1. Denver Broncos: The Denver Broncos are a professional football team based in Denver, Colorado. Their team name is a reference to the wild horses, particularly mustangs, that roamed the region where Denver is located.
2. Cincinnati Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their team name was inspired by the fierce Bengal tigers, which are known for their agility and strength. Although "Bengals" typically refers to tigers, the team's logo and uniform colors pay homage to the American Saddlebred horse, a distinctive breed known for its elegance and athleticism.
3. Indianapolis Colts: The Indianapolis Colts are a professional football team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team's name is a nod to the city's rich horse racing tradition and its status as a hub for equestrian events. The Colts logo prominently features a horseshoe, symbolizing the strong connection between Indianapolis and the horse racing world.
4. Tulsa Golden Hurricane: The Tulsa Golden Hurricane is the college football team of the University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their nickname, "Golden Hurricane," was chosen in 1922 and is said to have been inspired by a powerful tornado that struck the city in the early 20th century. The term "Hurricane" is often associated with violent storms, but the team embraces the imagery of a wild, untamed force on the football field.
5. SMU Mustangs: The SMU Mustangs are the college football team of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Their name is a nod to the Mustang breed of horses, which are known for their speed, endurance, and spiritedness. The Mustangs' mascot is a live mustang named Peruna.
6. Charlotte 49ers: The Charlotte 49ers represent the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their name is derived from the year the university was founded, 1949. However, the team's logo and some of its branding materials feature a prancing horse, giving a subtle equine connection to the team's identity.
These teams have embraced the symbolism and imagery associated with horses, celebrating the qualities of speed, strength, agility, and untamed spirit that these magnificent animals represent on the football field.