How Did All 32 NFL Teams Get Their Names?
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| How Did All 32 NFL Teams Get Their Names? |
How Did All 32 NFL Teams Get Their Names?
The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and its teams have a rich history. One of the most interesting aspects of NFL team history is the way they got their names.
Some NFL teams got their names from the city or region they represent. For example, the Chicago Bears are named after the city's famous baseball team, and the San Francisco 49ers are named after the California Gold Rush of 1849.
Other NFL teams got their names from animals. The Baltimore Ravens are named after the city's famous poem, "The Raven," by Edgar Allan Poe. The Seattle Seahawks are named after the osprey, a large fish-eating hawk that is native to the Pacific Northwest.
Still other NFL teams got their names from other sources. The Pittsburgh Steelers are named after the city's steel industry. The Tennessee Titans are named after the Titans of Greek mythology.
No matter how they got their names, NFL team names are a part of the fabric of the league. They are a source of pride for fans, and they help to create a sense of identity for each team.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the history of how all 32 NFL teams got their names. We will learn about the different ways that teams got their names, and we will explore the reasons why they chose the names they did.
We hope you enjoy learning about the history of NFL team names.
How did Arizona Cardinals get their name?
The Arizona Cardinals got their name in 1898 when their founder, Chris O'Brien, received a shipment of faded jerseys from the University of Chicago Maroons football team that was cardinal red in color. The team was originally called the Morgan Athletic Club, but they changed their name to the Racine Cardinals after the street where they played their home games. In 1920, the team became a charter member of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which was rechristened the National Football League (NFL) two years later. The team moved to St. Louis in 1950 and remained there until 1988 when they moved to Phoenix. The Cardinals have won two NFL championships, in 1925 and 1947.
The cardinal is a symbol of hope and resilience, and the team has adopted this as its motto. The cardinal is also a popular bird in the American Southwest, where the team is based. The team's colors are red, white, and black, and their mascot is Big Red, a cardinal.
How did Atlanta Falcons get their name?
The Atlanta Falcons got their name in 1965 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). The name was chosen from a pool of
The Falcons' official colors are red, black, and silver. The team's mascot is a falcon named "Freddie Falcon." The Falcons have played their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta since 2017.
The Baltimore Ravens got their name in 1996 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). The name was chosen from a pool of suggestions submitted by the public. The winning entry was submitted by a fan named David Modell, who is the son of Art Modell, the team's owner. Modell chose the name "Ravens" because it is a bird that is associated with the city of Baltimore. The raven is a symbol of mystery, intelligence, and power. It is also a bird that is known for its loyalty. The Ravens have played their home games at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore since 1998.
The Ravens have won two Super Bowls, in 2000 and 2012. They are one of the most successful teams in the NFL in recent years. The team's colors are purple, black, and metallic gold. The team's mascot is a raven named "Poe," who is named after Edgar Allan Poe, a famous author who was born in Baltimore.
The Buffalo Bills got their name in 1946 when the team was founded as a member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). The name was chosen in a fan contest, and the winning entry was submitted by James F. Dyson. Dyson's essay compared the team to a band of "Buffalo Bills," a reference to the famous frontiersman and showman Buffalo Bill Cody.
The Bills were one of the most successful teams in the AAFC, winning four championships in six seasons. The team joined the NFL in 1950, and they have continued to be a competitive team ever since. The Bills have made four Super Bowl appearances, winning in 1991 and 1993.
The Bills' official colors are red, white, and blue. The team's mascot is a buffalo named "Billy Buffalo." The Bills have played their home games at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, since 1973.
The Carolina Panthers got their name in 1993 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). The name was chosen by Mark Richardson, the son of team owner Jerry Richardson. Richardson chose the name "Panthers" because he thought it represented the strength, power, and agility of the team. The panther is also a native animal to the Carolinas.
The Panthers' official colors are black, blue, and silver. The team's mascot is a panther named "Sir Purr." The Panthers have played their home games at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, since 1996.
The Panthers have made the playoffs seven times in their history, and they have won one NFC Championship Game. They are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Chicago Bears got their name in 1922 when the team was originally called the Decatur Staleys. The team was founded in 1919 by George Halas and Ed Sternaman, who were both former University of Illinois football players. The team was originally sponsored by the A.E. Staley Company, a food starch company in Decatur, Illinois. When the team moved to Chicago in 1921, Halas and Sternaman decided to change the team's name to the Chicago Bears. The name was chosen because it was a reference to the Chicago Cubs, the city's Major League Baseball team. The Cubs are nicknamed the "Cubs" because they are the young offspring of bears. Halas and Sternaman thought that the name "Bears" would be a good fit for their team because football players are typically larger and stronger than baseball players.
