Which NFL Logos and Mascots Could Use an Upgrade?

The NFL is in the process of undergoing a makeover with the unveiling of their new uniforms in early April. Although the uniforms are mostly a slightly sleeker revamp of what teams were wearing last year, several teams (most notably the Seattle Seahawks) have undergone pretty significant changes.

While we’re on the topic of refreshing an image, why not turn our attention to the other public faces of each team—the team logo and mascot?

Just like with the uniforms, some teams have already got logos and mascots that are sleek and modern. Others…well, not so much.

So which NFL logos and mascots could use an upgrade?

Let’s start with the obvious.

No Mascot

Out of 32 teams in the NFL, five have no official mascot at all. Those teams are: New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Washington Redskins.

Obviously, an upgrade is necessary for these teams since they have nothing at all to start with, although the Washington Redskins are already ahead of the game, kind of.

Washington Redskins: Mascot

The Washington Redskins do have a mascot of sorts. His name is Chief Zee, and he has been attending Redskins games since 1978 decked out in his Indian headdress.

He isn’t exactly a caricature on the field cheering on the home team, but he’s a pretty standard fixture in Washington.

Cleveland Browns: Logo

The Cleveland Browns' logo, a plain, brownish-orange football helmet, is about as dull and unimaginative as it gets.

While other teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals have had football helmets as logos in the past, they have all upgraded to more modern, stylized art.

The Bengals should consider doing the same.                                                                         

Dallas Cowboys: Mascot

The star logo the Dallas Cowboys use is simple, sleek and easy to recognize, so it’s clear that someone in the Dallas organization is capable of designing and executing an eye-catching representation of the team.

On the other hand, Rowdy, the Dallas Cowboys mascot, could use a bit of a makeover.

There’s just something about the short cowboy that’s a little bit off for a football team. Maybe it’s his “Old West” demeanor or the huge, almost creepy grin plastered across his face.

Either way, he has definite room for improvement.

New York Giants: Logo

The New York Giants logo has been a text-based variant of the team’s name or home state since the early 1960s, and its age is beginning to show.

While the “giant” writing may be clever and iconic, the Giants logo pales in comparison to those employed by many other teams around the NFL.

The Giants have two alternate logos that are presently available for use—both of which are more visually appealing and modern than the one on their helmets. Perhaps, the team should consider bumping up one of those to main status.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Mascot

Does anyone believe that Chester Cheetah is cool anymore?

Anyone?

No?

In that case, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a mascot problem.

Jaxson De Ville has been a fun, colorful mascot in terms of behavior, but from a physical standpoint, he could use some cosmetic surgery.

From his teal spots to his misshapen head, Jaxson De Ville doesn’t look so much like an oversized jaguar as he does a mockery of felines everywhere.

Chicago Bears: Logo

The Chicago Bears have had very few logo changes over the years compared to many other teams in the league, but it seems that each time they have redone their image, it has resulted in additional simplification.

Their original logo of a bear cub during the 1940s and early 1950s was eventually morphed into the stylized “C” that we know today. It works, but let’s face it: It’s boring.

At one point for about 20 years, the Bears actually had a logo that has potential to be revamped for use today. Instead of depicting a bear cub crawling on a football, why not show a bear cub crawling on the Chicago “C”?

Indianapolis Colts: Mascot

The Indianapolis Colts debuted their oversized mascot, a blue colt named Blue, in 2006. Fast forward six years and he’s still no less…well, wrong.

Maybe it’s the googly eyes or the grin that goes beyond the actual extent of a horse’s mouth. It could just be the strange juxtaposition between Blue’s apparent soft, friendly appearance and his role as the No. 1 fan for a team of NFL players.

It’s probably a combination of all of those things.

Blue isn’t a lost cause. There’s plenty of potential with an equine mascot, even if one of the conditions is that he has to be blue. Maybe if he could just be toughed up a little, he wouldn’t seem so out of place.

Buffalo Bills: Mascot and Logo

The Buffalo Bills, more than perhaps any other team in the NFL, are in need of a complete overhaul when it comes to their public-facing image.

There’s just something about a blue buffalo that fails to strike fear into the hearts of fans and opponents. As bad as it is as a logo, it’s even more humiliating brought to life as a mascot: Billy Buffalo is an huge blue buffalo that looks suspiciously like a billy goat.

With material like this, the Bills might be better off starting over from scratch.