The Philadelphia Eagles are more than just a football team — they’re a symbol of persistence, intensity, and Philly pride. Over nearly a century, the team’s logo has evolved alongside its culture and identity. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply curious, one question comes up frequently: When did the Eagles change their logo, and what shaped these redesigns?
The Origins: From the New Deal to the First Eagle (1933–1935)
The Eagles were founded in 1933, and their earliest logo drew inspiration from the New Deal era “blue eagle” symbol.
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The first logo featured a blue eagle in flight clutching a football.
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Early team colors were light blue and yellow, very different from the green associated with the Eagles today.
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The design felt patriotic and tied closely to the cultural climate of the Great Depression.
The Green Era Begins (1936–1942)
In 1936, the Eagles introduced green — a color that would become central to their identity.
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The eagle was redrawn in a bold green tone, with sharper wings and a more streamlined shape.
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The football remained in the design, symbolizing the team’s roots.
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This redesign laid the foundation for nearly 90 years of green-focused branding.
Streamlining During Wartime (1942–1947)
During the World War II years, the logo became simpler.
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The eagle turned into a sleek green silhouette, emphasizing minimalist design.
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Detail was removed to create a cleaner, stronger emblem.
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This style matched the era’s preference for efficiency and bold shapes.
A Classic Flying Eagle (1948–1968)
From 1948 through 1968, the team used one of its most recognizable classic logos.
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The eagle returned with more detail and energy, once again clutching a football.
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White highlights added realism and depth.
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This version remained stable for nearly two decades, creating a strong visual identity for the growing fanbase.
Bold Geometry: The Stylized Look (1969–1972)
In 1969, the Eagles adopted a much more modern design influenced by graphic design trends of the time.
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The eagle became angular, geometric, and abstract.
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Straight lines and sharp angles dominated the new look.
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Although unique, this logo only lasted a few seasons due to mixed reception.
Helmet Wings & Minimalism (1973–1986)
During the 1970s and early 1980s, the Eagles simplified their identity dramatically.
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The full-body eagle was replaced by the famous silver wing design on the helmet.
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This became one of the most recognizable helmet designs in the NFL.
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The minimalistic approach reflected a shift toward cleaner aesthetics in sports branding.
Back to a Full Eagle: Left-Facing (1987–1995)
In 1987, the Eagles brought back a full eagle, but with new character.
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The eagle’s head faced left, which was unusual in NFL mascots.
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The palette included green, white, black, brown, and orange highlights.
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This design bridged the old-school look with a more modern, bright aesthetic.
A Major Redesign: Enter Midnight Green (1996)
The most defining modern logo change happened in 1996 — the version fans know today.
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The team introduced Midnight Green, replacing the old shade with a darker, bolder tone.
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The full-bodied eagle was replaced with a tough, stylized bald eagle head.
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Hidden in the feathers is a subtle letter “E”, a clever design nod many fans miss.
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The lettering shifted to a blocky, athletic style.
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This redesign was meant to modernize the Eagles and give them a more intimidating, polished look.
This is the major shift most fans refer to when asking, “When did the Eagles change their logo?”
Recent Update: New Wordmark (2022)
The iconic eagle head stayed the same for over 25 years — but in 2022, the team updated its official wordmark.
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The old spiked, heavily outlined “Eagles” text was replaced with a simpler, cleaner, modern typeface.
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The new wordmark appears in digital branding and promotional materials.
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Jerseys and on-field graphics may adopt the wordmark depending on league approval timelines.
This update reflects the league-wide trend of modernizing typography while keeping character illustrations unchanged.
Why the Left-Facing Eagle?
One of the most unique aspects of the Eagles’ logo is the direction the eagle faces.
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The left-facing orientation allows the feathers and negative space to form a stylized “E”.
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Many fans also interpret the leftward look as a symbol of vigilance — facing the competition.
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It’s a subtle but intentional artistic detail that sets the Eagles apart from other NFL team logos.
What This Means for Fans Today
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Fans wearing Midnight Green today are representing a design nearly 30 years strong.
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The 2022 wordmark refresh shows the Eagles are willing to evolve without losing their identity.
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Vintage Kelly Green gear is making a huge comeback thanks to nostalgia and its classic place in Eagles history.
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Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to the flock, understanding the logo’s evolution adds meaning to every jersey, hat, or banner.
So, when did the Eagles change their logo?
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Their most significant modern change happened in 1996, introducing the stylized eagle head and the Midnight Green color.
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Additional refinements, including the 2022 wordmark, show the evolution continues.
The Philadelphia Eagles' logo tells a story of growth — from a New Deal symbol to one of the boldest, sharpest identities in the NFL.