The Chicago Bears have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL. They have won nine NFL championships, including the Super Bowl in 1985. The Bears are also one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Cincinnati Bengals got their name in 1967 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). The name was chosen by Paul Brown, the team's founder and head coach. Brown chose the name "Bengals" to memorialize the teams of the same name that had represented Cincinnati in the past. Another Cincinnati Bengals team had existed in the city and played in three previous American Football Leagues from 1937 to 1942. The city's world-renowned zoo was also home to a rare white Bengal tiger. In a possible insult to Art Modell – or possibly as a homage to the Massillon Tigers – Brown chose the exact shade of orange used by his former team. He added black as the secondary color.
The Bengals' official colors are orange, black, and white. The team's mascot is a Bengal tiger named "Who Dey." The Bengals have played their home games at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati since 2000.
The Bengals have made the playoffs 17 times in their history, and they have won one Super Bowl, in 2022. They are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Cleveland Browns were named after their first head coach, Paul Brown. Brown was a legendary figure in football, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of the game. He was a pioneer in many aspects of football, and he is credited with developing many of the modern offensive and defensive strategies. Brown led the Browns to eight NFL championships, and he is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Browns were founded in 1946 as a member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). They joined the NFL in 1950, and they have been one of the most successful teams in the league ever since. They have won nine NFL championships, including the Super Bowl in 1964. The Browns are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Browns' official colors are brown, orange, and white. Their mascot is a dog named "Brownie the Elf." The Browns have played their home games at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland since 1999.
The Dallas Cowboys were originally going to be called the Dallas Steers, but the team's general manager, Tex Schramm, thought that the name was too "cowpoke" and didn't fit the image of a professional football team. So, he came up with the name "Cowboys" instead. Schramm thought that the name was more "mysterious" and "romantic," and it also had a connection to the history of the American West.
The name "Cowboys" was officially announced on March 19, 1960, and the team has used it ever since. The Cowboys have gone on to become one of the most successful teams in NFL history, winning five Super Bowls and appearing in eight. They are also one of the most popular teams in the NFL, with a large and passionate fan base.
The Cowboys' official colors are blue and white. Their mascot is a cowboy named "Rowdy." The Cowboys have played their home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, since 2009.
How did Denver Broncos get their name?
The Denver Broncos got their name in 1960 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the American Football League (AFL). The name was chosen in a statewide contest, and the winning entry was submitted by Ward M. Vining of Lakewood. Vining's essay compared the team to a band of "Broncos," a reference to the famous frontiersman and showman Buffalo Bill Cody.
The Broncos were one of the most successful teams in the AFL, winning three championships in eight seasons. The team joined the NFL in 1970, and they have continued to be a competitive team ever since. The Broncos have made eight Super Bowl appearances, winning two in 1997 and 1998.
The Broncos' official colors are orange, navy blue, and white. The team's mascot is a horse named "Thunder." The Broncos have played their home games at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver since 2001.
The Detroit Lions got their name in 1934 when the team was purchased by George A. Richards and moved from Portsmouth, Ohio. Richards chose the name "Lions" because he intended to put together a team that would be the "king of the NFL," much like the lion was the king of the jungle. He also wanted a tie-in to baseball's Detroit Tigers. In their inaugural season in Detroit several months later, the Lions started off with a 10-game win streak that included seven shutouts.
The Lions have won four NFL championships, but they have never won a Super Bowl. They are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Lions' official colors are Honolulu blue and silver. The team's mascot is a lion named "Leo the Lion." The Lions have played their home games at Ford Field in Detroit since 2002.
The Green Bay Packers got their name in 1919 when Curly Lambeau, the team's founder, asked his employer, Indian Packing Company, for financial assistance to start a football team. In return for the company's sponsorship, Lambeau agreed to name the team the "Packers". The name was chosen because Indian Packing Company was a meatpacking company, and the term "packer" refers to someone who packs meat.
The Packers have gone on to become one of the most successful teams in NFL history, winning 13 NFL championships, including the Super Bowl in 1967 and 1997. They are also one of the most popular teams in the NFL, with a large and passionate fan base.
