Notre Dame unveils new football leprechaun logo

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame Athletics just gave fans a new look to talk about. For the first time ever, the school has released a football-specific version of the famous Fighting Irish Leprechaun.

The updated design is part of a larger plan with Under Armour, where every varsity sport will eventually get its own customized leprechaun logo. Football was the first to roll out and it comes just nine days before the season kicks off.

The new mark was created by Fighting Irish Media, with input from coaches, players, and alumni. Designers even drew inspiration from old photos and the playing styles of past Irish athletes.

Notre Dame says this is not a replacement for the classic logo. Instead, it’s a secondary design that will show up on the sidelines, on broadcasts, and on merchandise. Fans will see it, but not every game and not everywhere.

The original leprechaun logo was created back in 1964 by artist Theodore W. Drake, who was paid just $50 for the work.

It quickly became a national symbol, even landing on the cover of Time magazine that year. Now, more than 60 years later, it’s getting a fresh twist.

More sport-specific leprechaun logos are expected later this year, but Notre Dame hasn’t revealed which teams will be next. Merchandise with the football logo is already available online and in the campus bookstore, with Eddy Street shops expected to have it in October.