Ravens field logo question?

Ravens fans, I was watching a replay of the playoff game against the Colts on NFL network yesterday. Great game. Hard fought and the Ravens kept Peyton Manning out of the end zone. Unfortunately the Colts got 5 field goals and won.

I was pulling for the Ravens back in 06 hoping for the AFC championship game at the Q with my Chargers. Unfortunately they lost to the Patriots the next day.

Anyhow I noticed the logo painted on the field and was wondering where that came from? I went to the Ravens site and could find nothing on it.

I'm not being critical of anything about the Ravens except the over the top extra stuff on that logo. The swoosh letters B and R in the middle is cool. I have vast experience in graphics and commercial art in my work and was thinking it's just a bit much with all the extra stuff that makes it look like a jousting shield from the dark ages?

Do any of you think it might be distraction to the players or audience? I mean we are watching football, not an advertisement for Sherwin Williams paint colors?

Most teams just put the logo that is on the helmet in the center of the field. The Raven on the helmet would look good.

Again, I'm not trying to start anything with Ravens fans it's just a question on esthetics.

Good luck Ravens in 08  

Thanks for the explanation. It's all good

Good luck Ravens & fans

So I was curious, and googled it. Now that I know...really cool history. Sometimes you just hafta ask.

Officially adopted by law on March 9, 1904, the Maryland State Flag is the only state flag based on heraldic emblems. The design of the flag is taken from the shield in the coat of arms of the Calvert family, the colonial proprietors of the state of Maryland. The coat of arms adopted by George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, included a shield that combined the yellow and black colors of his paternal family and the red and white colors of his maternal family, the Crosslands. (NOTE: There is contention that the red and white colors identified as those of the Crosslands is a misrepresentation. It is said that the colors are those of the Mynne family, the family name of Anne Calvert, wife of George Calvert.)

I could definitely see how it could be confusing if you didn't know it was the MD flag, I mean the Ravens colors are purple and black for the most part, so what's up with the checkered yellow and black and the red and white?

Im from the great state of MD so am very happy that the ravens adorn the MD Flag, kinda does send a message to the skins too :).  The skins should go play in ashburn, va, not MD.

PS- I guess the Redskins are grandfathered in because of the history of the team, but man, that is one racist team name.

coloring book design

history

The red and white cross pattern is from the Calvert family coat of arms, one of the original founders of Maryland, and the black and yellow pattern is from the Lord Baltimore coat of arms.  Unlike most state flags, the Mayland state flag has flair and is the most unique.

Lord Calvert and Lord Baltimore were mad pimpin' well before their time.

Naptown20