The NFL’s decision to relax helmet color restrictions has unleashed a wave of throwback and alternate uniforms, injecting fresh visual appeal into the league. This season, numerous classic designs are making a comeback, some unseen for decades. Here’s a comprehensive ranking of how each team’s alternate and throwback attire stacks up in the current NFL landscape.
41. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Pewter Overload
Tampa Bay Buccaneers alternate uniform
Image alt text: A Tampa Bay Buccaneers player in their pewter alternate uniform on the field, a less favored uniform choice.
Despite quarterback Tom Brady’s expressed interest in wearing the “creamsicle” throwback uniforms, the Buccaneers opted to bring back their pewter alternates. While pewter was arguably a step up from the “Alarm Clock Bucs” era and aimed to distinguish the Brady era from the Brooks-Sapp dominance, it quickly became evident that a full pewter ensemble is visually overwhelming. “Pewter Day” unfortunately removes the Buccaneers from their typically stronger uniform sets.
40. Dallas Cowboys: Bland Blue Throwbacks
Dallas Cowboys alternate uniform
Image alt text: Dallas Cowboys player in their blue alternate uniform, featuring a white helmet and blue jersey, considered a less impactful throwback.
The Dallas Cowboys, known for their iconic star and silver blue, have a less impressive alternate in their bland blue throwback. From the white helmet to the uninspired blue jerseys and pants, this uniform feels like an unnecessary homage. Unlike successful throwbacks from teams like the Bears or Lions, the Cowboys’ 1960-63 era uniforms were not associated with winning. A more compelling throwback might be their underappreciated royal blue uniforms from the Roger Staubach era.
39. Los Angeles Chargers: Navy Blues Miss the Mark
Los Angeles Chargers alternate uniform
Image alt text: A Los Angeles Chargers player in their navy blue alternate uniform, considered a less exciting option compared to their powder blues.
The Los Angeles Chargers possess arguably the NFL’s best core uniform set, particularly when they utilize their gold pants. Even their white pants combination maintains a top-tier aesthetic. Their modified throwback kit is also strong. However, these navy blue alternate uniforms are a disappointing choice, a puzzling tribute to a less stylish era. The powder blue uniforms from the Drew Brees and Philip Rivers era are fan favorites for a reason, as this navy blue era lacked visual appeal.
38. Indianapolis Colts: Black Helmet Teaser
Indianapolis Colts alternate helmet
Image alt text: Close up of a black alternate helmet for the Indianapolis Colts, sparking debate among fans and uniform enthusiasts.
The Indianapolis Colts are venturing into new territory with a black helmet, a trend that has seen mixed results across the NFL. While a full black uniform set is not confirmed yet, the black helmet teaser evokes a generic sporting goods store vibe. The full uniform reveal will determine the ultimate impact, but initial glimpses suggest a potentially underwhelming alternate look.
37. New Orleans Saints: Overthinking the Gold Helmet
New Orleans Saints alternate helmet
Image alt text: New Orleans Saints player showcasing their alternate black helmet with gold fleur-de-lis logo, a departure from their traditional look.
The New Orleans Saints, known for their sharp gold and black, may have overcomplicated their alternate design. The Saints arguably have the best all-white uniform in the NFL. Introducing black helmets disrupts a scheme that was already refined. While some minor gold tone inconsistencies existed between the helmet and jersey numbers, a complete overhaul into a mismatched combination diminishes their best uniform’s impact.
36. Baltimore Ravens: All-Black Monochromatic
Baltimore Ravens alternate uniform
Image alt text: Baltimore Ravens player in their all-black alternate uniform during a game, a look that can be intimidating yet somewhat overused.
The NFL has generally improved uniform aesthetics since the 2000s, but monochromatic looks can be overdone. The Baltimore Ravens, for whom black is a primary color since their 1996 inception, can pull off an all-black uniform better than some teams. However, the all-black look still feels somewhat excessive and, without the presence of intimidating figures like Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, it loses some of its intended impact.
35. Detroit Lions: Gray Alternate Homage
Detroit Lions alternate uniform
Image alt text: Detroit Lions player wearing their gray alternate uniform, a unique tribute to baseball road uniforms, on the home field.
The Detroit Lions feature multiple alternate uniforms, and this gray version is a unique tribute to baseball road uniforms. While deviating from the monochrome trend, it offers a degree of originality. However, wearing these gray uniforms at home means their classic blue-on-silver combination is sidelined, which is a downgrade for their home game presentation.
34. Houston Texans: Red Overdose
Houston Texans alternate uniform
Image alt text: Houston Texans player in their all-red alternate uniform, showcasing a less dynamic shade of red in the NFL.
