The unveiling of new NFL uniforms is always a highly anticipated event, sparking excitement and debate among fans. In an era dominated by social media, first reactions can be brutal, as the Denver Broncos recently experienced. This offseason, four franchises dared to revamp their on-field look, stepping into the arena of public opinion. While the risk of becoming a social media punching bag is real, these teams have largely navigated the challenge successfully. Let’s break down and rank the New Nfl Football Uniforms for 2024, assessing who scored a style touchdown and who merely managed to avoid a complete fumble.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta showcases the team's new home jersey at Ford Field unveiling
4. Denver Broncos: A Mile High Makeover
Landing at the fourth spot doesn’t necessarily mean failure, and in the case of the Denver Broncos, their new NFL football uniforms are far from a disaster. Perhaps the overwhelmingly negative social media response is partly due to the low bar set by their previous uniforms, which many considered among the least appealing in the league since 1997. In that context, almost anything would be seen as an improvement.
Once the initial wave of online jokes subsides, these new kits may age quite well. There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with the Broncos’ updated jerseys, pants, and helmets. They offer a range of options and combinations, signaling a modern approach while retaining some team identity.
Options on options on options. pic.twitter.com/LrA8vS91gc
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 23, 2024
An ode to the past with a focus on the future.
This is the Mile High Collection. pic.twitter.com/U4dY9jL1iZ
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 22, 2024
However, the Broncos missed a golden opportunity. Their 1977 alternate throwbacks are undeniably iconic and beloved by fans. Choosing not to make this phenomenal look their primary uniform feels like a significant oversight.
Throwin’ it back to 1977.
📸’s » https://t.co/k9h0wyheHM pic.twitter.com/hyMPYWGsKU
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 22, 2024
Despite this missed chance, the Broncos’ new NFL jerseys and overall uniform set are not as bad as the internet outcry suggests. They simply rank fourth in this particular lineup of new releases.
3. Detroit Lions: Roaring Back to Classic Style
It speaks volumes about the overall quality of this year’s new NFL uniform releases when the Detroit Lions, landing third, still present a strong and appealing look. There’s very little to criticize in the Lions’ updated uniforms, which lean heavily into a classic, almost retro aesthetic. These uniforms evoke images of legendary Lions players like Barry Sanders dominating defenses in the 1990s. And that’s a very good thing.
While rooted in tradition, the Detroit Lions new uniforms incorporate subtle modern touches. The inclusion of “Detroit” across the chest of the away jerseys is a particularly effective detail, adding a sense of city pride. The Lions wisely avoided a radical overhaul, recognizing that their existing classic style was already well-received. They opted for refinement rather than revolution, resulting in a subtly enhanced and timeless look.
New threads 📸
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 18, 2024
When we punch in, we’re gonna rep our town pic.twitter.com/hfY0tQgg0p
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 19, 2024
The black and blue alternate uniforms offer a bolder option that will likely resonate with many fans, although perhaps not universally. However, those who appreciate this edgier style will likely find it very appealing.
Well? pic.twitter.com/VqO2YtsD3P
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 19, 2024
Overall, the new Detroit Lions uniforms are a resounding success. They are clean, well-executed, respectful of team history, and avoid unnecessary over-design. Detroit has done an excellent job.
2. New York Jets: Taking Flight with a Throwback Triumph
The New York Jets soar into the second spot by embracing their past. Their new NFL football uniforms are a direct homage to the “Sack Exchange” era of the 1980s, and the result is fantastic.
The “Sack Exchange” Jets were not only a formidable team but also a stylish one. Their uniforms from that period were iconic, so revisiting that design philosophy is a smart move.
this combo >>>> pic.twitter.com/txJjU3T2OL
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 15, 2024
They’re here and they’re beautiful. pic.twitter.com/XAS3YBbTHU
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 15, 2024
Timeless tradition never goes out of style #JetUp
✈️ https://t.co/Lk3d5uFbp2 pic.twitter.com/hdXZPTJ3vH
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 15, 2024
The Jets previously utilized this classic look as a throwback option, and its immense popularity convinced them to make it permanent. This decision demonstrates a keen understanding of fan sentiment and a commitment to timeless design.
Every aspect of these new Jets uniforms is exceptionally well-executed. They serve as a valuable lesson for other teams: uniform design peaked decades ago. Instead of constantly chasing fleeting trends, teams should consider refining and celebrating classic designs. Updating a beloved vintage style is often a recipe for success and widespread fan approval.
If there’s any minor critique, it might be that some fans preferred the Jets’ uniforms from the late 1990s and 2000s. However, these new/old uniforms are undoubtedly a major win.
1. Houston Texans: A Modern Expansion Masterpiece
Taking the top spot are the Houston Texans. The team responsible for redesigning the Houston Texans new uniforms deserves significant praise and recognition.
The Texans faced a unique challenge in this uniform redesign process. Unlike the Broncos, Lions, and Jets, they couldn’t rely on nostalgia to boost their new look. As a relatively young expansion team founded in 2002, the Texans lack the deep historical uniform catalog to draw upon. They couldn’t tap into decades of fan memories or iconic vintage styles.
Despite this limitation, the Texans absolutely nailed it. Every single uniform combination they unveiled is outstanding. They successfully blended modern design elements with a nod to their Texan identity, creating a fresh and compelling visual identity.
Modern meets tradition 🤝 pic.twitter.com/xW3D5QChn5
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 23, 2024
Ice bright as a neon light ❄️ pic.twitter.com/xUckVfYmpv
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 23, 2024
Bold for the battle 🔴 pic.twitter.com/2yOAWRoYVO
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 23, 2024
Special recognition must be given to the dark blue alternate uniforms with red numbers. These are not only the best of the Texans’ new collection but arguably rank among the very best uniforms in the entire NFL right now. For Texans fans, acquiring a No. 7 C.J. Stroud H-Town alternate jersey should be a top priority before the season kicks off.
Ice so blue 🥶 pic.twitter.com/3nC5xglb6x
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 23, 2024
In conclusion, the introduction of these four new NFL football uniforms and their various combinations significantly elevates the overall aesthetic of the league this season. The Texans, already an ascending team on the field, have also claimed the top spot in the uniform rankings. While a Super Bowl victory this season might be a lofty expectation, they have undeniably won the uniform rollout competition.