Carolina Panthers update logo

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The Carolina Panthers unveiled their updated team logo Monday, marking the first changes since entering the National Football League in 1995.

Team officials said in a release posted on the Panthers' Web site the new logo is designed to give it a more aggressive, contemporary look, while making it more three-dimensional for enhanced digital use.

"We have one of the finest and most recognizable logos in the NFL and wanted to make it as modern as possible without losing the dramatic essence of the mark," Panthers President Danny Morrison said.

"It is a cleaner style that is easier to read and should be more applicable to different uses."

The logo's panther will have a "tougher, more defined" look, team officials said is "evocative of the popular panther statues found on the grounds of Bank of America Stadium."

The new font subtly alludes to the swipe of a panther with a three-stripe element incorporated into the "A" of "PANTHERS."