u/jSNOW_wWHITE

ARCHERS

The Gateway Arch is the most unmistakable symbol in St. Louis. Archers turns that icon into an actual identity instead of just naming the team after a landmark. It’s St. Louis, easy to understand, and gives us a visual world built around precision, range and striking first.

CLYDESDALES

Few things are more associated with St. Louis than the Clydesdales. The connection is obvious, but the football fit might be even better. Enormous draft horses built around strength, teamwork, pulling power and controlled force. It would be unapologetically St. Louis and unlike anything else in the league.

HARRIERS

The Northern Harrier is a bird of prey present in St Louis, giving us a natural aggressive sports identity. The AV-8B Harrier II also has a real McDonnell Douglas/St. Louis aerospace connection. That lets the franchise live simultaneously in St. Louis aviation history and a legitimate animal identity.

KINGS

I tend to avoid generic names but this is to layered. St. Louis is literally named for King Louis IX, so Kings begins with the name of the city itself. Then it keeps layering: St. Louis is America’s chess capital, where the king is the most important piece, and the city’s brewing history gives us the famous “King of Beers” connection. Three completely different pieces of St. Louis all land on the same word.

LOUPS

Another great layer. “Loup” is French for wolf. St. Louis was founded as a French settlement, the city is commonly called “The Lou,” and the St. Louis area also has a significant wolf-conservation connection. So “Loups” gives us wolves without using a generic Wolves name, while turning the city’s French roots and its own nickname into something that feels uniquely St. Louis.

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Last poll got 199 votes. Let's see if Bills fans can outdo the Packers fans.

I was going to leave Buffalo until much later, but after Nickel City, they've earned a new identity.

Enough with the wordplay, Buffalo Bill and Buffalo Nickel, which have nothing to do with the city. I know if they got a team in 2026 they'd just go with Wings, but let's do them 1 better.

STEELHEAD

Western New York is one of the best steelhead fishing regions in the country, with Lake Erie and its tributaries drawing anglers from all over. They’re powerful, built for brutal water and fight like hell going upstream. Plus Steelhead gives us the double meaning of the fish and Buffalo’s blue-collar steel history.

HOARFROST

Probably the weirdest name in the group, but maybe that's why I like it. Hoarfrost is the heavy, jagged frost that builds up when water vapor freezes directly onto a surface. It turns everything into this almost alien frozen landscape. For a city that gets absolutely hammered by winter, there’s something very Buffalo about embracing the cold instead of running from it.

BOOM

This one comes directly from the Lake Erie–Niagara River Ice Boom, the massive system installed every winter to control ice flowing from Lake Erie into the Niagara River. It also works with Niagara’s roar, Buffalo’s industrial past and just sounds violent.

CARVERS

Niagara has spent thousands of years literally carving the Niagara Gorge out of solid rock. But there’s another local connection: the Buffalo–North Tonawanda area became one of America's great carousel-manufacturing centers, producing thousands of hand-carved wooden carousel animals. Nature carved the region, and generations of Western New Yorkers made a living carving things themselves.

REGULATORS

Buffalo has spent its history dealing with forces and figuring out how to control them for their advantage instead. Niagara gets harnessed for power. The Ice Boom regulates the flow of ice. Water, shipping and electricity all get controlled and put to work. Regulators grew out of that idea: don't stop the force, control it. And yes... Regulators, mount up.

STAMPEDE

Probably the most straightforward name here. It finally embraces the animal everybody already associates with Buffalo without just becoming another team called the Buffaloes or Bisons. A stampede is massive, violent and almost impossible to stop once it gets moving. It also gives the franchise an immediate visual identity while still letting us completely reinvent what a Buffalo football team looks like.

View Poll

Last poll for 199 votes. Let's see if Bills fans can outdo the Packers fans.

I was going to leave Buffalo until much later, but after Nickel City, they've earned a new identity.

Enough with the wordplay, Buffalo Bill and Buffalo Nickel, which have nothing to do with the city. I know if they got a team in 2026 they'd just go with Wings, but let's do them 1 better.

STEELHEAD

Western New York is one of the best steelhead fishing regions in the country, with Lake Erie and its tributaries drawing anglers from all over. They’re powerful, built for brutal water and fight like hell going upstream. Plus Steelhead gives us the double meaning of the fish and Buffalo’s blue-collar steel history.

