Kansas City Chiefs fans are known for their passionate support and unwavering loyalty. They are also known for their team’s iconic and consistent uniforms. While many NFL teams eagerly jump on board with alternate uniform programs and fashion trends, the Chiefs have remained a bastion of tradition. The question on many fans’ minds, and the topic of much discussion, is: will we ever see a Chiefs Alternate Uniform?
To understand the Chiefs’ current stance, it’s crucial to appreciate their deep-rooted uniform history. Since their inception as the Dallas Texans in 1960, the franchise has maintained a remarkably consistent visual identity. Apart from the relocation to Kansas City and the name change to the Chiefs, uniform alterations have been incredibly subtle. Minor tweaks like stripe adjustments or facemask color changes are the extent of their evolution. Even the introduction of red pants was considered a significant, almost radical, change in the team’s visual history.
For a team that prizes tradition, the concept of a true alternate uniform is somewhat foreign. Unlike many teams who enthusiastically embrace “Color Rush” or throwback designs, the Chiefs have largely stood pat. They haven’t actively sought out opportunities to drastically reinvent their on-field look. If you were to show a football fan from the 1960s the current Chiefs uniform, they would instantly recognize the team. This level of visual consistency is a rarity in modern professional sports.
The Chiefs have participated in league-wide throwback initiatives on two occasions: the NFL’s 75th Anniversary in 1994 and the AFL’s 60th season in 2009. However, even these throwback moments were executed with a distinctly Chiefs’ restraint.
In 1994, celebrating the NFL’s 75th anniversary, the Chiefs donned uniforms meant to evoke their 1960s look. The change? They simply removed the sleeve stripes from their then-current jerseys. Even the facemask cages remained white instead of being updated to a more period-accurate gray.
Kansas City Chiefs 1994 Throwback Uniform
The same minimalist approach applied to the red jersey worn that season. The subtle nature of the changes highlighted just how little the Chiefs uniform had evolved over the decades. The core elements remained strikingly consistent.
For the 2009 AFL 60th anniversary, the Chiefs went a bit further, reaching back to their Dallas Texans origins. This throwback saw the team adopt gray facemask cages, stripeless jerseys, and the replacement of the KC helmet decal with the original Texans logo.
Dallas Texans Throwback Uniform
Notably, they paired these throwback jerseys with their current pants and socks, further emphasizing the subtle nature of the uniform changes across eras.
Aside from relocating TV numbers from sleeves to shoulders, another minor uniform deviation occurred in 2015 when the Chiefs paired their red jerseys with red pants for a game. When the NFL introduced the Color Rush program later that year, the Chiefs were approached about participation. Rumors suggest Nike proposed an all-gold uniform concept, similar to what was considered for Washington. The Chiefs reportedly declined, opting instead to simply reuse their mono-red combination as their “Color Rush” entry. No new alternate uniform, just a familiar look repurposed. The Chiefs have continued to occasionally wear the mono-red look, and in 2021, they even sported gray facemasks for a game, showcasing minor variations within their established uniform framework. They also periodically bring back their white-on-white combination, a look very close to their Super Bowl I appearance.
Given this history, it’s clear that the Kansas City Chiefs are perhaps the team least likely to adopt a true alternate uniform. But what is the official stance from the organization?
According to Arrowhead Pride, Chiefs owner, chairman, and CEO Clark Hunt prioritizes tradition over novelty. Alternate uniforms and helmets have historically not been a point of interest for him, as he values the team’s look as a tribute to the franchise’s heritage.
Chiefs president Mark Donovan confirmed this sentiment, recalling early attempts to broach the subject of alternate uniforms with Hunt. “I think the second or third year [after joining the team in 2009], I brought it up, and it was a swift, ‘No.'” However, the conversation has evolved slightly over time. “We brought it up again three years ago, and it wasn’t such a swift, ‘No.’ It was like, ‘OK, we can probably talk about it.'”
Donovan elaborated on the team’s current perspective: “[We’re] pretty focused on the position that we have. I think we’re one of, if not the only [team] with the traditional, haven’t changed it, don’t have an alternative. We like that. Our players really like our all white-on-white [uniforms], even more so than red-on-red now. So that’s become sort of our go-to. But we’ll always consider it.”
He concluded by emphasizing the high bar for any potential change: “I think is a high bar that’s going to have to be crossed to actually get it done, but it’s definitely [a] conversation. I’m sure you guys (media members) get them, too, but I get helmet designs monthly.”
While the door isn’t completely closed, it’s evident that a Chiefs alternate uniform isn’t imminent. However, if the team were to consider venturing into alternate designs, what options might they explore? Let’s examine some possibilities, rating them on a scale of 0 (never happening) to 10 (likely to happen soon).
Potential Chiefs Alternate Uniform Concepts
Alternate Helmet:
The Chiefs helmet is unique in its bi-color design, featuring white and red (with black accents). Interestingly, gold is a prominent accent color in their overall uniform scheme, appearing on the jerseys, pants, and socks. If the Chiefs were to consider an alternate helmet, white would be the most logical choice. A white helmet would provide a clean, contrasting look while still aligning with the team’s color palette.
Chances of it happening: 4/10
Alternate Gold Jersey:
Chiefs Alternate Gold Jersey Concept
Given gold’s presence in the Chiefs’ color scheme, a gold alternate jersey is a plausible, albeit still unlikely, option. This would involve swapping the red jersey for a gold one for select games. The number color (red or white) would be a key design decision, but the rest of the uniform elements could remain consistent with the white jersey, substituting gold stripes where appropriate.
Chances of it happening: 2/10
Alternate Black Jersey (and Pants):
While “Black For Black’s Sake” (BFBS) uniforms have become less prevalent, a black Chiefs alternate jersey, especially paired with black pants, would undoubtedly generate significant merchandise revenue for Nike and the team. However, a black uniform would represent a major departure from the Chiefs’ traditional colors and brand identity. It’s difficult to envision the Chiefs embracing such a radical shift.
Chances of it happening: When hell freezes over
Alternate Gold Jersey and Pants:
Chiefs Alternate Gold Jersey and Pants Concept
If the Chiefs declined an alleged all-gold Color Rush proposal in 2015, an all-gold alternate uniform in the future seems improbable. While slightly more conceivable than an all-black option, it still faces significant resistance due to the team’s commitment to tradition.
Chances of it happening: 1/10
In conclusion, while the possibility of a Chiefs alternate uniform isn’t entirely off the table, it remains a distant prospect. The organization’s deep respect for tradition and consistent messaging from leadership suggest that any significant uniform changes are unlikely in the near future. If any alternate element were to be introduced, a white helmet seems the most probable, though even that faces considerable hurdles. For now, Chiefs fans can likely expect to see their team continue to sport their classic and iconic uniforms, a testament to a franchise that values heritage over fleeting trends.
