NFC Championship vs Packers (1998)
The heartbreaking overtime loss that sent Atlanta to its first Super Bowl bid.
The NFC Championship Game played on January 10, 1998, stands as a watershed moment in Atlanta Falcons history, marking the franchise's first and only appearance in the Super Bowl. Facing the Green Bay Packers at the Georgia Dome, the Falcons entered the contest with high hopes after a dominant regular season led by quarterback Drew Brees and running back Jamal Anderson. The game is remembered not just for its stakes, but for the stunning upset that defined an era of heartbreak for Atlanta fans.
- Event
- NFC Championship Game
- Date
- January 10, 1998
- Venue
- Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
- Opponent
- Green Bay Packers
- Result
- Falcons Lost 30-27 (OT)
- Key Player (Falcons)
- Drew Brees
- Key Player (Packers)
- Brett Favre
Lore & Background
The contest is etched in memory for its dramatic conclusion. After a scoreless extra period, the Falcons were forced to punt on their first possession of overtime due to an interception by Favre. The Packers capitalized immediately, driving down the field to set up Ryan Longwell's game-winning field goal. While the loss was devastating, the performance showcased the potential of a young Falcons roster that would remain competitive for years to come.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Georgia Dome was thick with humidity and anticipation as the clock ticked toward overtime. Drew Brees stood on the sideline, eyes locked on the field where his team had just turned over possession. The roar of the crowd shifted from a hopeful chant to a stunned silence as Brett Favre began to march the Packers downfield. Every step felt like an eternity until Ryan Longwell snapped the ball for the final kick. As the ball sailed through the uprights, the realization settled over Atlanta: they had come so close, yet the dream was deferred once again.
Reader's Guide
The achievement of reaching the NFC Championship in the 1997 season remains a singular highlight in Falcons franchise history. Occurring on January 10, 1998, this victory qualified the team for Super Bowl XXXII, their first-ever appearance in the NFL's title game. Significance lies in the fact that it was the culmination of a successful rebuild under head coach Dan Reeves and general manager Rich McKay. Despite the heartbreaking overtime loss to Green Bay, the 1998 NFC Championship run proved Atlanta could compete with the league's elite, setting a high-water mark for fan engagement and team identity.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time in franchise history that the Falcons reached the Super Bowl.
- Drew Brees threw for over 200 yards but also had two interceptions in the loss.
- The game went into overtime, which was a rare occurrence in NFC Championship games at the time.
- Ryan Longwell's field goal to win the game is one of the most famous moments in Packers history.
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