HACKENSACK, N.J. - FDU Athletics revealed Monday the Knights' new visual branding identity, leading the Burgundy and Blue into an exciting new era on the banks of the Hackensack.

Developed in partnership with VPCo., the new marks will take effect immediately and be prominently displayed throughout FDU's Metropolitan Campus.

"I'm excited to share with our student-athletes, campus community and Knights' fans the bold new look we've developed with our partners at VPCo. The new marks tell the story of our University, highlight what makes us unique and creates a visual presence that will be noticed in Division I athletics."

-Bradford Hurlbut, Director of Athletics

Hurlbut continued, "I thank Tim Rebich and Nick Irwin from VPCo. and Jason Young [Senior Associate Athletic Director] for all their work in creating a unifying presence to represent our 21 NCAA Division I programs and more than 300 current student-athletes."
Apparel featuring the new brand is now available at ShopFDUKnights.com, the Knights' official online store. FDU's on-campus bookstore will carry new merchandise in the coming weeks.

FDU's new identity consists of several marks with ties to features of the campus and institution. The primary logo consists of a flame-bladed sword, a nod to the Hackensack River and the waves Knights' student-athletes make in competitions, and tall letters reading 'FDU.' The sword is split with one half each colored white and blue to represent the Township of Teaneck and the City of Hackensack. The handle of the sword features a castle-like design, an ode to Iviswold, the castle on FDU's former campus in Rutherford, N.J.

Designed by Nick Irwin of VPCo. who served as the project lead, the font that makes up the tall "FDU" letters uses straight characters and sharp edges, intended to represent both the iconic roof of the Rothman Center and battle armor. The same font suite is used for the new Knights' wordmark.

Knightro, FDU's beloved mascot, has been reimagined and now stands proudly in a charging stance. The personified blue horse's shield highlights FDU's location in Northern New Jersey, while its mane is covered in battle gear.

The redesign process involved several working sessions comprised of Department staff, campus community members, current and former student-athletes and University leadership.

Alongside other complimentary elements, FDU's new identity will highlight the Department's mantra, "Champions Live Here." The Knights advanced to four NCAA team tournaments in 2022-23, while three track and field individuals advanced to NCAA Championships. The Burgundy and Blue captured three Northeast Conference tournament titles and three NEC regular season crowns this past year. Additionally, FDU celebrated the inaugural season of its women's lacrosse program, the 21st Division I team at the University. Men's basketball has gone on to win three NCAA tournament games since 2019 and women's basketball has appeared in back-to-back WNITs.

FDU has also worked with renowned Madison Flooring to introduce an exciting new design for the basketball and volleyball court inside Stratis Arena.

For the Knights, this is the first full brand change since 2004. FDU made the switch to a transitionary identity in the 2020-21 academic year.

About VPCo.
VPCo. is a creative consultancy for sports and entertainment.
 
We opened our drafty basement (yes, we started in a basement) doors in 2014 with the mantra of "Do It For The Story." Over the years, Nick Irwin and Tim Rebich have kept that at the center of all work for global brands, local sports teams, fan groups, collegiate athletics, media empires and Guy Fieri.
 
Through brand building and sponsorship creative strategy, VPCo. elevates the emotional value of a brand or fan experience.

About FDU Athletics
The Knights are home to 21 NCAA Division I teams. A member of the Northeast Conference, FDU has had tremendous success in the classroom, in athletic competition and giving back to the Bergen County community. Since 2019, the Burgundy and Blue have captured 16 Northeast Conference championships. In 2020, FDU student-athletes were also recognized for their efforts in the community by winning the NEC Building Communities Award with over 3,000 community service hours. Other recent milestones include men's basketball winning three NCAA tournament games since 2019. In addition to recent championships, FDU also holds two NCAA National Championships in the sport of women's bowling (2006, 2010).

Connect with FDU Athletics on Twitter, @FDUKnights, and on Instagram, @FDUKnightsAthletics.