You can't mention the Cleveland Browns without first mentioning dropping them off at the Super Bowl. Next in line, however, is Brownie the Elf.
If you don't know who I'm talking about, think if Red Forman from "That 70s Show" was a Keebler elf doing a Derrick Henry impression. Yeah, we're talking stiff arm. We're talking a secure hold on the football. We're talking a "Get the hell out of my way" scowl that's sure to make his fellow elves tremble in The North Pole employee flag football game.
So, who is Brownie? Browie is Cleveland Browns football. And after a nearly lenghty absence, he's making a glorious return.
Brownie the Elf to Be Cleveland Browns' Midfield Logo in 2022
would you just look at it ? pic.twitter.com/shcR27n0um
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 13, 2022
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Brownie won a fan vote to be Cleveland's midfield logo this season, beating two versions of the franchise's classic helmet logo along with a nicer, more triumphant version of himself. The football-playing elf was the original logo of the team back in the 1940s.
"We're super excited about the new midfield logo," said JW Johnson, Browns executive vice president and partner, per ESPN. "We really wanted to engage our fans in the process. ... We really wanted to get their involvement and hear what they have to say. We were able to pull off the new logo with the old-school Brownie logo."
I have to tip my cap to the Browns for getting the fan's opinion on this one. However, if they really wanted to prove they were a company franchise, they would've chosen the NFL shield. Roger Goodell is reportedly fuming.
Nonetheless, Brownie gives the Browns some personality. But who is Brownie? And why did the Browns choose him to be their mascot? Well, when your team is called the Browns, your options are limited. So, back in 1946, the franchise looked across the pond for inspiration.
Brownies are "household spirits" invented in Northern England that helped with chores and other household duties, but they only appeared at night. Apparently they're small, mischievous, ugly, wear hoods, pointed shoes and can disappear and reappear at will. Seeing as the franchise was named after legendary coach Paul Brown, then owner Mickey McBride needed a logo to market it his team. Alas, he landed upon Brownie.
Although the logo has been around for 76 years, this will be FirstEnergy Stadium's first new midfield logo since 2016.
"We love the helmet logo, but Brownie has been around for a long time," Johnson said. "I think people enjoy him, and we haven't really showcased him as much as we'd like to. Between myself and [Browns senior vice president of marketing and media] Brent Rossi, we decided that we should bring him back. It's been well-received."
The Browns and Brownie will make their home debut against New York Jets this Sunday.
