December 17, 1972 (Sunday)
- Running back Dave Hampton became the first player for the Atlanta Falcons to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, as Atlanta closed its season against the Kansas City Chiefs. On his next carry, Hampton was tackled for a five yard loss, and finished 1972 with 995 yards rushing.
- Died: Rodolfo Cadena, 30, founder of the Mexican Mafia prison gang at the California Institution for Men, after being stabbed 70 times by members of a rival gang.
Read more about this topic: December 1972