The Packers' official colors are green and gold. Their mascot is a lion named "Cheesehead." The Packers have played their home games at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, since 1957.
The Packers are the only publicly owned team in the NFL. They are owned by the Green Bay Packers, Inc., a non-profit corporation with over 360,000 shareholders.
The Houston Texans got their name in 2000 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). The name was chosen after a public naming contest that received over 65,000 responses. The winning entry was submitted by a Houston resident named John C. O'Neil, who suggested the name "Texans" because it is a strong and proud name that represents the state of Texas.
The Texans played their first game in 2002 and have since become one of the most successful expansion teams in NFL history. They have made the playoffs seven times and have won two division titles. The Texans have yet to win a Super Bowl, but they are a young and talented team that is poised to make a run at the title in the near future.
The Texans' official colors are red, white, and blue. Their mascot is a bull named "Reveille IX." The Texans have played their home games at NRG Stadium in Houston since 2002.
The Indianapolis Colts got their name in 1984 when the team moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis. The name was chosen to pay homage to the rich tradition of horse breeding and racing in the area. The Colts were originally named the Baltimore Colts in 1953, and they played in Baltimore for 31 seasons. The team was moved to Indianapolis by its owner, Robert Irsay, in 1984.
The Colts won one Super Bowl, in 1971. They have also won three NFL championships, in 1958, 1959, and 1970. The Colts are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Colts' official colors are blue and white. Their mascot is a horse named "Blue." The Colts have played their home games at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis since 2008.
The Jacksonville Jaguars got their name in 1993 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). The name was chosen after a public naming contest that received over 10,000 responses. The winning entry was submitted by a Jacksonville resident named James Hale, who suggested the name "Jaguars" because it is a strong and powerful animal that represents the city of Jacksonville.
The Jaguars played their first game in 1995 and have since become one of the most successful expansion teams in NFL history. They have made the playoffs eight times and have won two division titles. The Jaguars have yet to win a Super Bowl, but they are a young and talented team that is poised to make a run at the title in the near future.
The Jaguars' official colors are teal, black, and gold. Their mascot is a jaguar named "Jaxson DeVille." The Jaguars have played their home games at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville since 1995.
The Kansas City Chiefs were named in 1963 when the Dallas Texans (AFL) was renamed in honor of Kansas City mayor Harold Roe Bartle who was instrumental in relocating the team to Kansas City, Missouri. Bartle had been nicknamed "Chief" as the founder of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, a Boy Scouts honor camping society.
The Kansas City Chiefs is one of the professional sports teams involved in the controversy regarding the use of Native American names and imagery but received less attention than other teams until 2013 when fan behavior at games, including stereotypical headdresses, face paint, performing a "war chant" and tomahawk chop became more publicly known. Protests by change advocates intensified following the name changes of the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians. In addition, the Chiefs have been highly visible due to their participation in the Super Bowl in 2019, 2020, and 2022.
The Chiefs have said that they are committed to honoring Native American culture and heritage in a respectful way. They have made some changes to their branding and imagery, but they have not yet changed their name.
The Las Vegas Raiders were originally going to be called the "Oakland Señors" after a name-the-team contest had that name finish first, but after being the target of local jokes, the name was changed to the Raiders before the 1960 season began.
The name "Raiders" was chosen because it is a strong and aggressive name that represents the team's style of play. The Raiders have a long history of success on the field, and they are one of the most popular teams in the NFL.
The Raiders' official colors are silver and black. Their mascot is a pirate named "Raider Rush." The Raiders have played their home games at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas since 2020.
The Los Angeles Chargers got their name in 1960 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the American Football League (AFL). The name was chosen after a public naming contest that received over 10,000 responses. The winning entry was submitted by a Los Angeles resident named Gerald Courtney, who suggested the name "Chargers" because it is a strong and aggressive name that represents the team's style of play.
The Chargers played their first game in 1960 and have since become one of the most successful teams in AFL/NFL history. They have won one Super Bowl, in 1994, and have also won four AFL championships. The Chargers are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Chargers' official colors are blue and gold. Their mascot is a lightning bolt named "Boltman." The Chargers have played their home games at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego since 1967. In 2020, the Chargers moved back to Los Angeles and began playing their home games at SoFi Stadium.
The Los Angeles Rams got their name in 1936 when the team was founded in Cleveland, Ohio. The name was chosen by the team's general manager, Damon "Buzz" Wetzel, who was a fan of the Fordham Rams college football team. The Rams have since moved to Los Angeles, where they have played since 1946.
