The Tennessee Titans are gearing up for a full-scale rebrand in 2026 - and if this week’s leak is any indication, the early returns from fans are... less than enthusiastic.
A merchandise listing on Fanatics briefly showed what appeared to be the Titans’ new logo before it was quickly pulled down. But not before the internet got a good look.
Screenshots spread like wildfire across social media, with local podcast 2nd & Victory spotting the leak and posting it to X. From there, things escalated quickly.
A report from A to Z Sports later confirmed what many suspected: the logo is real and part of the Titans’ broader redesign plans. The franchise is reportedly leaning harder into its Oilers-inspired roots - think more of the lighter “Titans blue” as the primary jersey color, increased red accents, and a step away from the navy helmets that have been a staple in recent years.
But while the color shift might appeal to fans of the franchise’s Houston heritage, the logo itself is what really got people talking - and not in a good way.
NFL writer Mike Straw’s post calling the logo “one of the worst in the NFL” drew hundreds of thousands of views. His criticism?
A minimalist, circular design that, in his words, “continues the absolutely terrible trend of minimalism in sports.” And based on the replies, he wasn’t alone.
Fans piled on, calling the logo bland, generic, and a downgrade from the current flaming “T” that’s been the face of the Titans since the late ’90s.
To be fair, logo leaks are always tricky. Without full context - uniforms, helmet designs, alternate marks - it’s hard to judge the complete vision. But first impressions matter, and this one clearly didn’t land with large portions of the fanbase.
The timing of the leak didn’t help, either. The Titans are coming off another frustrating season, and fans just watched former head coach Mike Vrabel appear on the Super Bowl stage - only now he’s with the New England Patriots.
The franchise is in the middle of a transition, both on the field and off it, and a rebrand is supposed to signal a fresh start. Instead, it’s sparked a wave of online criticism.
Adding an extra layer of emotion? The leak dropped on February 14 - Valentine’s Day - and just a day after what would’ve been the birthday of Steve McNair, the late, beloved quarterback who led the Titans through their most iconic era.
For many fans, McNair represents the heart of Titans football. So when the team’s new visual identity leaked on the same week, it felt like a jarring contrast to the legacy he helped build.
As of now, the Titans haven’t officially confirmed the redesign, and there’s still time for tweaks before the full rollout. But one thing’s clear: this leak has already become one of the most talked-about branding stories of the NFL offseason - and not for the reasons the team probably hoped.
We’ll see how the final look comes together, but for now, the Titans’ new era is off to a rocky start in the court of public opinion.