Cardinals Alternate Logo

The Incarnate Word Cardinals have a long and storied history in NCAA athletics, and their alternate logo is no exception. For decades, the school has proudly displayed its iconic red bird mascot on everything from jerseys to hats to banners. But what many fans may not know is that this beloved image was once part of an entirely different logo system used by the school from 1996-2005.

In 1996, the university decided to create a new look for its athletic teams which featured two separate logos: one for football and another for all other sports. The primary football logo was based on traditional Catholic imagery with a rosary encircling an ornamental shield featuring three fleurs-de-lis above crossed swords; while all other teams sported an abstract cardinal head design set against a white background with “Incarnate Word” written across it in bold black lettering below it (the latter being known as "The Cardinal"). This dual branding strategy lasted until 2005 when both logos were replaced by one unified identity—the current incarnation of The Cardinal we know today!

Despite only lasting nine years before being retired again, this alternate version of The Cardinal holds special significance among alumni who experienced college life during those times—especially since some schools never even had such distinct identities at all! While there are still plenty of people who fondly recall these days gone by whenever they see our classic bird symbolize our spirit on game day or elsewhere around campus grounds, few remember exactly how we got here…until now that is!