The Purdue Boilermakers, Purdue University’s sports teams, proudly wear their black and gold colors, representing their fierce competitive spirit. Recognized for their excellence in athletics, Purdue teams are supported by two iconic mascots: Purdue Pete, a tradesman wielding a mallet, and the Boilermaker Special, a locomotive symbolizing the university’s engineering heritage. These elements have been central to the identity of Purdue sports for decades, reflected in the evolution of their visual branding.

Meaning and History

The Boilermakers nickname originated in 1891 after Purdue's football team defeated Wabash College 44–0. Newspapers at the time referred to the team as "burly boiler makers," a nod to their strength and dominance. Prior to this, Purdue sports teams were called “corn huskers,” “blacksmiths,” or “cornfield sailors.” The nickname stuck and remains an enduring symbol of pride for Purdue University’s athletic programs, including football, basketball, baseball, and others.

1950–1970

In 1940, Purdue Pete was introduced as a muscular, smiling tradesman drawn by Art Evans for the university bookstore. The character evolved over time, and by 1950, Pete featured a yellow square hat, a T-shirt with a geometric "P," and a sledgehammer. The design emphasized the hardworking and determined spirit of Purdue athletes. In 1963, Pete’s appearance shifted to include bigger eyes and fuller cheeks, adding a touch of personality.

1970–1980

Purdue Pete underwent a redesign to achieve a more realistic athletic build. The logo retained his signature square hat and sledgehammer but presented a stronger, more goal-oriented image. Pete’s confident posture and refined proportions highlighted the dedication and strength of Purdue teams.

1980–1994

In this era, the Boilermaker Special locomotive became a central element of the logo. A flat, black-and-white illustration of a Victorian-era train with a prominent "P" symbolized Purdue’s engineering and agricultural legacy. The locomotive was a fitting emblem, connecting the university’s academic strengths with its athletic endeavors.

1994–1996

A more dynamic version of the locomotive logo debuted in 1994. It featured steam clouds and motion lines, creating a sense of movement. The "P" shifted to the front of the train, and a gold accent returned, linking back to earlier Purdue Pete designs. The team's name appeared in bold text, with "Purdue" on a black banner and the remaining text on a white background.

1996–2012

This redesign focused on a cohesive, powerful image of the locomotive. The gold accents became more pronounced, and the "Purdue" name was integrated into the train’s cowcatcher. The design conveyed strength and dynamism, enhancing the team’s identity.

2012–Today

The current logo is a bold, minimalistic design introduced in the early 2010s. It features an italicized, bracketed “P” in gold with a silver outline and a thick black border. The design is simple yet impactful, retaining the university's traditional black and gold color palette while introducing a modern, streamlined aesthetic. The tilted letter "P" adds a sense of motion and energy, reflecting the competitive nature of Purdue athletics.

Font and Color

The Purdue Boilermakers’ emblem has consistently featured black, gold, and white, symbolizing strength, power, and tradition. The shade of gold has varied from vibrant yellow to a muted tan over the years.

The typography has evolved from bold slab serif fonts to a more modern italicized style. The current design emphasizes movement and confidence, maintaining a connection to the team’s rich history while appealing to contemporary sensibilities.