The Atlanta Falconsare facing backlash online after changingtheir social media profile picture ahead of Sunday’sgame against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Falcons posted the image on Xon Oct. 21 with the caption "New PFP," short for profile picture. The graphic features a black version of the team's falcon design over red, white, black and gold-toned stripes.
The image quickly drew attention from fans and other social media users who said the design reminded them of Nazi-era German imagery.
The Falcons have not announced a new official team logo, however. A team representative told NBCNews that the Falcons do not have a "new logo" and declined further comment.
Why are people comparing the Falcons logo to Nazi imagery?
The backlash centers on the combination of the stylized black falcon and the surrounding
stripes.
Some social media users said the design resembles imagery associated with Nazi Germany, while others turned the comparison into jokes and memes.
The reaction spread quickly across X, with the Falcons’ original post receiving millions of views and thousands of interactions. As of Friday morning, the post has more than 38 million views.
The comparisons are reactions from social media users and do not indicate that the Falcons intended to reference Nazi Germany. In fact, the image is based on a design the team has used historically.
Is this actually a new Falcons logo?
No.
The image is based on the Falcons' original logo from the franchise's early years. The team began play in 1966, and the throwback design has remained part of the franchise's visual history.
The Falcons are also scheduled to wear 1966-inspired throwback uniforms Sunday against the undefeated 49ers. The throwback look includes a red helmet, black jersey and white pants.
The Falcons have continued to use the throwback uniforms as a special look rather than replacing their current primary branding with the older design.
The team has previously explained that the throwbacks are intentionally kept as an occasional uniform because fans have a strong connection to the look.
Why did the Falcons use the throwback image now?
The timing is connected to the team's upcoming throwback game, although the Falcons have not specifically confirmed that the profile-picture change was made because of Sunday's matchup.
Atlanta's 2026 uniform schedule lists the Oct. 25 game against San Francisco as one of two games this season when the Falcons will wear their throwback uniforms.
That means the controversial profile picture comes as the team prepares to bring back a look connected to its inaugural-era uniforms.
Some fans are upset about more than the logo
Not all of the criticism has focused on the design itself.
Some Falcons fans have questioned why the team is drawing attention to its social media branding while the team is struggling on the field.
Atlanta entered the week with a 2-4 record after a 31-23 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Falcons are scheduled to host San Francisco on Sunday, with the 49ers entering the matchup undefeated at 6-0.
That has led some fans to use the profile-picture change as another opportunity to criticize the team's performance and roster rather than simply debating the artwork.
Falcons have not announced a new logo
For now, the biggest clarification is that Atlanta has not announced a new official logo.
The controversial image is a throwback design being used as a social media profile picture as the Falcons prepare to wear their historic uniforms.
The team has not publicly explained the design beyond its "New PFP" post, and it has not addressed the online criticism.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Did the Falcons change their logo? Here's why fans are upset
