The Atlanta Defenders joined the NPSFL in 2007 to play their inaugural season in 2008. Prior to this time, the metro Atlanta area had a public safety football league. At its height, the league consisted of seven teams representing five different counties. Following the 2007 season, various teams decided it best to merge together and form one Atlanta team in order to join the National Public Safety Football League. The Atlanta Defenders, Inc. was established in 2008. The goal of the organization is to allow public safety officials the opportunity to give more of themselves by playing competitive football in order to raise money for charity. The Atlanta Defenders football team is made up of police and fire fighters who work in the metro Atlanta area. As a member of the National Public Safety Football League, the team travels the country, at the players' expense to play other public safety teams.