The Houston Texans faced early criticism for their somewhat generic inaugural uniforms in 2002. While their standard white and blue uniforms are functional, like a “Mission Impossible” movie where the characters are sometimes unrecognizable, the Texans’ red is considered the NFL’s least vibrant. These all-red alternate uniforms unfortunately overemphasize this less impactful red.
33. Cleveland Browns: Orange Penn State
Cleveland Browns alternate uniform
Image alt text: Cleveland Browns player in their orange and white striped alternate uniform, evoking a vintage feel but compared to Penn State’s look.
The Cleveland Browns’ throwback uniforms evoke a romanticized era when they reached championship games in every season they wore them (1946-51). However, deploying these in primetime, when the Browns have stronger uniform options available, feels like a missed opportunity. While the stripe pattern is interesting, the overall look resembles an “orange Penn State,” lacking distinctiveness.
32. Indianapolis Colts: Diet Colts Throwback
Indianapolis Colts throwback uniform
Image alt text: Indianapolis Colts player wearing a plain blue and white throwback uniform, a subtle nod to their earlier era.
This Indianapolis Colts throwback uniform, reminiscent of the early Johnny Unitas era, is visually unremarkable but aligns with their current color scheme. Ditched before Baltimore’s 1959 championship, this throwback doesn’t detract much from their usual look, feeling more like a “Diet Colts” version. A truly daring throwback would be their mid-1950s red alternates, which would certainly be visually striking, if potentially confusing.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Black Uniform Commitment
Philadelphia Eagles alternate uniform
Image alt text: Philadelphia Eagles player in their all-black alternate uniform with a black helmet, a more cohesive look thanks to helmet rule changes.
NFL helmet rule changes benefited the Philadelphia Eagles, whose previous all-black alternates were visually disjointed with a green helmet. The Eagles have a history of uniform deviations, but this black color scheme has persisted longer than any other in their history. The McNabb-Wentz-Hurts era design has surprisingly outlasted the iconic Kelly Green era. While the Broncos eventually moved away from their stirrups, the Eagles have remained committed to this less iconic look.
30. Washington Commanders: Acceptable Black Alternate
Washington Commanders alternate uniform
Image alt text: Washington Commanders player in their black and gold alternate uniform, a decent attempt at a distinguishing alternate look.
Among the numerous NFL all-black alternates, the Washington Commanders’ version clears a low bar. After significant uniform and mascot changes in the 2020s, the Commanders needed a distinctive alternate. The black and gold combination works reasonably well, and the multi-crest jersey adds some uniqueness. Minor details like the lines around the names could be removed, but overall, these are acceptable. It’s unfortunate these aren’t used more often as the soft red numbers on their all-white uniforms are less visually appealing.
29. Green Bay Packers: Invasive Throwback
Green Bay Packers throwback uniform
Image alt text: Green Bay Packers player in their yellow and blue throwback uniform, a less common and less impactful throwback design.
Having maintained essentially the same uniform since 1961, the Green Bay Packers must delve deep into their history for throwbacks. This particular throwback, less invasive than the Curly Lambeau era design, represents a uniform worn briefly in 1950. It’s a deep cut from their uniform history.
28. Chicago Bears: Stripe Overload Throwback
Chicago Bears throwback uniform
Image alt text: Chicago Bears player in their striped throwback uniform from the 1930s, a visually busy but historically significant design.
Similar to the Packers, the Chicago Bears also reach far back for their throwback uniforms. This 1930s design features a significant stripe pattern, but unlike many uniforms from that era, it avoids excessive beige or being entirely unappealing. The sock detail, in particular, makes this uniform passable. The Bears’ early George Halas era offers more visually challenging uniform territory to explore, making these throwbacks a reasonable choice in rotation.
27. Carolina Panthers: Black on Black Limitation
Carolina Panthers alternate uniform
Image alt text: Carolina Panthers player in their black alternate uniform with a black helmet, limiting the visual appeal of the design.
The Carolina Panthers debuted with a strong uniform design in 1995, but some of their alternates have slightly diminished its appeal. The “Black Panther” alternate was a justifiable effort within the all-black trend. However, placing a black logo on a black helmet restricts the uniform’s overall aesthetic impact.
26. New York Jets: Black Uniform Craze?
New York Jets alternate uniform
Image alt text: New York Jets player in their all-black alternate uniform, raising questions about a shift towards black in their uniform choices.
The New York Jets committed uniform missteps last season by neglecting their green heritage. As one of the few green-centric teams, their lack of green below the neck until Week 14 was unusual. Given their 2022 choices, this all-black alternate felt inevitable. The helmet offered some visual relief, but the question remains whether the black uniform trend has overtaken the Jets’ design direction.
