I just read an article on USA Today which says that the NFL will be releasing a new logo next year. The logo will replace a design which is nearly 40 years old.
The redesign will not deviate from the established shield shape, but will be switching some of the interior components. The amount of stars will be reduced from 25 to 8. The original number of 25 is said to be arbitrary, but the new figure of 8 is representative of the 8 divisions which compose the league. The stars will be larger scale and will certainly improve the scaling down and reproduction of the logo for merchandising purposes.
Next to the stars is the redesign of the football, which is said to more closely mimic that of the Vince Lombardi Trophy—which was my first impression as well. Although I do think the illustration is an improvement, it’s my opinion that the more vertical placement creates an awkward interaction with the shield spire above it.
Moving on to the type, the new face shifts from a stylized serif, noticeable on the L, versus a slab serif. The change simplifies the type and makes it crisp. The increased white space surrounding the type also helps make this version more readable than its predecessors.
Finally, color. The new blue is darker and bolder which coupled with the current red, makes the mark very bold. For football, a bold impression is the key.
Other sports articles:
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
It’s cool in the fact that it mimics the Lomardy Trophy, but I liked the old font and the old logo a little better becasue there was more involved, this ones plain. If they just changed the football and left the fonts the same i think that would have looked the best and made a great combo. Thts just my opinion.
Hello from Sweden, just wanted to say great article! I try to visit your blog atleast once a week
I’m an avid football fan so I found this post to be really interesting. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to post ! I’ll be adding your site to my newsreader and letting my users know about your site as well.
thank!
John
I’m a big football fan too – also a graphic designer. I would have totally axed the new logo if it had come across my desk. I’d agree with Joe in that a simple change – like only the football – would have been a much better idea. I’m torn between the gagillion stars for 8. I like the 8 stars for simplicity and that they represent the divisions and not each individual team. I’m sure the stars were the main reason they felt it was dated in the first place. I like the old font MUCH better. My take on the whole thing.
I think the old NFL logo is better because it represents alot of history and it stood for 38 years.It represents all the teams that was in the NFL,now it represents all 8 divions.That logo wents though alot of time era’s including the Vince lombardi era.It was made by former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.It make the super bowl trophy look original.