Memphians now have both a name and a logo to go along with its new professional football team.

The Alliance of American Football, a new league whose inaugural season kicks off in February 2019, unveiled the Bluff City team’s nickname and logo Thursday morning. The Memphis Express will be one of eight teams in the AAF, which was founded by Charlie Ebersol and Bill Polian.

Atlanta, Birmingham, Orlando, San Diego, San Antonio, Salt Lake City and Phoenix make up the rest of the league.

The Express’ primary colors will be red, white and navy blue, and the logo features a predominant “E” with an airplane incorporated within the design. Team president Kosha Irby, a former Memphis State football player, said it was tempting to gravitate toward a music or food theme.

“But we know, when you say Memphis, you already have that built-in equity,” he said. “So (we asked ourselves), ‘What else represents what we love about this city?’ Express represents speed and precision.”

FedEx, one of the world’s leading courier delivery services, is headquartered in Memphis.

“Memphis is one of the leading centers for transportation and logistics, so we’ll certainly play off that, too,” Irby said.

"The selection process of naming each Alliance team began by listening to our fans and working with each city to hear their suggestions and determine a long list of great ideas," Ebersol said. "After we culled that list down through local market research, testing and a dynamic group of advisers in each city, we had our short list. Then, more testing and, ultimately, Bill and I had some decisions to make.

"We feel strongly that our team names identify with the great cities we call home to our Alliance teams and positively represent the region and our fans."

The Bluff City is no stranger to pro football, which dates back to the 1920s when the Memphis Tigers boasted one of the more formidable teams in the country, regardless of league. The Tigers reportedly defeated the Green Bay Packers in 1929.

Later, Memphis was home to the Southmen (also known as the Grizzlies) of the World Football League, the Showboats of the United States Football League, the Mad Dogs of the Canadian Football League, the Maniax of the XFL. The Arena Football League (Pharaohs) and af2 (Xplorers) also housed teams in Memphis.

Hall of Famer and former San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary was announced as the Express’ head coach in May. Other notables, including Steve Spurrier, Mike Martz and Brad Childress, are also among the league’s other coaches.

Irby said finally having something tangible for fans to connect with is an important step in the process.

“It’s real now,” he said. “People can start calling it something. People need to be able to identify with it and let it sink in so they can gravitate toward it.”

Teams have begun building their respective rosters and will go through training camp in January.

Feedback from players and fans came early and often following the announcement and logo reveal.

More AAF coverage from The CA

Roster:Alliance of American Football announces Memphis team has signed 28 players

Mike Singletary:Hall of Famer joins ex-Tigers player Kosha Irby at helm of Memphis pro football team

Q&A:Charlie Ebersol, Alliance of American Football founder, is bullish on Memphis

AAF:Memphis pro football: 5 Things to Know about the Alliance of American Football

Commentary:Is Memphis ready for another professional football team?

Preview:What do you think Memphis' new pro football team should be named?