When the XFL first revealed their team identities in the leadup to the 2020 season, a lot of keen-eyed fans pointed out the similarities of the Houston Roughnecks logo and the former Houston Oilers. The similarities didn’t end there though, shortly before the 2020 season the Roughnecks unveiled their alternative logo, which then drew comparisons to the New England Patriots.
Unfortunately, it seems that fans weren’t the only ones to take notice. The NFL seeing the similarities decided to take the issue to court back in January, which has now lead us to where we are now.
This past Wednesday, newly filed court documents revealed that the XFL has abandoned the main oil derrick logo and their secondary logo as well.
What does this mean? Basically, the XFL can continue to use the Roughnecks moniker, but has decided not to pursue the legal challenges to secure the logos. The Tennessee Titans, who were previously the Houston Oilers, opposed the Roughnecks main derricks logo, and The Patriots opposed the secondary logo.
🚨UPDATE: @XFLRoughnecks logo battle with the #NFL.
According to docs filed on 4/7, the 2 logos used for clothing have been abandoned "with prejudice", which could mean another app for the logos cannot be made.
The opposition has now moved to the electronic apps for the logos. pic.twitter.com/PGElvmComG
— Josh Davis (@davisjosh20) April 7, 2021
With the recent news of discussions with the CFL, the XFL has placed their 2022 season on hold until talks are complete. The league still maintains that they’re targeting a return next year, but as time goes on it seems less and less likely.
Will you be scoring some Houston Roughnecks merch before it’s all gone? Do you think the XFL will create a new logo or identity for the Houston market? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
