Every NFL team name has a story
Ever wondered how your favorite NFL team got its name? From fierce animals to local legends and hardworking traditions, these names did not appear out of nowhere. Each one carries history, pride, and a connection to the city it represents.
Some were inspired by regional culture, others by contests, newspapers, or even past teams. Once you learn the surprising origins behind these NFL names, you will never look at your team’s logo the same way again.
How the Arizona Cardinals got their classic name
The Arizona Cardinals kept their name through moves from Chicago to St. Louis and then to Arizona. The founder, Chris O’Brien, chose the color “Cardinal red” after the used jerseys faded to that tone, and the name stuck with the franchise for nearly a century.
Though they have yet to win a Super Bowl, the Cardinals came close with veteran quarterback Kurt Warner and dynamic wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald in 2008. That memorable season ended with a loss in Super Bowl XLIII, but the franchise’s name remains one of the oldest in professional football.
Why the Atlanta Falcons chose a fierce bird
When the city of Atlanta prepared to bring a team into the NFL in 1966, a local naming contest helped decide the outcome. A school teacher named Julia Elliott suggested Falcons because a falcon represents courage and fight, traits fans hoped their team would show on the field.
The name captured a sense of pride and dignity that tied into the spirited environment of professional football. Though the Falcons suffered a dramatic loss in Super Bowl LI after leading 28-3, their name still reflects strong ambition and grit.
The dark literary twist behind the Baltimore Ravens
After the Cleveland team relocated to Baltimore in 1996, focus groups and fans helped pick a new identity. The name Ravens was chosen for its connection to Edgar Allan Poe, the famed poet whose life and death were centered in Baltimore.
Drawing upon this literary link gave the team a distinct local flavor that connects to the city’s culture. The Ravens later captured two Super Bowl victories, establishing a strong legacy around their chosen moniker.
The wild west story of the Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills’ name goes back to a 1947 renaming contest for a team originally called the Bisons. The winning entry honored legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, and the name was reused when the city joined the AFL in 1960.
The Bills became known for reaching four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s. Though they fell short each time, their persistent identity still carries the spirit of their historic namesake.
How the Carolina Panthers roared into the NFL
Before the Panthers took the field in 1995, the Richardson family chose their name and team colors together. Black, blue, and silver were selected to match the powerful image of a panther prowling through competition.
Since entering the league, the Panthers have reached the Super Bowl twice but are still seeking their first championship. Their team name continues to symbolize strength and agility in every season.
Why the Chicago Bears embraced a powerful predator
The Chicago Bears began as the Decatur Staleys before moving to Chicago in 1920. Owner George Halas renamed the team the Bears on January 28, 1922, beginning a long legacy of success.
With 9 league championships and a Super Bowl victory in 1985, the Bears are one of the NFL’s historic franchises. Their name has become synonymous with rugged competitive spirit and deep roots in professional football history.
The striped inspiration behind the Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals picked their name in 1968 after considering the title “Buckeyes,” a nod to Ohio State. Instead, Paul Brown chose the Bengals to honor earlier Cincinnati football teams and create a unique identity.
Cincinnati reached two Super Bowls in the 1980s, where they fell to the San Francisco team led by Joe Montana. More recently, the Bengals earned AFC championship honors and played in Super Bowl LVI.
The simple yet unique story of the Cleveland Browns
A community naming contest before the Browns’ 1946 season produced the team name honoring Paul Brown. Though reluctant at first, Brown agreed to let the team carry his name because of the broad fan support behind it.
The Browns dominated in the 1950s and early ’60s but have not appeared in a Super Bowl. Their name remains a tribute to one of football’s early coaching legends and a beloved figure in Ohio sports history.
How the Dallas Cowboys became America’s team
Dallas’s NFL expansion team was initially going to be called the Rangers, but the owners worried about confusion with the existing Dallas Rangers baseball club. They renamed the team the Dallas Cowboys before they ever played a regular-season game.
Nicknamed “America’s Team” for their widespread fan presence, the Cowboys won five Super Bowls in the 1970s and ’90s. The name continues to evoke the spirit of the western frontier and broad popular appeal.
The frontier spirit behind the Denver Broncos
Denver’s franchise name came from a citywide contest in 1960, when the AFL awarded the city a team. The winning name, Broncos, echoed a Colorado baseball team from decades earlier and suggested wild strength.
Over the years, the Broncos became a core part of Denver culture and won three Super Bowls. Their name evokes rugged frontier imagery that matches the city’s western roots.
Fun fact: The Denver Broncos hold the record for the most overtime wins in NFL history since 1974, showing they excel in close, high-pressure games.
Why the Detroit Lions chose a king of the jungle
Detroit’s NFL team became known as the Lions in 1934 because ownership wanted a regal counterpart to the city’s baseball Tigers. The lion’s symbolic status as king of its domain aimed to project dominance.
Although the Lions have won four NFL championships before the modern merger, they are still seeking their first Super Bowl appearance. Their name carries a sense of pride and aspiration.
The blue‑collar roots of the Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ name reflects the team’s origins with local packing companies in Green Bay, which sponsored the franchise in 1919. This working-class connection gave rise to a name rooted in community tradition.
Green Bay has enjoyed great success, including four Super Bowl victories. Fans often call themselves “cheeseheads,” a playful homage to the region’s dairy culture that complements the Packers’ historic name.
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How the Houston Texans honored state pride
When Houston was awarded its expansion franchise in 2002, the ownership considered several names before choosing Texans. A live ESPN broadcast crowned the winner and cemented a team identity tied to state pride.
The Texans have yet to reach a Super Bowl, but their team name reflects Lone Star State heritage and regional vigor. Their identity remains deeply connected to fans who see the franchise as a symbol of Texas spirit.
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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