Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

I've seen so many conflicting dates on this that I wonder if anyone has really dug into this topic to find the answer... The evolution of the NFL shield logo. Major changes appeared to have occurred in both the early 1960's and early 1980's, with the current logo coming about in 2008. The previous logo before our current one I've seen dated as coming about in 1983 or 1984, though, on the 1982 Record & Fact book for example, I've seen the logo used. Prior to that it gets even murkier. I've found a photo (which I've attached to this post) online, which I used to take as gospel, but now I'm not so sure. Anybody have any insight into this?

This is where it started. Leo Lyons' hand-drawn concept of the NFL logo, 1922. He wanted "Major League Football," but the concept was there, based on the shield from Jim Thorpe's Olympic uniform.

JeffreyMiller wrote: ↑Wed Sep 17, 2025 4:03 pm This is where it started. Leo Lyons' hand-drawn concept of the NFL logo, 1922. He wanted "Major League Football," but the concept was there, based on the shield from Jim Thorpe's Olympic uniform.

That's incredible, thank you for sharing! "Major League Football", or "MLF", hmm... I think the right call was made with "NFL."

JeffreyMiller wrote: ↑Wed Sep 17, 2025 4:03 pm ....based on the shield from Jim Thorpe's Olympic uniform.

I did not know that.
Thank you for that very interesting bit of info!!

Oszuscik wrote: ↑Tue Sep 16, 2025 9:36 am I've seen so many conflicting dates on this that I wonder if anyone has really dug into this topic to find the answer... The evolution of the NFL shield logo. Major changes appeared to have occurred in both the early 1960's and early 1980's, with the current logo coming about in 2008. The previous logo before our current one I've seen dated as coming about in 1983 or 1984, though, on the 1982 Record & Fact book for example, I've seen the logo used. Prior to that it gets even murkier. I've found a photo (which I've attached to this post) online, which I used to take as gospel, but now I'm not so sure. Anybody have any insight into this?

Where is this place where you can see all the NFL shields? I haven't been to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a few years, so is it there, or someplace else?

Oszuscik wrote: ↑Thu Sep 18, 2025 10:26 am

JeffreyMiller wrote: ↑Wed Sep 17, 2025 4:03 pm This is where it started. Leo Lyons' hand-drawn concept of the NFL logo, 1922. He wanted "Major League Football," but the concept was there, based on the shield from Jim Thorpe's Olympic uniform.

That's incredible, thank you for sharing! "Major League Football", or "MLF", hmm... I think the right call was made with "NFL."

Yeah, I'd have to agree with that.

Crazy Packers Fan wrote: ↑Thu Sep 18, 2025 2:42 pm

Oszuscik wrote: ↑Tue Sep 16, 2025 9:36 am I've seen so many conflicting dates on this that I wonder if anyone has really dug into this topic to find the answer... The evolution of the NFL shield logo. Major changes appeared to have occurred in both the early 1960's and early 1980's, with the current logo coming about in 2008. The previous logo before our current one I've seen dated as coming about in 1983 or 1984, though, on the 1982 Record & Fact book for example, I've seen the logo used. Prior to that it gets even murkier. I've found a photo (which I've attached to this post) online, which I used to take as gospel, but now I'm not so sure. Anybody have any insight into this?

Where is this place where you can see all the NFL shields? I haven't been to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a few years, so is it there, or someplace else?

I found another angle of the exhibit, I *think* it might have been from a display during Super Bowl week in 2009. I'm not sure how accurate it is though. The display shows the "flared" shield as being retired after the 1982 season, with the more "straight" topped shield coming about in 1983. However, on the cover of the 1982 NFL Media Information book the straight shield is used, which is a year earlier than what the display says. HOWEVER, for the 1983 season's Super Bowl between the Redskins and Raiders the flared shield is painted at midfield. It wasn't until the 1984 season's Super Bowl between the 49ers and Dolphins that the straight shield appeared on the field. So which is it? Was the NFL logo revamped for 1982, 1983, or 1984?

Glancing at the list of topics out of the corner of my eye just a minute ago, I thought this one said "Evolution of Norm Snead."

Bob Gill wrote: ↑Fri Sep 19, 2025 3:53 pm Glancing at the list of topics out of the corner of my eye just a minute ago, I thought this one said "Evolution of Norm Snead."

If nothing else, a chance to trot out one of my all-time favorite pix---Norm Snead and Eagles at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day 1968. Sam Baker kicked 4 FGs in the mud and Phila won, 12-zip. Remember listening to it on the radio (TV blackout in effect in those days), bored to tears.....

Growing up in the Philadelphia area, I remember watching this slop fest in Joe Kuharich's last season. Joe must go was the watchword. Going into the game, the Eagles were the only winless team in pro football and headed the field in the race for the bottom to snag OJ Simpson with the top pick of the 69 draft. Alas, they not only screwed up in reverse by beating Detroit but then blew it entirely a week later by beating the Saints. Buffalo sunk to the bottom at 1-12-1, while the Eagles tied with Atlanta at 2-12. SImpson went to Buffalo, George Kunz to Atlanta, Leroy Keyes to Philly and Joe Greene to the 2-11-1 Steelers. Keyes was the one on-field disappointment amongst the four.