25. Chicago Bears: Orange Helmet Alternate
Chicago Bears alternate helmet
Image alt text: Chicago Bears player wearing an alternate orange helmet, bringing a unique color variation to their uniform set.
Credit to the Chicago Bears for creating an original alternate that avoids a complete monochrome look. The orange helmets offer a refreshing change of pace. However, in a league with prominent orange teams like the Broncos, Browns, and Bengals, the Bears’ orange alternate color feels less impactful in comparison. More exposure might be needed to fully assess its effectiveness.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: White Tiger Experiment
Cincinnati Bengals alternate uniform
Image alt text: Cincinnati Bengals player in their “White Tiger” alternate uniform, a creative use of helmet flexibility for a unique look.
The Cincinnati Bengals creatively utilized helmet flexibility with their “White Tiger” alternate uniform experiment. This design was initially polarizing but deserves recognition for its inventive tribute. While heavily striped, aligning with the team’s aesthetic, the Bengals’ standard road uniform is a less inspiring base to build upon. The uniform could benefit from more color integration.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Reliable Black and Gold
Pittsburgh Steelers alternate uniform
Image alt text: Pittsburgh Steelers player in their black and gold alternate uniform, a properly executed monochrome black look with classic striping.
The Pittsburgh Steelers maintain their signature oversized pants stripes across eras. As one of ten teams with a monochrome black alternate, the Steelers reliably execute it well. These throwbacks also offer a welcome alternative to the less favored “bumblebee” design from Ben Roethlisberger’s later career.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Purple Onslaught Alternate
Baltimore Ravens alternate uniform
Image alt text: Baltimore Ravens player in their purple alternate uniform, a strong use of purple and gold to enhance their visual presentation.
As one of only two teams with purple as a primary color, the Baltimore Ravens excel when showcasing their purple alternates. While their standard uniform is less impressive, accentuating gold in this alternate elevates their overall aesthetic. It’s a shame these are limited to once-a-year appearances.
21. Seattle Seahawks: Neon Green Edge
Seattle Seahawks alternate uniform
Image alt text: Seattle Seahawks player in their neon green alternate uniform, a bold and polarizing look that effectively utilizes neon in primetime.
The Seattle Seahawks’ neon green alternates often draw criticism, but the neon Seahawk logo has not been as visually jarring as some suggest. Even paired with standard pants in the Russell Wilson era, the result was effective. Seattle dominates the neon color market in the NFL. These are particularly striking in primetime, although recent uniform developments in 2023 have likely made this their second-best alternate.
20. Minnesota Vikings: Lakers Homage
Minnesota Vikings alternate uniform
Image alt text: Minnesota Vikings player in their gold and purple alternate uniform, resembling the Los Angeles Lakers color scheme.
Minnesota, having lost the Lakers in 1960 but gained the Vikings a year later, sees this uniform as a close Lakers representation in the NFL. The Vikings have a separate all-purple uniform but this design incorporates gold effectively as a third color—a lesson for teams like the Jets—and should remain in rotation even after their throwback look resurfaced.
19. Denver Broncos: Outdated Stirrups
Denver Broncos alternate uniform
Image alt text: Denver Broncos player in their blue and orange alternate uniform with stirrup socks, a nostalgic but somewhat dated design element.
Reminiscent of the 80s hair band era, the Denver Broncos’ stirrup socks feel dated in 2023. While radical when first introduced, the stirrups have likely outstayed their welcome. The all-blue elements, however, are the cleanest part of Denver’s overall outdated design. Until a uniform redesign, fans will still see too much of their regrettable all-white uniforms.
18. Los Angeles Chargers: Monochrome Magic
Los Angeles Chargers alternate uniform
Image alt text: Los Angeles Chargers player in their powder blue monochrome alternate uniform, a top NFL monochrome look featuring their iconic lightning bolts.
This Los Angeles Chargers alternate is not a specific throwback but a modern amalgam. While their contemporary design is superior, this uniform is still a strong option. It represents one of the NFL’s best monochrome looks, highlighted by their signature lightning bolt. Instead of their navy blue alternates, the Chargers should increase the usage of this powder blue set.
17. Minnesota Vikings: Purple People Eaters Homage
Minnesota Vikings throwback uniform
Image alt text: Minnesota Vikings player in their throwback uniform honoring the “Purple People Eaters” era, a successful tribute to their historic teams.
The Minnesota Vikings’ tribute to the “Purple People Eaters” era was well-received. While their road uniforms from that era might be even better, these throwbacks—with the sleeve stripes—improve upon Minnesota’s current home uniform appearance.
