Home ›

Ask Athlon: Cleveland Browns

By: Patrick Snow | 8/22/12, 4:59 PM EDT

Q: I have a Cleveland Browns cap. The front of the hat says Browns and has a picture of a little man. Sort of looks like a leprechaun. What is the significance of the little man? Was that once their logo? I’ve never seen a little man on any of their team helmets/hats going back to 1957.

— Thomas Pichl, Matawan, N.J.

A: That little elfin creature is a brownie, a legendary creature from British folklore, and yes, he’s part of Browns folklore as well. Fans who referred to their team as the Brownies led the club to adopt the little fella as an emblem dating back to the dawn of Paul Brown’s franchise in 1946. Former owner Art Modell phased out the brownie emblem during the mid-1960s, but he’s made a bit of a comeback of late, appearing on some of the team’s sideline accessories.

— Rob Doster, Senior Editor

Have a question? Email us with any sports-related questions at editor@athlonsports.com
Please include first and last name, plus hometown.
 

COMMENTS

Contests & Promotions

Athlon Sports Fantasy Racing!
Enter the Athlon Sports Fantasy Racing game. Just head over to athlon.myfantasyracing.com and register for your chance to win a chance to watch a 2014 race from the grandstands. You'll also have a chance to win other amazing prizes such as an autographed Kyle Busch helmet.

Bracket Breakdown
Take your shot at $100,000 in the Athlon Sports Bracket Breakdown game. Sign up before March 21st to submit your bracket and your chance at perfection.

Authentic Hand Signed Sports Memorabilia
One of the nation's largest selections with over 7,500 in stock items. Guaranteed authentic from the trusted name in sports since 1967.

Popular Links