The Pittsburgh Steelers’ “bumblebee” throwback uniforms are definitely eye-catching, and not always in a good way for everyone. Radio.com actually placed them at number 6 on their list of the ugliest jerseys in NFL history. This bold design, a modern take on an early Steelers uniform, was worn from 2012 to 2016 and continues to spark debate among fans.
According to Tim Kelly from Radio.com, the “bumblebee” jerseys walk a line between being so ugly they become almost charming. He specifically called out the combination of the striped jerseys with matching socks and then modern cleats that clashed, pushing the look from simply bad to memorably awful for some. It’s a strong opinion, and one shared by many who find the black and gold stripes overwhelming.
It’s often mistakenly said these jerseys were inspired by the Steelers’ inaugural 1933 season uniforms. However, the “bumblebee” design is actually based on the 1934 Pittsburgh Steelers, then known as the Pittsburgh Pirates, uniforms. The 1933 jerseys were different, and a quick online search for “steelers 1933 jersey” will show a very different look if you’re curious about the team’s true first jerseys.
Despite the criticism, the “bumblebee” uniforms hold a certain nostalgic appeal. They are a throwback to a less-discussed era of Steelers history. For fans interested in the deep history of the franchise, exploring the 1934 season of the Pittsburgh Pirates (Steelers) offers a unique glimpse into the team’s early days. The last time the Steelers wore these memorable jerseys was in 2016, in a game where they defeated the New York Jets.
Today, the Steelers are known for their classic and clean uniform design. Their current color rush uniforms are widely considered among the best in the NFL. The iconic Steelers logo on only one side of the helmet is another unique and classic touch that many fans appreciate.
Interestingly, the Radio.com list crowned the 2009 Seattle Seahawks’ alternate green jerseys as the absolute ugliest. While no other AFC North teams made the list, the Philadelphia Eagles, another Pennsylvania team, were ranked #9 for their 1934 jerseys, proving that early NFL uniform designs could be quite something to behold! For a full look at the complete list of ugliest NFL jerseys, you can check out the Radio.com gallery.
