The "Smith Stache" Goes International in Germany
By Lisa Shepard
The Atlanta Falcons announced in May 2023 that through the NFL's Global Markets Program, they had been awarded rights to market in Germany. This announcement was made via the team's social media and featured Alesantoz, the head of the Atlanta Falcons Germany Fan Club. The exciting news was told to him by Falcons Pro Bowl guard, Chris Lindstrom.
With our announcement to market in Germany, we had to give @ATLFalconsGER a pleasant surprise from @C_Lindstrom63! pic.twitter.com/IfeMZz5xln
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 23, 2023
In June, head coach Arthur Smith, defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, LB Lorenzo Carter, former TE Feleipe Franks, and K Younghoe Koo, made the trip to Frankfurt to celebrate the news with members of the Atlanta Falcons Germany community. Based on the pictures and videos that were posted from this meet and greet, a good time was had by all in attendance.
Gleich gehts los. @AtlantaFalcons #dirtybirds pic.twitter.com/nBnrHtCgLG
— Atlanta Falcons Germany (@ATLFalconsGER) June 23, 2023
Awesome! @YounghoeKoo @_zocarter @18franks @AtlantaFalcons #dirtybirds #Germany pic.twitter.com/YO0sBf9cmd
— Atlanta Falcons Germany (@ATLFalconsGER) June 23, 2023
As footage from this event began to circulate, fans quickly noticed that head coach Arthur Smith had a new look. Not only did he appear to be several pounds lighter, he also had a new mustache. Atlanta Falcons fans were used to seeing coach Smith with a beard. However, wearing a mustache was a first since he was named head coach of the team in 2021.
Bester Head Coach der Welt 🔥😍@AtlantaFalcons #dirtybirds pic.twitter.com/oDoVbaEbMA
— Atlanta Falcons Germany (@ATLFalconsGER) June 23, 2023
It was no surprise that the social media comments started to roll in. Smith was called Tom Selleck and Ted Lasso as fans attempted to adjust to his new "stache." Smith was also asked about his mustache in a press conference in June.
“It’s a lifestyle change. It’s not for everybody.” Arthur Smith on the new mustache. pic.twitter.com/oZeC92an3T
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) July 26, 2023
After having gone through another long off-season, Falcons fans are excited when it's time for the season opener. This excitement includes the Falcons fans in Germany. Alesantoz came up with the idea for fans to don a "Smith Stache" while attending a watch party for the game at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.
Our friends over in Germany are READY for Week 1. Mustaches and all. (Also, I feel the need to report that I have seen Arthur Smith this morning and the mustache is still alive and well). https://t.co/Pz4PQARZL3
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) September 10, 2023
The Arthur Smith Support is real #smithstache #growup #riseup #dirtybirds
— Atlanta Falcons Germany (@ATLFalconsGER) September 10, 2023
Foto: @imwithloewer pic.twitter.com/B5zrIdSAhp
It should be noted that there is one prominent person outside of the Falcons fan base who is also showing solidarity with Coach Smith and his "Smith Stache." Kyle Brandt of Good Morning Football has also grown out his facial hair. He has said that he will not shave off his mustache as long as the Falcons keep winning. This sentiment works for Falcons fan Kyle Brandt. Keep winning Atlanta Falcons!
No Cap ❌🧢@KyleBrandt has been acting different... 👨@AtlantaFalcons, keep it up. pic.twitter.com/f1k033fMKw
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) September 15, 2023
#SmithStache all day long! https://t.co/63pv7nc95y
— Atlanta Falcons Germany (@ATLFalconsGER) September 12, 2023