HOARFROST

Probably the weirdest name in the group, but maybe that's why I like it. Hoarfrost is the heavy, jagged frost that builds up when water vapor freezes directly onto a surface. It turns everything into this almost alien frozen landscape. For a city that gets absolutely hammered by winter, there’s something very Buffalo about embracing the cold instead of running from it.

BOOM

This one comes directly from the Lake Erie–Niagara River Ice Boom, the massive system installed every winter to control ice flowing from Lake Erie into the Niagara River. It also works with Niagara’s roar, Buffalo’s industrial past and just sounds violent.

CARVERS

Niagara has spent thousands of years literally carving the Niagara Gorge out of solid rock. But there’s another local connection: the Buffalo–North Tonawanda area became one of America's great carousel-manufacturing centers, producing thousands of hand-carved wooden carousel animals. Nature carved the region, and generations of Western New Yorkers made a living carving things themselves.

REGULATORS

Buffalo has spent its history dealing with forces and figuring out how to control them for their advantage instead. Niagara gets harnessed for power. The Ice Boom regulates the flow of ice. Water, shipping and electricity all get controlled and put to work. Regulators grew out of that idea: don't stop the force, control it. And yes... Regulators, mount up.

STAMPEDE

Probably the most straightforward name here. It finally embraces the animal everybody already associates with Buffalo without just becoming another team called the Buffaloes or Bisons. A stampede is massive, violent and almost impossible to stop once it gets moving. It also gives the franchise an immediate visual identity while still letting us completely reinvent what a Buffalo football team looks like.

View Poll

So very disappointed we didn't cross 200 votes, but 199 across the 3 polls isn't bad.

The Axehandles (did anyone read the story behind that?) got 13 votes for 6.5%

The Wreckers (no Harley fans around here?) got 15 votes for 7.5%

The Northwoods (my personal favorite) got 22 votes for 11%

The Reapers (dual meaning for harvesting and original Grim Reaper got 37 votes for 18.%

And in a dead heat were the Muskies and the Hodags with 56 votes each and a total of 56% of the vote.

Because we ended with a dead tie and i really like one of the two, the winner is the Wisconsin Hodags!!

Some of you will have already seen the post about the Packers and their unfortunate financial struggles. And as part of the r/NFL\_Alternates League Rebirth project, they have to change identies anyways. I'm rebuilding the NFL as if the league were starting from scratch in 2026. That means Green Bay probably isn't getting an NFL team based on market size alone, but Wisconsin absolutely has a case.

So the Packers are gone.We're moving to Milwaukee, but likely going with a Wisconsin name. The following are the highly curated new possible names:

NORTHWOODS

Wisconsin wilderness. Dense forests, lakes, logging history, hunting, fishing and brutal winters. Deadfall, and blue collar workers risking their lives to create industry. It's not an object, it's an identity.

REAPERS

The obvious connection is the state's agricultural history and the people and machinery that harvested its fields. But Wisconsin Reapers has a darker second meaning. One of the earliest known printed uses of "Grim Reaper" appeared in the Milwaukee Evening Courier in 1847.

HODAGS

Straight out of Wisconsin folklore. The Hodag legend originated in Rhinelander in the in the late 1800s and grew into one of the state's most recognizable mythical creatures. Strange, aggressive, unmistakably Wisconsin, and something no other market can claim.

AXEHANDLES

Honoring Wisconsin's historic lumber industry without going with the obvious Lumberjacks or Bunyans. Axehandles takes the identity toward the tools, craftsmanship and toughness of the people who worked the woods. And, the Axehandles Hound story.

MUSKIES

Wisconsin's state fish and one of the defining symbols of their fishing culture. Muskies are huge freshwater predators known for their aggression, rarity and difficulty to catch—the famous "fish of 10,000 casts." This would recognize the Great Lakes without making them the entire concept.

WRECKERS

Milwaukee motorcycle and manufacturing history. Harley-Davidson was born in Milwaukee and early factory racing teams became known as the "Wrecking Crew." Wreckers takes that history and turns it into a tough identity built around machinery, speed and Milwaukee-made power.

