PALM BEACH, Fla. — The NFL is responding to feedback from fans, teams, and players regarding uniforms.
On Monday at the league’s annual meetings, the NFL communicated to team owners that clubs can now wear throwback or alternate jerseys up to four times during the 17-game regular season. This change increases the frequency from the previous three allowed appearances, ensuring that some beloved uniform combinations will be worn more regularly in games.
Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles can don their Kelly green uniforms for a significant portion of the season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can showcase their creamsicle uniforms more often too. The Denver Broncos can flaunt their 1977 throwbacks with increased frequency.
These alterations come shortly after the league renewed its partnership with Nike under a contract extending until 2038, and they follow years of allowing teams to wear different helmets.
“We extended our partnership with Nike, and we’re working on some really fun concepts with them,” said Renie Anderson, NFL’s EVP and Chief Revenue Officer. “Considering the future, we take club requests seriously. Our goal is to be flexible while delivering what fans, players, and coaches want. We need to maintain a balance, always keeping in mind all 32 teams when contemplating changes.”
Quote: “We extended our partnership with Nike, and so we’re working on some really fun things with these guys…”
Translation: We have built on our collaboration with Nike, ensuring flexibility for future changes based on feedback from various stakeholders.
Each team maintains a uniform closet — a primary section featuring standard home and away uniforms. Additionally, some teams have alternate jerseys and throwbacks categorized as ‘classic’ by the NFL.
The Kansas City Chiefs have no alternative or throwback jerseys; their options are limited to the classic red and white sets, which they have worn in four Super Bowl appearances.
Meanwhile, teams such as the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks have various combinations at their disposal, which can be mixed and matched for games.
Anderson noted, “Player superstitions frequently guide jersey choices when teams win in specific combinations, which is why these new rules offer necessary flexibility.”
A secondary adjustment allows teams to utilize alternate pants during playoff games rather than strictly using those from their primary set. However, the league maintains that alternate or throwback uniforms will not be utilized in the Super Bowl, as the primary look is preferred for the championship game.
For more information, check out this article on NFL uniform policy updates here.
