An old logo of a college football team that plays in Conference USA, the Sam Houston State Bearkats. The school began play in 1912 and has amassed 15 conference titles and a pair of small college national championships. Former Bearkats who have enjoyed pro football careers include Jimmy Hill, Michael Bankston, Guido Merkens, Josh McCown, Stan Blinka and Keith Davis.

The original logo of a team that came into existence in 1979, the Entertainment and Sports Network, better known as ESPN. The network, led by commentators like Bob Ley, Chris Berman, George Grande and the late Tom Mees, made the decision to air coverage of the NFL draft in 1980. Commissioner Pete Rozelle took the idea to the league owners, who overwhelmingly rejected it. Being the visionary he always was, Rozelle ignored the owners and told ESPN president Chet Simmons to air the draft as a news event, which the league would be powerless to stop. Needless to say, the draft has become a huge event that fans attend live and that not only ESPN but the NFL’s own network air each year.

Logo of a hockey team that played in the defunct World Hockey Association, the New York Raiders. The club existed from 1972 until 1974, but only played one season as the Raiders. After experiencing financial problems they were sold and the new owners rebranded them as the Golden Blades. That only lasted through a partial season, as the club was moved again, this time to New Jersey where they became the Jersey Knights, playing in an arena with a sloped ice surface that forced opponents to skate uphill 2 of the 3 periods. Players on the Raider roster included Wayne Rivers, Norm Ferguson, Ron Ward and Bobby Sheehan.

Logo of a baseball team from the Appalachian League, the Burlington Sock Puppets. Burlington, North Carolina  has a history of minor league baseball dating back to 1958, when they had the Burlington Indians in the Carolina League and were a Cleveland farm club. After minor league baseball was contracted during the Covid pandemic, the Appalachian League was reorganized as a collegiate summer league for rising freshman and sophomore players, and the Sock Puppets were born to represent Burlington. The nickname is a nod to the city’s textile heritage.

Logo of a college football team that plays in the Missouri Valley Conference, the Illinois State Redbirds. The school’s early teams, which began play in 1887, were known as the Fighting Teachers and the Cardinals, but were renamed the Redbirds in 1923. They have won 10 conference titles over the years. Former Redbirds who have played pro football include Mike Prior, Mike Rodenhauser, Dennis Nelson, Estus Hood, Aveion Cason, Shelby Harris, Laurent Robinson and James O’Shaughnessey.

Secondary logo of a college football team that plays in the FBS level Sun Belt Conference, the Texas State Bobcats. Playing in 6 different leagues and as an independent since 1904, the school formerly known as Southwest Texas State has won 2 Division II national championships. Former Bobcats who played pro ball include Spergon Wynn, Fred Evans, Ken Coffey, A.J. Johnson, Wade Key, Reece Morrison, Ty Nsekhe, Reggie Rivers, Ricky Sanders, Jim Stienke and Bobby Watkins.

Used from 1972 until 1999, this is an old logo of a college football team that plays in the Missouri Valley Conference, the North Dakota State Bison. They began play in 1894 and have claimed 17 national championships and 37 conference titles at the small school level. Amazingly, since 2011 the Bison have compiled a 149-12 record, a .925 winning percentage. They have had only 3 losing seasons since 1964. Former NDSU players who have played pro football include Tyrone Braxton, Stacy Robinson, Steve Nelson, Joe Mays, Ramon Humber, Phil Hansen, Craig Dahl and current players Trey Lance, Carson Wentz, Dillon Radunz and Christian Watson.

From SportsLogos.net, the logo of this year’s Super Bowl, which is Super Bowl LVII (57). The Kansas City Chiefs will represent the American Conference and do battle with the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. The game will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and will feature a matchup of two brothers playing against each other – Jason and Travis Kelce. It will also be the first Super Bowl played with both teams starting an African American quarterback – Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs and Philly’s Jalen Hurts.

Logo of a college football team that plays in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Alabama State Hornets. Their football program began play in 1901, and they have won 2 SWAC championships since joining the conference in 1982. The school has played an annual game on Thanksgiving since 1924, longer than the NFL has had the tradition. Hornet alumni who have played in the pros include Tarvaris Jackson, Reggie Barlow, Brad Baxter, Eddie Robinson, Zefross Moss, Curtis Green, Isaiah Crowell and Tyrone Rogers.

Used from 2002 until 2018, this is a logo of a college football team that plays in the Ivy League, the Cornell Big Red. The school, located in Ithaca, NY, began it’s grid program in 1887. They’ve won 5 national championships and 3 league titles. Former Big Red players who have spent time in pro football include Ed Marinaro, Kevin Boothe, Tex Coulter, Pete Gogolak, Frank Wydo, Gary Wood, Seth Payne, J.C. Tretter, Bo Roberson and Al Dekdebrun.