NFL Rumors: Did the Bears change their logo for the first time in 50 years?
The Chicago Bears are rebranding themselves ahead of the 2023 season. In a much more successful attempt than the Browns' giant elf rollout, the Bears have decided to switch things up just a tad.
Chicago is changing its primary logo from its traditional wishbone "C" to the vintage sketch of a bear. Both logos were affiliated with the Bears in years past, but the "C" logo has been the more oft-used of the two, displayed on the team's uniforms since 1962.
Now, the bear mascot will be the primary logo while the "C" will be the secondary logo.
But don't worry, Bears fans, the iconic wishbone "C" isn't going away.
According to NBC Sports, the Bears reportedly are keeping the "C" on players' helmets and on the 50-yard line at Soldier Field.
The move to make the bear mascot the primary logo is more of a semantical one, as stated in the team's official brand guidelines. If anything, the new bear logo will be used more in merchandise and apparel, affecting the fans more than the players.
"This minor change simply provides clarity for retail, media, and other team and league partners to start the creative process with the Bear head."
Chicago, finally coming out of the shadow of the Packers' Aaron Rodgers era in the NFC North, can start the 2023 season off with a roar.
NFL Rumors: Cowboys' Mike McCarthy gives most optimistic Tony Pollard update to date
The Cowboys and Tony Pollard don't seem to be making any headway on a future extension. That news will be for another day.
Instead, Dallas has a cautiously optimistic update on Pollard's health status after the star running back broke his leg and sprained his ankle in the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said he thinks Pollard is back and has overcome his injury issues. This offseason, Pollard has been taking baby steps on his road to recovery as the Cowboys ramp up his workload ahead of the start of the 2023 season.
In 2022, Pollard led the Cowboys' rushing attack in a breakout Pro Bowl campaign, racking up 1,007 yards on 193 carries. His pass-catching skills also make him a verifiable threat out of the backfield — let's just say Dallas wouldn't have released Ezekiel Elliott if the team didn't have full faith in its franchise-tagged star.
Pollard recently made headlines when he skipped practice for the second consecutive day on Tuesday; however, it turns out he was welcoming the birth of his second child.
The Cowboys hope Pollard continues to progress in his rehab in camp; should Pollard experience any kind of setback, the team may look to Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, and Deuce Vaughn to step up. With the Zach Martin strife looming above everyone's heads, Dallas sure could use a pick-me-up like seeing Pollard return to full health.
NFL Rumors: Jordan Love looking forward to a surprising aspect of Packers preseason
Packers quarterback Jordan Love has "Tubthumping" stuck in his head this offseason.
Or at least that's what one can assume after Love commented on what part of the game he's looking forward to in the Packers' preseason.
Green Bay's preseason opener will be against the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday. After the two teams apparently got into a practice scrum earlier this week, this exhibition match should not be lacking in intensity or ferocity. Both the AFC heavyweights and the new-and-Rodgers-less Packers side will bring on the competition.
Bad news for Love: he might get sacked. Good news for Love: he might get sacked.
The 2020 first-rounder shared some of his thoughts ahead of his first preseason game, and he said getting hit can help "prepare" him for the tough year ahead.
"I haven't been hit since last year. I'm never trying to get hit, that's never the goal, but it does prepare you, get your mind back in that live mentality."
Love has only started one game in his Packers career, so he really hasn't gotten sacked much at all compared to, say, Bengals' Joe Burrow. Green Bay's offensive line, anchored by veteran David Bakhtiari, should help keep Love upright, and the Packers' O-line corps is touted to be a top-10 unit in 2023.
The O-line did its job for Rodgers, thanks in part due to the veteran's shrewd pocket presence. Can Love work as well with his blockers in his first full season under center? One of Love's mantras heading into September may be: No pain, no gain.