An iconic figure in Cleveland sports is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
The Browns have officially made Brownie the Elf the new midfield logo at FirstEnergy Stadium ahead of their home opener against the Jets this Sunday. Brownie was declared the winner of an online poll that let fans pick which logo would be used for home games throughout the 2022 NFL season.
The team unveiled its new field design to fans on Tuesday.
the people have spoken 🏟 pic.twitter.com/TYOBd59So8
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 13, 2022
Browns fans will already be very familiar with the longtime mascot. But others might be wondering, what is Brownie the Elf, exactly?
MORE: NFL picks, predictions for Week 2 — Will Browns move to 2-0?
What is Browns mascot Brownie the Elf?
A "brownie" is actually a mythical creature from English and Scottish folklore. It's an elf or fairy that inhabits houses and comes out at night to help out with chores around the place — pretty much an ideal roommate.
Brownie has a long and storied history as a symbol of the Browns franchise, dating all the way back to the very early years of the team.
Back in the 1940s, the newly founded Browns were dominating the All-American Football Conference (an early challenger to the NFL). Owner Arthur McBride was pleased with the success, but wanted to improve the team's branding to increase off-field visibility. He asked the citizens of Cleveland to submit mascot logos that would help the team stand out.
After much deliberation, McBride chose Brownie the Elf as the team's mascot, and the rest is history. No one is sure exactly who came up with the concept and illustration, but it's been used on Browns tickets and merchandise ever since.
MORE: What's new with NFL broadcast crews for 2022 season
Brownie has long patrolled the sideline in Cleveland as a costumed mascot, but 2022 is the first time he'll be painted on the field itself. The Browns had been the only NFL team without a midfield logo since 2016, when they decided to remove their classic helmet design from the turf.
The move has been met with excitement by the Browns faithful, and they'll be hoping to commemorate Brownie's debut at midfield with a win against the Jets.