16. Cincinnati Bengals: Full Halloween Kit
Cincinnati Bengals alternate uniform
Image alt text: Cincinnati Bengals player in their orange alternate uniform, a bold and contrasting “Full Halloween” themed uniform.
Giving the Denver Broncos’ orange uniforms competition for the most orange in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals wisely incorporated this design into their rotation. This “Full Halloween” kit offers sufficient contrast and is arguably their best uniform. Even if you prefer their all-black home uniform, the Bengals have significantly improved from their Ocho-Dalton era designs.
15. Detroit Lions: Modified Bobby Layne Throwback
Detroit Lions throwback uniform
Image alt text: Detroit Lions player in their throwback uniform inspired by the Bobby Layne era, a slightly modernized version of the classic design.
These Detroit Lions throwbacks are a modified homage to the Bobby Layne era, with a lighter shade of blue than the originals. Rejuvenated after a 2017 uniform update, the Lions arguably needed these throwbacks more during their less visually appealing Megatron years. However, it’s still welcome to see Dan Campbell’s team in this more basic, classic look.
14. San Francisco 49ers: Million Dollar Backfield Era
San Francisco 49ers alternate uniform
Image alt text: San Francisco 49ers player in their alternate uniform from the “Million Dollar Backfield” era, also popularized in their 1994 Super Bowl win.
Similar to the Chargers, the San Francisco 49ers have a stronger standard uniform than their alternate. This “Million Dollar Backfield” era design, also popularized by their 1994 Super Bowl team, resurfaced in 2021. The road version is less impactful, and non-gold pants might seem like a deviation for the 49ers, but the lighter red jerseys save the overall look.
13. Buffalo Bills: Ditching the Ugly Mess
Buffalo Bills alternate uniform
Image alt text: Buffalo Bills player in their red alternate uniform, a significant improvement over previous uniform designs, showcasing a top NFL red uniform.
Another reason for the NFL’s improved uniform landscape is the Buffalo Bills moving away from their less appealing uniform designs. After Drew Bledsoe had to wear a busy and unattractive jersey, the Bills now offer Josh Allen better options. This red alternate is one of the NFL’s best red uniforms, and competes with their blue-on-white for Buffalo’s best overall look.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers: De-Italicized Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers throwback uniform
Image alt text: Pittsburgh Steelers player in their throwback uniform with block numbers, a less stylized and more classic look compared to their italicized numbers.
The de-italicized Pittsburgh Steelers uniforms lead their franchise’s fashion rankings. While bearing a resemblance to the Iowa Hawkeyes, this minimalist approach offers a refreshing break from the italicized numbers they’ve used since the Kordell Stewart era. Given the Steelers’ success in these original uniforms, they are always welcome in Pittsburgh.
11. New York Jets: 80s Throwback Redemption?
New York Jets throwback uniform
Image alt text: New York Jets player in their 1980s throwback uniform, a design with potential for redemption after a disastrous debut game.
Could a uniform debut have gone worse? The New York Jets plan to wear these 80s throwbacks again, but after the Aaron Rodgers injury, will they? For younger fans, this uniform might now be linked to a traumatic event. Moving past that, these are excellent uniforms that have been overshadowed by the Joe Namath era look. Hopefully, the 80s Jets look can endure as a renewed part of their uniform repertoire.
10. Atlanta Falcons: Tommy Nobis Era Dazzle
Atlanta Falcons throwback uniform
Image alt text: Atlanta Falcons player in their throwback uniform from the Tommy Nobis era, a dazzling design brought back after helmet rule changes.
It’s disappointing the Atlanta Falcons haven’t used their red jerseys since the 1994 throwback campaign. However, they deserve credit for making this Tommy Nobis era uniform, associated with past struggles, part of their modern rotation. Capitalizing on helmet rule changes, the Falcons’ Tommy Nobis era uniform is impressive and even brought an upset win against the 49ers. Last season, these replaced their Deion Sanders-era throwback. A season with both these and the 90s look would be a uniform highlight.
9. Miami Dolphins: Aqua Introduction Throwback
Miami Dolphins throwback uniform
Image alt text: Miami Dolphins player in their throwback uniform that introduced aqua to the NFL, featuring a superior logo and better color usage.
Introducing aqua to the NFL in the late 1960s, Miami did well to revive this uniform in 2015. Featuring a better logo and superior use of their third color, along with a larger nameplate font, the Dolphins’ throwbacks present the team in their best visual form.
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Silver Number Alternate
Las Vegas Raiders alternate uniform
Image alt text: Las Vegas Raiders player in their alternate uniform with silver numbers, a subtle yet effective variation on their iconic look.
