Mean Green Primary Logo

The North Texas Mean Green is one of the most recognizable college sports teams in the nation. The team's iconic logo has been a fixture on their uniforms and merchandise since they first started playing in 1923. But how did this classic design come to be? Let’s take a look at the history behind the North Texas Mean Green primary logo!

In 1987, after years of using various logos and designs, then-athletic director Rick Villarreal decided it was time for an upgrade. He tasked graphic designer Bill Johnson with creating something that could truly represent what it meant to be part of “Mean Green Nation”—a term coined by former head coach Hayden Fry during his tenure at UNT from 1976-1987.

After months of brainstorming, Johnson created two distinct versions: a shield version and an oval version featuring crossed swords as well as green stars representing each member school within the UNT system (North Texas State University–Denton; Dallas Baptist College; Denton Bible College; Arlington State College). Both were approved but ultimately only one made its way onto official apparel—the oval logo we know today!

Over three decades later, this classic design remains largely unchanged except for some minor tweaks over time such as switching out white stars for gold ones or adding shading around certain elements like lettering or star points (to make them stand out more). It also now features additional text beneath which reads "Established 1923" — honoring both when UNT officially became recognized as an institution AND when its football program began competing against other colleges/universities nationwide! This timeless symbol continues to serve not just athletics programs but all areas across campus including academics & student life initiatives too - making sure everyone knows they're part of something special here at North Texas Mean Green nation!