The trade winds have stopped blowing. Rosters are fat and, for now, intact. After a long season and intense run through free agency and the draft, we’ve arrived at the NFL’s doldrums.
That means it’s time for subjective arguments about things that do not matter. Recently, that’s covered jersey designs and alternate helmets. Today, we’re diving into helmet logos.
A proper logo should be iconic and capable of withstanding the eroding forces of time. The best ones will be immediately recognizable in old NFL Films productions and, in slightly altered form, on the uniforms of local high schools across the country. The worst will stick around for a while, ushered out with a big offseason reveal, then brought back decades later in hopes the years have softened our stance on a logo that was far ahead of its time or, possibly, well behind.
Fortunately, there are few helmet designs that qualify as anything worse than mediocre. The vast majority of this ranking comes down to separating the “good” from the “pretty good.” Almost everything outside the bottom three is a pretty solid look; it just so happens that solid can’t compete with long lasting icons that have gone on to transcend the game.
Unlike our last logo ranking, this one will take into account how that logo (or, in the Cleveland Browns’ case, lack thereof) flows with the helmet itself. And remember, this is all subjective and judged by a one-man panel composed solely of Rhode Island dads with awful taste. Please note that any ranking you disagree with is one I made entirely out of spite for you and your favorite team.
32
New England Patriots
Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) reacts after a play ]in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The truly stupid logo of a disembodied head in a tricorner hat, streaking across the sky after being shot from a cannon.
31
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry (96) celebrates his sack of Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young with linebacker Arden Key (49) late in the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Denny Simmons/The Tennessean/USA TODAY NETWORK
What used to kinda look like a thumbtack riding a comet now kinda looks like the Tesla logo riding a comet, thanks to the changing world around it. Tennessee has rolled with this since moving east and it’s just sorta… there.
30
Washington Commanders
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Jay Tufele (97) blocks Washington Commanders guard Braeden Daniels (79) during the NFL preseason week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in Landover, M.D., on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.
This franchise has been in a state of flux the last five years, going through a name change and, finally, ditching the worst owner in professional sports. Eventually the Commanders will get around to a rebrand that looks like something more than a phone app you never open.
29
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Jake Camarda #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chase McLaughlin #4 celebrate after a field goal during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992297 ORIG FILE ID: 1701353825
The slate and red are nice complementary colors, and making the football creamsicle orange is a proper nod to the past. I’m still not completely sure why they sized it so certain pictures look like someone’s “if this Tweet gets 100 likes, I’ll make the logo bigger” social media prompt.
28
Houston Texans
Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) walks off the field after an apparent injury during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
It incorporates various elements of Texas well without standing out in any specific way. It’s… fine.
27
Denver Broncos
Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates his second interception with Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Look, it’s fine. It’s very 90s stylized, but it’s not bad on its own. Taking into account the damn near perfect helmet it replaced? Baaaaaaad.
26
Jacksonville Jaguars
Oct 8, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) jumps into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL International Series game against the Buffalo Bills at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
Slightly cartoonish and the teal tongue feels a little forced. Still, it’s pleasant.
25
Miami Dolphins
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) meets with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) following the 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
This sleek redesign would be fine if not for the glory it replaced. Bring back the dolphin in the helmet.
24
Cleveland Browns
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a good look, but there’s no logo here. Is the absence of a logo a logo itself? After all, if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. Or was Rush just way off on this one?
23
Seattle Seahawks
Nov 12, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) celebrates with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) after throwing a touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Angry birds make great helmet logos. Though Seattle could use a stripe to keep the mirrored effect in the back separate. It looks like a Catdog configuration of raptors, which only leads to more questions.
22
Kansas City Chiefs
Nov 5, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany, ; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) greets Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) after an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
It looks great from afar. Up close, it’s a little more dated. Still, it gets the message across.
21
Arizona Cardinals
Aug 11, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy (12) throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Simple and solid. If you’re a high school team called the “Cardinals,” you’re torn between quietly copying this logo or Louisville’s.
20
Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 17: Christian McCaffrey #22 celebrates with teammate Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
A very 90s look but one worth keeping. It was weird when the University of Pittsburgh came out with a remarkably similar blank-eyed panther two years later, right?
