The Rifleman Logo: A Vol Trad History Lesson
There's no doubt about it, tradition plays a huge part in both our company and The University of Tennessee.
Since the founding of our company on the UT campus, there was a question that kept popping up from those that understood our brand best. Fans wanted some timeless, classy apparel to support the Vols, something their dad and graddad would be proud to wear. Instead most merchandise they found being made for the Tennessee was flat bill hats, growling smokey logos, and polos with abrasively large Power T’s on them.
When we were approached several years ago by the University in an official capacity about possibly creating licensed products, we knew exactly what we wanted to create. Nothing says Classic Tennessee like the Rifleman logo. Featuring Davy Crockett wielding a hunting rifle and coonskin cap, it defines the name “Volunteer." The Rifleman Logo was introduced in 1983 and used as an alternate Volunteers logo until 1996, when it was placed in the Vault to make more room for the Power T. It was paired with the famous script featuring a star in the ‘O’ of VOLS. We’re sure you remember it. We can't forget it.
At the time that we initially introduced the Rifleman Collection a few years back, we focused on a couple of core products made specifically for those that remember sitting on their dad's shoulders during the Vol Walk, watching Johnny Majors lead his troops to battle while wearing their coonskin cap during the years affectionately known as "the Decade of Dominance," and the memory of shedding tears of joy when Peyton announced his return...with the Rifleman logo as his backdrop.
Now more than ever, we're excited about the collection and eager to expand as the demand for the concept has been beyond what we could have imagined. At Volunteer Traditions we are passionate about UT Sports history and want to see logos like these remain on new and old fans alike. Removing the “Star Vols” and leaving just the Rifleman has helped differentiate our brand on Polos & Tees.
It's a logo that reminds us of our past while ushering in the new era for Tennessee.
This season, we're expanding even further and the entire Rifleman Collection can be found below.
To view our entire selection of Vols Licensed Products click here