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This Sunday, many of us will be glued to the television to enjoy the most important pro football game of the year. I’m intrigued by this season’s matchup; I knew that the Cardinals had never been to a Super Bowl, while the Steelers had won more than their share of Vince Lombardi trophies. Upon doing some research on the origins of these two NFL franchises, however, I got so confused that I had to resort to creating icons for team names.
The key might not help, but here’s what I came up with. These aren’t all the NFL teams, mind you, just the ones referred to in the article.
Now, here’s where we put these icons to good use!
NOTE: If the below text is difficult to read on your monitor, click here to open a better-quality PDF version of the same document.
Comments (16)
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…but a staley is a horse.
posted by steven on 1-29-2009 at 2:28 pm
True, I could’ve used a horse. But a soybean plant is funnier. That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mister Ed.
posted by Sandy Wood on 1-29-2009 at 2:33 pm
Not quite right about St. Louis. The Cardinals moved out in 1988, but the Rams didn’t move in until 1995.
posted by Eric Y. on 1-29-2009 at 2:41 pm
You’re right, Eric. Nice catch. I’ll make the fix.
posted by Sandy Wood on 1-29-2009 at 2:45 pm
Seems easy enough. I’ve always wished there were more professional teams called the Professionals. It just makes sense, you know?
posted by Michael on 1-29-2009 at 2:58 pm
Uhm… Wow. How long did that take you, Sandy? Not only am I educated and confused in the same moment; but I’m impressed that a soybean and men in business suits represented men tackling eachother for a ball to make ‘touchdowns’. Hats off, San-Dandy.
posted by Kate on 1-29-2009 at 3:14 pm
GO STEELERS!!! SIX PACK HERE WE COME!!!!
posted by erin on 1-29-2009 at 3:15 pm
Go Steelers!!! :)
posted by anon on 1-29-2009 at 3:32 pm
Kate, it took me longer than I’d care to admit… especially since we’re very near our deadline for the next issue of the magazine.
Not much pops up when you go searching for graphics for “professionals,” so I figured I’d be literal about it.
I’m glad you enjoyed the piece, though. “Educated and confused” is exactly what I’d hoped to accomplish!
posted by Sandy Wood on 1-29-2009 at 3:38 pm
Seems appropriate that the oxymoronic Arizona Cardinals play in the oxymoronic University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.
posted by jonny on 1-29-2009 at 3:46 pm
Actually, it was the 1943 season and the Steeler combined with the Philadelphia Eagles to field a team. theyn played in Harrisburg that season.
posted by Edward on 1-29-2009 at 4:00 pm
The Steelers & Eagles did merge for one season, 1943. The Steelers/Cardinals merger was one year later, in 1944.
I considered bringing Philadelphia into the mix, since they joined the NFL the same year as Pittsburgh… and since they’re the team that the Cardinals beat to reach this year’s Super Bowl. But I was running out of icons. :)
posted by Sandy Wood on 1-29-2009 at 4:06 pm
Um, I may be slipping a little. But there is a franchise called the Bears. (In reference to your last sentence of the “history”) The Chicago Bears are still alive and well.
I’m not being critical, just pointing something out. Maybe I misunderstood.
I did want to note Sandy that keep the posts coming. I find myself engrossed in all your posts. Just keep them coming man.
posted by Nathan on 1-29-2009 at 5:55 pm
lol.. poor Chicago Bears.
I was raised a Steelers fan, but as an AZ resident and a fan of the underdog, I’ll try to even things up here -
Yay Cardinals!!! Woo Hoo!
posted by tiffany on 1-29-2009 at 6:32 pm
Nathan ~ That’s a tiger head in the last sentence…not a bear. :) Yo, Cincinnati.
Great piece Sandy!
Go Cardinals!
posted by AMR on 1-29-2009 at 9:52 pm
I wonder if reading Chinese ideograms is also easier than reading our letters.
posted by alfanje on 1-31-2009 at 9:12 am