As we continue our discussions about Deflategate and whatever other issues lay ahead for the National Football League — and for all other professional sports leagues, for that matter — would it be OK if we removed “protecting the shield” from the dialogue?
“Protecting the shield,” used in reference to the NFL logo, has been attributed to the league’s commissioner, Roger Goodell. And we all understand the message: In times of trouble, it’s important to be mindful of the greater good, which is a sound, competitive, money-making, nicely humming National Football League. Hence, “protecting the shield.”
Yes, the NFL logo does resemble a shield.