City/Team connection (dubious or otherwise): Since it’s team merch featuring the logo, the connection is a no-brainer. Additionally, the hat is signed by the recipient after every win. “You win it, you sign it, and that’s something that we’ll probably leave with the team and just maybe have it for down the down the road,” said Keller.
Fun Fact: The “big hat” first went viral in 2022 when Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. wore one for a post-game interview. That hat was from Noggin Boss, a company conceived by Robinson’s friend, Ron Dyer. They quickly became a novelty at first and now have become pretty ingrained in the sports fan culture. Ironically, Robinson first wore it in celebration of 100-yard rushing game and victory. Perhaps even more fittingly, it was also the NFL team’s first season known as the Commanders, coming off a season being called “Washington Football Club.”
Quotable: “It’s always funny to see these, see who it actually fits,” said Mammoth defenseman Ian Cole. “When [Hayton] puts it on, you’re like, that looks pretty normal… I’ve got to imagine that white hat’s going to be pretty grimy and yellow after all these sweaty dudes putting it on after a while.”