View Poll

Some of you will have already seen the post about the Packers and their unfortunate financial struggles. And as part of the r/NFL\_Alternates League Rebirth project, they have to change identies anyways. I'm rebuilding the NFL as if the league were starting from scratch in 2026. That means Green Bay probably isn't getting an NFL team based on market size alone, but Wisconsin absolutely has a case.

So the Packers are gone.We're moving to Milwaukee, but likely going with a Wisconsin name. The following are the highly curated new possible names:

NORTHWOODS

Wisconsin wilderness. Dense forests, lakes, logging history, hunting, fishing and brutal winters. Deadfall, and blue collar workers risking their lives to create industry. It's not an object, it's an identity.

REAPERS

The obvious connection is the state's agricultural history and the people and machinery that harvested its fields. But Wisconsin Reapers has a darker second meaning. One of the earliest known printed uses of "Grim Reaper" appeared in the Milwaukee Evening Courier in 1847.

HODAGS

Straight out of Wisconsin folklore. The Hodag legend originated in Rhinelander in the in the late 1800s and grew into one of the state's most recognizable mythical creatures. Strange, aggressive, unmistakably Wisconsin, and something no other market can claim.

AXEHANDLES

Honoring Wisconsin's historic lumber industry without going with the obvious Lumberjacks or Bunyans. Axehandles takes the identity toward the tools, craftsmanship and toughness of the people who worked the woods. And, the Axehandles Hound story.

MUSKIES

Wisconsin's state fish and one of the defining symbols of their fishing culture. Muskies are huge freshwater predators known for their aggression, rarity and difficulty to catch—the famous "fish of 10,000 casts." This would recognize the Great Lakes without making them the entire concept.

WRECKERS

Milwaukee motorcycle and manufacturing history. Harley-Davidson was born in Milwaukee and early factory racing teams became known as the "Wrecking Crew." Wreckers takes that history and turns it into a tough identity built around machinery, speed and Milwaukee-made power.

View Poll

Some of you will have already seen the post about the Packers and their unfortunate financial struggles. And as part of the r/NFL_Alternates League Rebirth project, they have to change identies anyways. I'm rebuilding the NFL as if the league were starting from scratch in 2026. That means Green Bay probably isn't getting an NFL team based on market size alone, but Wisconsin absolutely has a case.

So the Packers are gone.We're moving to Milwaukee, but likely going with a Wisconsin name. The following are the highly curated new possible names:

NORTHWOODS

Wisconsin wilderness. Dense forests, lakes, logging history, hunting, fishing and brutal winters. Deadfall, and blue collar workers risking their lives to create industry. It's not an object, it's an identity.

REAPERS

The obvious connection is the state's agricultural history and the people and machinery that harvested its fields. But Wisconsin Reapers has a darker second meaning. One of the earliest known printed uses of "Grim Reaper" appeared in the Milwaukee Evening Courier in 1847.

HODAGS

Straight out of Wisconsin folklore. The Hodag legend originated in Rhinelander in the in the late 1800s and grew into one of the state's most recognizable mythical creatures. Strange, aggressive, unmistakably Wisconsin, and something no other market can claim.

AXEHANDLES

Honoring Wisconsin's historic lumber industry without going with the obvious Lumberjacks or Bunyans. Axehandles takes the identity toward the tools, craftsmanship and toughness of the people who worked the woods. And, the Axehandles Hound story.

MUSKIES

Wisconsin's state fish and one of the defining symbols of their fishing culture. Muskies are huge freshwater predators known for their aggression, rarity and difficulty to catch—the famous "fish of 10,000 casts." This would recognize the Great Lakes without making them the entire concept.

WRECKERS

Milwaukee motorcycle and manufacturing history. Harley-Davidson was born in Milwaukee and early factory racing teams became known as the "Wrecking Crew." Wreckers takes that history and turns it into a tough identity built around machinery, speed and Milwaukee-made power.

View Poll

Initially I felt bad about this, but because the Packers subreddit refused to accept my post they have lost all say in the matter.

We all saw the news of financial disadvantages the Packers are facing. And in 2026 when im rebuilding an NFL_ALTERNATES universe there's no way Green Bay is even considered for a team. But Milwaukee has the means to save them and field a team. But the Packers aren't packing up and making this trip.

