As the designated home team for Super Bowl LIX, the Philadelphia Eagles had the privilege of selecting their uniform color first. This sparked excitement among fans, many hoping to see the team don their beloved Kelly Green jerseys for the championship game.
The Kelly Green uniform holds a special place in Eagles history, having been the team’s primary look for over six decades until 1995. In 1996, the team transitioned to Midnight Green, which has been their standard ever since, with a notable exception in 2010. That year, the Eagles wore Kelly Green for a single game to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their 1960 NFL Championship.
Despite the modern appeal of Midnight Green, a significant portion of the Eagles fanbase has long yearned for the return of Kelly Green. Responding to this popular demand, the Eagles reintroduced the Kelly Green uniforms for two games in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, much to the delight of fans.
The team’s performance while wearing Kelly Green has only fueled the desire to see them more often. Since their reintroduction in 2023, the Eagles have maintained a perfect 4-0 record when sporting the Kelly Green. This winning streak has amplified calls from fans to have the team wear Kelly Green in the Super Bowl.
Social media platforms became a hub for fan campaigns advocating for Kelly Green in Super Bowl LIX. Fans took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their wishes.
The Eagles should have to wear Kelly Green in the Super Bowl
— SPI (@SPI1982) January 29, 2025
.@Eagles please do whatever is necessary, KELLY GREEN SUPER BOWL. pic.twitter.com/Gi0RPvB12h
— Al B Where the Money Reside (@ALBDamn) January 26, 2025
The Eagles need to play in kelly green if they get to the Super Bowl.
— John Barchard | Monetize Philly (@JohnBarchard) January 15, 2025
Can an NFL team wear an alternative jersey at the Super Bowl?
Would love to see the Eagles in the Kelly Green jerseys in New Orleans.
— Jason Romano (@JasonRomano) January 26, 2025
However, despite the overwhelming fan support and perhaps even the Eagles’ own preferences, the NFL’s uniform policy stands in the way. Unfortunately for those hoping to see Kelly Green in the Super Bowl, NFL regulations prohibit the use of alternate jerseys in playoff games, including the Super Bowl.
According to the NFL’s official uniform guidelines for the postseason, teams are restricted to their “Primary Jersey color (team color or white) and Primary Pant color choices.” This rule effectively bans throwback jerseys, color rush uniforms, and any other alternate uniform variations during the playoffs. The restriction also extends to helmets, meaning the Eagles couldn’t even pair a Kelly Green helmet with their white uniforms.
While it’s uncommon, the home team can opt to wear white in the Super Bowl. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers notably chose white for Super Bowl LV and achieved a decisive 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Interestingly, history suggests a potential advantage for teams wearing white in the Super Bowl. In the past 20 Super Bowls, teams in white jerseys have won 16 times, showing a significant 16-4 record.
Super Bowl LIX marks the fifth Super Bowl appearance for the Eagles and the fourth time they have had the initial uniform selection. Historically, the Eagles have struggled when choosing their uniform, holding an 0-3 record in such instances. Their sole Super Bowl victory, Super Bowl LII, saw them clad in Midnight Green as the New England Patriots opted for white, resulting in a thrilling 41-33 Eagles win.
