The rise of Game Day posts has been nothing short of spectacular, evolving from simple announcements to intricate works of art that encapsulate the energy and identity of sports teams. No other content piece seems to have captured the essence of sports creativity quite like these weekly masterpieces, which now serve as both artistic statements and fan engagement tools.

With the NFL season kicking off, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling all 32 teams’ Game Day creative from Week 1, so you don’t have to!

‍

Here are some quick numbers 👇

•⁠  ⁠All 32 teams created a Game Day poster for week 1

•⁠  ⁠22 teams had a commercial partner on their content

•⁠  ⁠16 teams included multiple players in their creative

•⁠  ⁠13 teams utilised just a single player in their post

•⁠  ⁠3 teams didn't include any players in their art

•⁠  ⁠12 teams utilised manipulation or illustration

•⁠  ⁠3 teams used fan references in their piece

•⁠  ⁠1 team utilised movement within their post

•⁠  ⁠1 team referenced an Eminem song cover (We see you Los Angeles Rams)

So what did we notice:

‍

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆: If you need a reason to invest in top-tier photography, these Game Day posts are it. Whether through studio shoots or live-action images, photography plays a critical role in elevating these graphics from good to unforgettable. Without high-quality visuals captured for a purpose, the impact would fall flat. We expect teams to lean on photography more as the season progresses, ensuring it continues to drive narrative and emotion.

‍

𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆: The typography choices in these posters aren’t accidental. Using custom fonts or playing with font hierarchy gives these designs character—something a corporate brand font simply can’t achieve. Typography becomes a crucial part of the narrative, communicating tone, mood, and even team identity. We’re seeing teams move away from safe brand fonts and experiment with bold type treatments that complement their Game Day messaging.

‍

𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: Several examples show how much time and resources were utilised to bring these ideas to life. From shading and lighting to colour grading, contrast, and layout, it's evident that time and resources were poured into these designs. These aren’t just quick-turn graphics—they are meticulously crafted, and it shows. For teams, investing in design week after week sends a clear message: they care deeply about engaging with their fanbase through visually stunning work.

‍

As the season unfolds, the Sport Design Australia team will be keeping a close eye on evolving trends—both subtle and bold—across all 32 teams. We’ll be looking for consistent themes that emerge over time, how teams differentiate their styles, and how new design techniques enter the mix.

‍

We’re excited to see how illustration and manipulation continue to play a role, how teams adjust to new storytelling methods, and which creative risks pay off in the long run. Each week is a new opportunity for these teams to push boundaries, and we’re here for it!

‍

A few of our favourites for Week 1

• Clean, bold, striking: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers

• Cool factor: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals

• Illustration: Philadelphia Eagles

• Manipulation: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans 

‍

Game Day posts are more than just visuals—they are brand identity in action. They offer fans a glimpse into the heart and soul of a team, while serving as powerful marketing tools that draw in new audiences. Whether it's illustration, manipulation, photography, or typography, every element contributes to an immersive fan experience. And in a season as dynamic as the NFL, it’s clear that Game Day posts have become a league of their own—where art meets sport, and creativity knows no limits.

We can’t wait to see where this season takes us and how teams continue to raise the bar each week. If Week 1 was any indication, the best is yet to come.

‍