Now I know everyone outside the NFC North loves Green Bay and the Packers but join me in this make believe world where Packers and Cheeseheads are forbidden.

I curre have 4 names, but don't love any. The financial backers of this new franchise are offering a substantial monetary reward for the name that is chosen from this naming contest.

You can choose Milwaukee or the broader Wisconsin name. Give me your best, unique team name.

As I'm working on completing some teams right now, one being a relocation, I have my 36 team league laid out with the following.

Relocation

Current Giants into NYC. No more having a NY team in NJ.

Current Jets into Jersey proper. It's going to be in NJ and be a NJ team

Current Chargers back to San Diego. This is already the Stormbreakers.

Current Baltimore to St. Louis. Too many teams in that area already and if one has to go... well fuck Baltimore.

# Expansion

Portland

Toronto

Salt Lake City

Oklahoma City

Possibly, if I can figure out a 40 team layout and divisions we continue our North American international expansion with:

Montreal

Vancouver

Monterrey

Mexico City

Name my San Diego alternate NFL team?

Original poll at r/NFL_Alternates

As my system has progressed, I am no longer accepting anything prior to Ramblers as having been done. While I have been working out the kinks in the Invictos logos, i have also decided that the Chargers are leaving LA and moving back to SD, but under a new identity.

The goal wasn't just to find a cool name, but to find an identity that feels like it actually belongs in my alternate NFL.

These are the finalists and why they survived:

Stormbreakers – Coolest sounding name to me. Represents the raw power of Pacific storms and a team that attacks the storm instead of running from it.

Destroyers – San Diego is one of the Navy's major destroyer homeports. Aggressive, powerful, and probably the most traditional football identity of the group.

Blackwater – Inspired by the deep Pacific beyond the continental shelf, where the ocean suddenly falls away into darkness. Abyss. Mysterious, intimidating, and probably the strongest visual identity so far. In my alternate universe we will ignore the military contractors ever existed.

Dorados – The wildcard. Named after the brilliantly colored Pacific fish (mahi-mahi). Fast, explosive, and unlike anything else in the league (currently) with a completely unique color palette. Initially was just looking for an anima for traditionl but really ended up liking the path this took.

Breakwaters – Real San Diego inspiration. Massive structures built to stand against the Pacific. More defensive and resilient than Stormbreakers, but very authentic to the city. Think La Jolla and Silver Strand

Bluewater – The counterpart to Blackwater. Based on the open Pacific and the idea of a "Blue Water Navy." Cleaner, more classic, and more professional than the darker concepts while still being deeply tied to San Diego's maritime identity.

I'm interested in hearing which one you think has the most potential as a long-term NFL franchise, not just which name sounds coolest.

View Poll

As my system has progressed, I am no longer accepting anything prior to Ramblers as having been done. While I have been working out the kinks in the Invictos logos, i have also decided that the Chargers are leaving LA and moving back to SD, but under a new identity.

The goal wasn't just to find a cool name, but to find an identity that feels like it actually belongs in my alternate NFL.

These are the finalists and why they survived:

Stormbreakers – Coolest sounding name to me. Represents the raw power of Pacific storms and a team that attacks the storm instead of running from it.

Destroyers – San Diego is one of the Navy's major destroyer homeports. Aggressive, powerful, and probably the most traditional football identity of the group.

Blackwater – Inspired by the deep Pacific beyond the continental shelf, where the ocean suddenly falls away into darkness. Abyss. Mysterious, intimidating, and probably the strongest visual identity so far. In my alternate universe we will ignore the military contractors ever existed.

Dorados – The wildcard. Named after the brilliantly colored Pacific fish (mahi-mahi). Fast, explosive, and unlike anything else in the league (currently) with a completely unique color palette. Initially was just looking for an anima for traditionl but really ended up liking the path this took.

Breakwaters – Real San Diego inspiration. Massive structures built to stand against the Pacific. More defensive and resilient than Stormbreakers, but very authentic to the city. Think La Jolla and Silver Strand

Bluewater – The counterpart to Blackwater. Based on the open Pacific and the idea of a "Blue Water Navy." Cleaner, more classic, and more professional than the darker concepts while still being deeply tied to San Diego's maritime identity.

I'm interested in hearing which one you think has the most potential as a long-term NFL franchise, not just which name sounds coolest.

View Poll