Brand-wise, nothing surpasses the Las Vegas Raiders’ iconic home uniform. However, these silver-numbered alternates are strong contenders for their best look. The Daryle Lamonica era throwbacks have been in rotation since their Oakland years, and the silver numbers offer a nice variation. This is an example of perfect usage of the Raiders’ secondary color, silver.
7. Denver Broncos: Orange Crush Homage
Denver Broncos alternate uniform
Image alt text: Denver Broncos player in their orange and white alternate uniform, a homage to the “Orange Crush” era and a potential basis for future designs.
The Denver Broncos are moving from a Clemson-inspired look to an Oklahoma State influence. This “Orange Crush” era uniform should be the basis for Denver’s next uniform overhaul. Denver should be the NFL’s orange color leader, and the orange pants—first paired with an orange top in 2016—are a great update. This Broncos effort is a strong contender for the NFL’s best monochrome design.
6. Tennessee Titans: Oilers Throwback Tribute
Tennessee Titans throwback uniform
Image alt text: Tennessee Titans player in their Houston Oilers throwback uniform, a tribute to the Oilers’ classic design now worn in Tennessee.
The 1999 season saw a uniform downgrade as the Oilers’ beautiful blues transitioned into a blander Titans design. Despite Super Bowl appearances coinciding with uniform changes, the Titans were responsible for ending an NFL classic. It’s unusual to see these Oilers uniforms in Tennessee, not Houston, but it’s positive that an AFC South team is honoring the Oilers legacy.
5. New York Giants: LT Era Blues
New York Giants throwback uniform
Image alt text: New York Giants player in their 1990s throwback uniform, showcasing a lighter blue and a strong alternate logo from the LT era.
Except for removing gray pants, the New York Giants have made positive uniform choices since reverting to their vintage look in 2000. Even their red alternate wasn’t too controversial. That change also coincided with a Super Bowl appearance. But these 1990s home blues have always been the Giants’ best uniform. After teasing fans with the LT-era road whites, the Giants brought back these home blues, featuring a lighter blue shade and a strong alternate logo.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Original Green and Blue
Seattle Seahawks throwback uniform
Image alt text: Seattle Seahawks player in their original 1980s throwback uniform, showcasing their original green and blue color scheme and wraparound logo.
These Seattle Seahawks uniforms weren’t all losses; they led to four playoff appearances in the 80s. However, their 2002 uniform shift was a fashion tragedy. While now well-dressed, the Seahawks are giving their underappreciated throwback overdue attention. Their original design effectively showcased green—a Seattle sports staple—and the wraparound Seahawk logo set a sleeve stripe standard.
3. Philadelphia Eagles: Iconic Kelly Green
Philadelphia Eagles throwback uniform
Image alt text: Philadelphia Eagles player in their Kelly Green throwback uniform, a highly anticipated and iconic return of a classic NFL design.
It’s unfortunate NFL fans only enjoyed these Philadelphia Eagles Kelly Green uniforms for 11 years. Their 1996 switch was a hasty uniform decision. Philly has brought these back before, but the one-helmet rule hindered efforts. The return of green-on-gray is a delight. Despite Eagles championships occurring before and after the Kelly Green era, Randall Cunningham’s primary uniform remains iconic and will be rightfully reintroduced to a new generation.
2. New England Patriots: Pat Patriot’s Return
New England Patriots throwback uniform
Image alt text: New England Patriots player in their “Pat Patriot” throwback uniform, the return of a beloved mascot and classic uniform after decades.
Mired in struggles in the early 90s, New England axed Pat Patriot, burying this uniform for decades. Their best uniform in franchise history was unused for 30 years. Following helmet rule changes, Pat returned, and the Patriots marked it with old-school end zones. It’s unfortunate the team has generally declined in uniform quality since, but fans will at least see Pat Patriot helmets twice a year.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Creamsicle Glory
Tampa Bay Buccaneers throwback uniform
Image alt text: Tampa Bay Buccaneers player in their “creamsicle” throwback uniform, widely regarded as a top NFL throwback and a visually striking design.
Was there any other choice for number one? Like Pat Patriot, Bucco Bruce was unfairly blamed for past failures. The Buccaneers had a worse record than the Patriots when they ditched the gorgeous yet polarizing creamsicles in 1997—a year with transformative uniform overhauls for both the Bucs and Broncos. The Bucs brought these back in the 2010s but didn’t use them in Tom Brady’s final season. Baker Mayfield and his teammates will now have a chance to shine in these iconic uniforms.
By Sam Robinson
