ISU was originally founded as the Illinois State Normal University in 1857. At the time, the school was exclusively a teachers' school, and as a result, the athletic teams were known as the "Fighting Teachers" or the "Fighting Pedagogues" (pedagogue being another word for a teacher). It wasn't until 1923 that the athletic teams became known as the Red Birds, and eventually the Redbirds! Products are mocked up on a size S. Graphics may appear smaller on larger sizes.