19
Baltimore Ravens
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Totally fine, if a little busy. It’s also vastly superior to this year’s slightly weird, front-facing Raven alternate logo. It feels like we’ll appreciate this design more as time goes on
18
Philadelphia Eagles
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
A proper, often replicated design. This loses points for eschewing the perfect Kelly green of the past.
17
San Francisco 49ers
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 21: A San Francisco 49ers helmet on the bench during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 21, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775676516 ORIG FILE ID: 1354756523
Timeless. Unlike these unused alternates, which rightfully never saw any actual game duty.
16
Green Bay Packers
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) and guard Jon Runyan (76) react after a touchdown by Love against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Basic and old school, just like the Packers. It’s boring, but the contrast of colors (with an assist to the helmet stripe) make this all work even if it weren’t a nod to more than 60 years of tradition.
15
Indianapolis Colts
Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) runs the ball during the second quarter of the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a little simple, but simple works — especially with those A+ shoulder stripes.
14
New York Jets
via NewYorkJets.com
New York went back to its tail-finned, Sack Exchange-era logo and it’s an upgrade.
13
New York Giants
Oct 22, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Giants backup quarterback Tommy DeVito before the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
The underlined “GIANTS” is superior to the stylized “NY.” Both are good, however.
12
Atlanta Falcons
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 24: Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992234 ORIG FILE ID: 1621181220
It’s not as clean as the logo that preceded it — and Secret Base pointed out it kinda/sorta tracks the team’s losses since its inception — but Atlanta’s bird of prey continues to radiate coolness. The original falcon would have ranked higher.
11
Detroit Lions
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions reacts after catching a pass for a first down during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776080237 ORIG FILE ID: 1968689574
It’s undergone a few small tweaks since 1970 — in 2009 the lion got fangs and an eye! — but there’s no shading the simple cleanness of this logo. The colors look great together and there’s no mistaking what you’re looking at here.
10
Los Angeles Rams
Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops to throw during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
A great, timeless look that’s either hindered or helped by the texture-adding negative space stripe in the middle. I can’t decide which.
9
Minnesota Vikings
Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates his touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710607 ORIG FILE ID: 20231023_tdc_ai9_0065.JPG
Who cares if the actual Vikings may never have worn horned helmets? These rule.
8
Buffalo Bills
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
The lack of background makes it look like a big, furry meteor is streaking across a cloudy sky. That’s the way I like to imagine it, at least.
7
New Orleans Saints
Dec 17, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) gestures during the first half against the New York Giants at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The non-Musketeer reason why thousands of elementary school students know the fleur-de-lis. The colors are dynamite, as is the logo’s ties to New Orleans’ French history.
6
Dallas Cowboys
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Would the Cowboys have been as successful as they were in the 1970s or 1990s with a cartoon gunslinger on their helmet? Science and statistics may say no, but in that case science and statistics would be wrong.
5
Chicago Bears
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 10: Montez Sweat #98 of the Chicago Bears reacts during the second half in the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on December 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992450 ORIG FILE ID: 1845637588
Old school iconic and a wonderful contrast of colors. I don’t know why making the letter “C” look like an uncorked lemon was a thing back in the early 1900s, but I’m glad it persisted.
4
Cincinnati Bengals
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – AUGUST 26: Running back Jacob Saylors #34 of the Cincinnati Bengals rushes the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 26, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Bengals throwback logos are fine, but these tiger stripes? For too long they were the second best thing about Cincinnati, behind cinnamon in chili (and, similarly, chili on noodles).
3
Las Vegas Raiders
Dec 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) stiff-arms New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) on the way to scoring a touchdown at the end of the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The perfect icon for the brutes that thrived under John Madden. The success didn’t persist, but the logo remains so, so damn cool.
2
Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) is stopped by Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter (93) and linebacker Josh Woods (10) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pickett left the game with an injury. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
A perfect tribute to the industry that made Pittsburgh. Sure, it’s basically a carbon copy of the Steelmark. That doesn’t make it any less great.
1
Los Angeles Chargers
Jan 7, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick (2) hands off to running back Austin Ekeler (30) during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710765 ORIG FILE ID: 20240107_ojr_rb5_077.JPG
The perfect lightning bolt. The ideal contrast of yellow and powder blue. The strong, but not distracting player numbers. Beautiful.
