Good Monday morning, Uni Watch enthusiasts. We trust you enjoyed your weekend.
We’ve previously discussed the New York Yankees’ successful avoidance of the MLB City Connect program. Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs stand out as a team historically resistant to uniform alterations. For this storied NFL franchise, “tradition” isn’t just a buzzword; it’s deeply woven into the fabric of their identity, especially when it comes to their uniforms.
A glance at the KC uniform history since their American Football League (AFL) inception as the Dallas Texans in 1960 underscores this point. Beyond a helmet change upon relocating to Kansas City and becoming the Chiefs, uniform modifications have been minimal over the decades. Minor tweaks like stripe additions or facemask color adjustments represent the extent of changes. The introduction of red pants is arguably the most significant uniform evolution in team history.
The Chiefs have never embraced alternate uniforms, let alone participated in initiatives like Color Rush. Throwback uniforms are also a rarity. While not identical to their 1960s attire, today’s Chiefs uniforms would be instantly recognizable to someone transported from that era. Few NFL teams can boast such unwavering visual consistency.
Over the years, the Chiefs participated in two league-wide throwback initiatives: the NFL’s 75th Anniversary in 1994 and the AFL’s 60th season in 2009.
In 1994, their throwback uniforms were faithful to their 1960s look, specifically their Super Bowl IV attire. The change was subtle: removal of contemporary sleeve stripes. Even the facemask color remained modern white, rather than period-accurate gray.
Kansas City Chiefs White Jersey 1994
The same understated approach applied to the red jersey worn that season. Decades later, the sleeve stripes and facemask color remained the primary differentiators.
For the 2009 AFL 60th anniversary, the Chiefs delved further back, donning their original Dallas Texans uniforms. This throwback saw the white facemask cages swapped for gray and the jerseys reverted to a stripeless design. The iconic KC helmet decal was replaced with the original Texans helmet logo.
Kansas City Chiefs White Jersey 2009
Notably, the pants and socks remained consistent with their contemporary and current styles.
Apart from relocating TV numbers from sleeves to shoulders, another minor uniform variation occurred in 2015 when the Chiefs paired red jerseys with red pants for an early-season game. When the NFL introduced the Color Rush program later that year, and approached the Chiefs, rumored proposals from Nike included an all-gold uniform (similar to a Washington concept at the time). The Chiefs declined, opting instead to simply reuse their mono-red combination as their Color Rush entry. No new alternate uniform was created; just a familiar look repurposed. The Chiefs have continued to occasionally sport the mono-red look, even briefly using gray facemasks in 2021. However, they frequently return to what many consider their finest look: white jerseys over white pants – a near echo of their Super Bowl I appearance.
This history underscores that if any NFL team is both overdue for and resistant to an alternate uniform, it’s Kansas City. But how realistic is the prospect of new Kc Chiefs New Uniforms?
According to Arrowhead Pride, team owner Clark Hunt isn’t keen on alternate uniforms or helmets. He values the team’s look as a tribute to franchise tradition.
Chiefs president Mark Donovan has raised the alternate uniform topic with Hunt over the years. Donovan recounted a conversation on Friday, stating, “I think the second or third year (after Donovan joined in 2009), I brought it up, and it was a swift, ‘No.’ So I tabled it. 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, “[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, “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.”
So, while completely new KC Chiefs new uniforms seem unlikely in the immediate future, the door isn’t entirely closed. If alternates were considered—whether helmet, jersey, or full uniform—what might they explore? Let’s assess potential options on a scale of 0 (impossible) to 10 (imminent).
Potential KC Chiefs New Uniforms: Exploring Alternate Options
ALTERNATE HELMET
The Chiefs’ helmet design is somewhat unique, featuring white and red (plus a touch of black). Interestingly, their jerseys, pants, and socks incorporate gold – a point previously highlighted by Paul in 2018 regarding its near-uniqueness. If the Chiefs were to venture into alternate helmets, white would be the most probable choice.
Chances of it happening: 4
ALTERNATE GOLD JERSEY
Kansas City Chiefs Alternate Gold Jersey Mockup
Given gold’s presence as a tertiary color in the Chiefs’ palette, a gold alternate jersey is a logical possibility. This could involve substituting a gold jersey for the usual red in a game or two annually. The main design consideration would be red or white numbering, while the remaining elements could mirror the white jersey, save for gold striping.
Chances of it happening: 2
ALTERNATE BLACK JERSEY (AND PANTS)
While the “BFBS” (Black For Black’s Sake) trend has waned, a black uniform option from Nike would likely generate significant revenue. Although teams like the Jets, Eagles, 49ers, and Lions have previously adopted black uniforms, it seems improbable for the Chiefs, especially as a black jersey and pants combination. A black jersey actually appearing on the field?
Chances of it happening: When hell freezes over
ALTERNATE GOLD JERSEY AND PANTS
Kansas City Chiefs Alternate Gold Uniform Mockup
Considering the Chiefs reportedly declined an all-gold Color Rush proposal from Nike in 2015, an all-gold alternate uniform seems unlikely. However, it remains more plausible than an all-black option. Does that make it probable? No.
Chances of it happening: 1
In conclusion, the Chiefs themselves suggest that alternate uniforms are not imminent, though perhaps more conceivable than in the past. The “high bar” for introducing alternates remains undefined but appears substantial. If any alternate were to emerge, a white helmet seems more likely than a gold (or black) jersey.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe the Chiefs will ever adopt an alternate uniform, and should they? What alternate direction seems most plausible? A white helmet? Gold jersey? Black uniform? Something else entirely?
The discussion is open…
A Word on the Oregon Ducks’ New Generation O Uniforms
In case you missed it, the Oregon Ducks recently revealed their second “Generation O” uniform, part of an anticipated five-set collection.
Dennis Bolt, Uni Watch’s SMUW Uni and Duck Tracker and an Oregon alumnus, has also reviewed the Ducks’ uniforms on his site. His perspective offers a fan/alumni-centric viewpoint, well worth a quick read.
Speculation suggests the Ducks will unveil a white and yellow set next. The fifth set remains a mystery. Could they revisit the Joey Harrington era’s darker green, black, and yellow combinations? Or will they surprise us with something new? Time will tell.
Guess the Game from the Scoreboard
Guess The Game…
…From The Scoreboard
Today’s scoreboard is courtesy of Denton Jobs.
The game is simple: identify the depicted game (date, location, and final score). Any noteworthy game events are bonus points, especially if you attended the game!
Please keep sending in scoreboard photos (with answers!).
Guess the Game from the Uniform
Inspired by Uni Watch reader Jimmy Corcoran, we introduce “Guess the Game from the Uniform.” Similar to “Guess the Game from the Scoreboard,” this challenges readers to identify a game based on uniform details.
Your task: determine the date, location, and final score using the uniform clues. Some might be straightforward, others more challenging. Visual clues – unique uniform elements – should guide you to a single game. Sometimes, the game’s significance, like a uniform’s final appearance, might be the key.
Today’s GTGFTU comes from Steven St. James.
Good luck! Share your guesses in the comments.
In Closing…
That concludes today’s morning post. More content is coming, including initial entries for the UW/University of Hawai’i Design Contest and Jamie’s Ticker. Check back throughout the day.
Have a great Monday!
Peace,
PH
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