The name "Rams" is a reference to the male sheep, which is a strong and powerful animal. The Rams have used this imagery in their branding and logo throughout their history. The team's mascot is a ram named "Rammy."
The Rams have won two Super Bowls, in 1980 and 2022. They have also won three NFL championships, in 1945, 1951, and 1958. The Rams are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Miami Dolphins got their name in 1965 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the American Football League (AFL). The name was chosen after a public naming contest that received over 19,000 responses. The winning entry was submitted by a Miami resident named James Hale, who suggested the name "Dolphins" because it is a strong and powerful animal that represents the city of Miami.
The Dolphins played their first game in 1966 and have since become one of the most successful teams in AFL/NFL history. They have won two Super Bowls, in 1972 and 1973, and have also won four AFL championships. The Dolphins are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Dolphins' official colors are aqua and orange. Their mascot is a dolphin named "Flipper." The Dolphins have played their home games at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida since 1987.
The Minnesota Vikings got their name in 1960 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). The name was chosen by the team's first general manager, Bert Rose, who was a fan of the history of the Vikings of medieval Scandinavia. The name is partly meant to reflect Minnesota's place as a center of Scandinavian American culture.
The Vikings played their first game in 1961 and have since become one of the most successful teams in NFL history. They have made the playoffs 32 times, have won 10 division titles, and have appeared in four Super Bowls. The Vikings have yet to win a Super Bowl, but they are a perennial contender and have a large and passionate fan base.
The Vikings' official colors are purple, gold, and white. Their mascot is a Viking named "Vic the Viking." The Vikings have played their home games at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis since 2016.
The New England Patriots were named in 1960 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the American Football League (AFL). The name was chosen by a panel of Boston sportswriters in a contest to name the team. The most popular choice – and the one that Sullivan selected – was the "Boston Patriots", with "Patriots" referring to the colonists of the Thirteen Colonies who rebelled against British control during the American Revolution and in July 1776 declared the United States of America an independent nation, which heavily involved the then-colony of Massachusetts.
The following year, the Patriots moved to a new stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which would serve as their home for the next 30 years. As a result of the move, they announced they would change their name from the Boston Patriots to the Bay State Patriots, after the state of Massachusetts. The name was rejected by the NFL and on March 22, 1971, the team officially announced they would change its geographic name to New England. During the 1970s, the Patriots had some success under head coach Chuck Fairbanks, earning a berth to the playoffs in 1976 – as a wild card team – and in 1978 – as AFC East champions.
The Patriots have won six Super Bowls, in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, and 2018. They have also won nine AFC Championships. The Patriots are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Patriots' official colors are red, white, and blue. Their mascot is a hog named "Pat Patriot." The Patriots have played their home games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts since 2002.
The New Orleans Saints got their name in 1967 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). The name was chosen by the team's owner, John Mecom Jr., who was a fan of the song "When the Saints Go Marching In." The song is a classic jazz standard that is associated with New Orleans.
The name "Saints" is also a reference to the city's large Catholic population. New Orleans is home to the oldest Catholic diocese in the United States, and the city has a rich history of religious faith.
The Saints have won one Super Bowl, in 2010. They have also won one NFC Championship and have appeared in the playoffs 17 times. The Saints are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Saints' official colors are black and gold. Their mascot is a fleur-de-lis named "Saintsations." The Saints have played their home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans since 1975.
The New York Giants were named in 1925 when the team was founded by Tim Mara. The name was chosen as a reference to the popular New York baseball team of the same name, which was founded in 1883. The baseball Giants were one of the most successful teams in the National League during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Mara hoped that his football team could achieve similar success.
The New York Giants have won eight NFL championships, including four Super Bowls. They are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Giants' official colors are blue and white. Their mascot is a giant named "Big Blue." The Giants have played their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey since 2010.
The New York Jets got their name in 1960 when the team was awarded an expansion franchise in the American Football League (AFL). The name was chosen by the team's new owner, Sonny Werblin, who wanted a name that was modern and exciting. He also wanted a name that would rhyme with the New York Mets, who were the city's other major sports team at the time.
Werblin chose the name "Jets" because he thought it was a perfect fit for the team's new stadium, Shea Stadium, which was located between LaGuardia and JFK airports. He also thought the name was a good representation of the team's fast-paced offense.
