Atlanta, GA, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons have announced their team captains for the upcoming NFL season, including Michael Penix Jr., Chris Lindstrom, and Jessie Bates III, among others. These six players will lead the team both on and off the field as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Notable achievements among the captains highlight their leadership skills and experience, setting the stage for the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The captains will also wear jersey patches indicating their years of service, adding a unique touch to their leadership roles.
Atlanta — The Atlanta Falcons have officially announced their team captains for the upcoming 2025 NFL season, unveiling a group of six players who will take on leadership roles both on and off the field. The captains chosen by their teammates are: quarterback Michael Penix Jr., offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom, offensive lineman Jake Matthews, safety Jessie Bates III, inside linebacker Kaden Elliss, and punter Bradley Pinion.
Michael Penix Jr., in his first year as a starter for the Falcons, has been chosen as captain, a significant honor and responsibility that he will carry while guiding the team through the challenges of the season. Peters, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, gained experience by starting the last three games of 2024 after former quarterback Kirk Cousins was benched.
Chris Lindstrom has been named a captain for the second time, having previously held the title in 2023. Lindstrom has started a total of 88 games for the Falcons since being drafted in 2019 and is recognized as a three-time AP All-Pro and Pro-Bowl selection. With his experience, he is expected to provide guidance to the team’s offensive line.
Veteran Jake Matthews has been elected captain for the fifth time, having served in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021. Drafted in 2014, Matthews holds the franchise record for consecutive starts, currently at 179 games. His tenure with the team positions him as a key leader in the locker room and on the field.
Jessie Bates III, in his third year as captain, has proven to be a stalwart on defense since joining the Falcons in 2023. He has played in all 34 games since his arrival and has accumulated 234 tackles along with 10 interceptions, showcasing his essential role in the Falcons’ defensive strategies.
New captain Kaden Elliss makes his leadership debut after joining the team from the New Orleans Saints. Last season, he made history by becoming the first player in Falcons history to record over 100 tackles, five sacks, and an interception in a single season, demonstrating his impact on the field.
Punter Bradley Pinion, also a first-time captain, has been with the Falcons for four seasons, boasting an impressive career punting average of 44.5 yards. His consistency and contribution to the team have earned him a spot among the leaders for the 2025 season.
All six captains will wear patches on their jerseys representing the number of years they have served as Falcons captains. The 2025 season opener will commence at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, September 7, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the addition of immersive fan experiences available, including special ticket packages from the ‘Sports Illustrated Tickets Lounge.’
Additionally, the Falcons confirmed that Elijah Wilkinson will serve as the starting right tackle against the Buccaneers. As the team prepares for the season opener, four defensive draft picks are anticipated to make their debut in the game. Following the recent roster cuts, the team welcomed back player Fuller, leaving them one player short of the 16-man limit for their practice squad. Notably, Trice is expected to continue recovering after missing the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury.
Key Features of the Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 Team Captains
| Player | Position | Years as Captain | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Penix Jr. | Quarterback | 1 | 1st time captain, 8th overall pick in 2024 Draft |
| Chris Lindstrom | Offensive Lineman | 2 | 3-time AP All-Pro, Pro-Bowl selection |
| Jake Matthews | Offensive Lineman | 5 | 179 consecutive starts |
| Jessie Bates III | Safety | 3 | 234 tackles, 10 interceptions |
| Kaden Elliss | Inside Linebacker | 1 | 1st player in franchise history with 100 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 interception in a season |
| Bradley Pinion | Punter | 1 | 44.5 yards average per punt |
FAQ
Who are the Atlanta Falcons’ team captains for the 2025 season?
The team captains for the 2025 season include Michael Penix Jr., Chris Lindstrom, Jake Matthews, Jessie Bates III, Kaden Elliss, and Bradley Pinion.
When does the Falcons’ 2025 season opener take place?
The Falcons will kick off their season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 7, 2025.
What is special about the Falcons’ captains this year?
This year, the Falcons’ captains will wear jersey patches indicating the number of years they have served as captains for the team.
What are some notable achievements of the selected captains?
Notable achievements include Jake Matthews holding the franchise record for consecutive starts and Kaden Elliss being the first player in team history to record over 100 tackles, five sacks, and an interception in a season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Falcons Prepare for Week 1 Matchup Against Buccaneers
Additional Resources
- Atlanta Falcons: 2025 Team Captains Announcement
- Sports Illustrated: Falcons Announce Team Captains for 2025 Season
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Falcons Name Their Captains for 2025 Season
- Google Search: Atlanta Falcons 2025 Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Falcons
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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