

6. The Panthers played their first season in 1995 and reached the NFC Championship Game in just their second year.
7. In 2003, they made their first Super Bowl appearance but lost to the New England Patriots.
8. Cam Newton, drafted in 2011, won the NFL MVP award in 2015 and led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50.
9. The Panthers' home stadium, Bank of America Stadium, is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
10. Carolina's mascot, Sir Purr, is a fan favorite and often seen entertaining the crowd during games.

New Orleans Saints Facts

The New Orleans Saints, established in 1967, have a storied history filled with passionate fans and unforgettable moments.

11. The Saints won their first Super Bowl in 2010, defeating the Indianapolis Colts.
12. Drew Brees, the team's legendary quarterback, holds numerous NFL records, including career passing yards and touchdowns.
13. The Saints' home stadium, the Caesars Superdome, is one of the most iconic venues in sports.
14. The "Who Dat" chant is a famous rallying cry for Saints fans, symbolizing their unwavering support.
15. The Saints' first playoff win came in 2000, defeating the St. Louis Rams in the Wild Card round.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Facts

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, founded in 1976, have experienced both struggles and triumphs, including multiple Super Bowl victories.

16. The Buccaneers won their first Super Bowl in 2003, defeating the Oakland Raiders.
17. In 2021, the Bucs won their second Super Bowl, led by quarterback Tom Brady.
18. Tampa Bay's home stadium, Raymond James Stadium, features a pirate ship that fires cannons when the team scores.
19. The Buccaneers' first season was a winless 0-14 campaign in 1976.
20. The team's mascot, Captain Fear, is a swashbuckling pirate who rallies fans during games.

Memorable Moments in NFC South History

The NFC South has produced some unforgettable moments that have left a lasting impact on the league and its fans.

21. In 2006, the Saints returned to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina, defeating the Atlanta Falcons in an emotional game.
22. The "River City Relay" in 2003 saw the Saints execute a series of laterals to score a last-second touchdown against the Jaguars, only to miss the extra point and lose.
23. In 2012, the Falcons' Matt Ryan led a game-winning drive against the Seahawks in the playoffs, securing a spot in the NFC Championship Game.
24. The Panthers' 15-1 season in 2015, led by Cam Newton, was one of the most dominant regular seasons in NFL history.
25. The Buccaneers' 2020 playoff run, culminating in a Super Bowl victory, was highlighted by road wins against the Saints, Packers, and Chiefs.

Legendary Players of the NFC South

The NFC South has been home to some of the greatest players in NFL history, leaving a lasting legacy on the game.

26. Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback, played for the Falcons and is considered one of the best defensive players ever.
27. Steve Smith Sr., a dynamic wide receiver, spent most of his career with the Panthers and is known for his fiery competitiveness.
28. Drew Brees, the Saints' legendary quarterback, revolutionized the passing game and set numerous records during his career.
29. Derrick Brooks, a Hall of Fame linebacker, was a cornerstone of the Buccaneers' dominant defense in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
30. Julio Jones, a prolific wide receiver for the Falcons, has consistently been one of the top pass-catchers in the league.

Rivalries in the NFC South

Rivalries in the NFC South are intense, with each team battling for supremacy and bragging rights.

31. The Falcons-Saints rivalry is one of the most heated in the NFL, with both teams' fan bases passionately supporting their squads.
32. The Panthers and Buccaneers have developed a fierce rivalry, with both teams often competing for playoff spots.
33. The Saints and Buccaneers' rivalry intensified with Tom Brady's arrival in Tampa Bay, leading to high-stakes matchups.
34. The Falcons and Panthers have a competitive rivalry, with both teams frequently vying for division titles.
35. The Buccaneers and Falcons' rivalry dates back to their early days in the NFC Central, before the creation of the NFC South.

Fun Facts About the NFC South

Beyond the stats and rivalries, the NFC South has some fun and quirky facts that add to its unique charm.

36. The NFC South is the only division where every team has made a Super Bowl appearance since its formation in 2002.
37. The Saints' mascot, Gumbo, is a friendly Saint Bernard who represents the team's connection to New Orleans culture.
38. The Panthers' original logo featured a snarling panther, which was updated in 2012 to a sleeker design.
39. The Buccaneers' original uniforms, known as "Creamsicle," were bright orange and have become a nostalgic favorite among fans.
40. The Falcons' mascot, Freddie Falcon, is known for his high-energy antics and entertaining the crowd during games.

The NFC South: A League of Legends

The NFC South is packed with history, rivalries, and memorable moments. From the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl win to the Carolina Panthers' near-perfect season, this division never fails to entertain. The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have also had their share of highs and lows, making every season unpredictable.

Players like Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and Tom Brady have left indelible marks, while rising stars promise an exciting future. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the NFC South offers something for everyone.

So, next time you catch a game, remember the rich tapestry of facts and stories that make this division special. Keep an eye on those stats, enjoy the rivalries, and celebrate the legends that make the NFC South a true football powerhouse.