The name "Jets" has been a part of the team's identity ever since. It is a name that is synonymous with excitement, speed, and success. The Jets have won two Super Bowls and have been one of the most successful teams in the AFL/NFL since their inception.
The Philadelphia Eagles were named in 1933 when the team was purchased by Bert Bell and Lud Wray. The name was chosen as a reference to the symbol of the National Recovery Administration and the National Industrial Recovery Act, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.
Bell, who would later serve as NFL commissioner, was inspired by the Blue Eagle logo of the National Recovery Administration (a centerpiece of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies), and named the team the Eagles in honor of the symbol. While it could seem as if the Yellow Jackets simply rebranded as the Eagles, both the Eagles organization and NFL officially regard the brands as 2 separate entities because there was no Philadelphia NFL team for a season and a half. Almost no Yellow Jackets players were on the Eagles' first roster.
The Eagles have won 3 Super Bowls and 8 NFL championships. They are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Eagles' official colors are midnight green, silver, and black. Their mascot is an eagle named "Swoop." The Eagles have played their home games at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since 2003.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded in 1933 as the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team's owner, Art Rooney, decided to rename the team in 1940 after a naming contest was held. The winning entry was "Steelers," which was chosen to honor the city's steel industry.
The Steelers have won six Super Bowls and six NFL championships. They are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Steelers' official colors are black and gold. Their mascot is a steelworker named "Steely McBeam." The Steelers have played their home games at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania since 2001.
The San Francisco 49ers were named in 1946 when the team was founded as an All-America Football Conference (AAFC) franchise. The name was chosen in honor of the California Gold Rush of 1849, which brought thousands of fortune seekers to the state.
The 49ers have won five Super Bowls and five NFL championships. They are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The 49ers' official colors are red and gold. Their mascot is a miner named "Sourdough Sam." The 49ers have played their home games at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California since 2014.
The Seattle Seahawks were named in 1975 when the team was founded as an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). The name was chosen from a public naming contest which drew more than 20,000 entries and over 1,700 names.
"Seahawk" is another name for osprey, a large, fish-eating raptor that is native to the Pacific Northwest. The name was chosen because it is a powerful and majestic bird that is associated with the region's natural beauty.
The Seahawks have won one Super Bowl and two NFC Championships. They are one of the most successful teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Seahawks' official colors are blue and green. Their mascot is a seahawk named "Swoop." The Seahawks have played their home games at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington since 2002.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were named in 1976 when the team was founded as an expansion franchise in the National Football League (NFL). The name was chosen from a public naming contest which drew more than 20,000 entries and over 1,700 names.
"Buccaneer" is a reference to the pirates who frequented Florida's Gulf coast during the 17th century. The name was chosen because it is a bold and adventurous name that is associated with the region's history.
The Buccaneers have won two Super Bowls and one NFC Championship. They are one of the most successful teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Buccaneers' official colors are red, orange, and white. Their mascot is a pirate named "Buccaneer Bruce." The Buccaneers have played their home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida since 1998.
The Tennessee Titans were originally the Houston Oilers, founded in 1960. They moved to Nashville in 1997 and changed their name to the Titans in 1999. The name "Titans" was chosen because it is a reference to Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, the Titans were the first gods, and they were known for their strength and power. The name "Titans" was chosen to reflect the strength and power of the team and the city of Nashville.
The Titans have won one Super Bowl and one AFC Championship. They are one of the most successful teams in the NFL, and they have a large and passionate fan base.
The Titans' official colors are navy blue, light blue, and white. Their mascot is a Titan named "T-Rac." The Titans have played their home games at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee since 1999.
The Washington Commanders were formerly known as the Washington Redskins. In 2020, the team announced that they would be changing their name after decades of criticism that the name was offensive to Native Americans. The team's new name, the Commanders, was announced in February 2022.
The name "Commanders" was chosen because it is a strong and powerful name that is associated with leadership and success. The name is also a reference to the team's history in Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. The Commanders' official colors are burgundy and gold, and their mascot is a wolf named "Captain Jack."
The team's new name has been met with mixed reactions from fans and critics. Some fans have praised the team for choosing a new name that is not offensive to Native Americans. Others have criticized the name, saying that it is too generic and does not reflect the team's history or identity.
Only time will tell how the Commanders' new name will be received by fans and critics alike. However, the team is hopeful that the new name will help them to move forward and build a new identity for themselves.
