Get ready, Saints fans! The New Orleans Saints are set to don their beloved throwback uniforms as they clash with the Denver Broncos tonight on Thursday Night Football. This exciting announcement, revealed through a video shared by the team, has ignited a wave of nostalgia and anticipation among fans eager to see the Saints in their vintage gear.
Throwback uniforms for Thursday ⚜️#Saints | @Verizon pic.twitter.com/ygI1FbrwCP
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 16, 2024
While it’s a “Throwback Thursday” matchup, the Denver Broncos will be sporting their new blue helmets and white jerseys, creating an interesting visual contrast. Although the Broncos’ pants choice remains unconfirmed, the hope for orange pants sparks thoughts of a Halloween-themed color clash. Regardless of the opponent’s attire, the spotlight is firmly on the Saints as they bring back what many consider their most iconic look.
This season has seen the Saints in primarily mono-black at home and mono-white on the road, a departure from their usual gold pants. Even their “Color Rush” appearance leaned heavily towards mono-white. However, tonight’s game promises a welcome change, offering fans a glimpse of the Saints looking truly like themselves in the New Orleans Saints Throwback Uniforms.
Image alt text: A full view of a New Orleans Saints player in black throwback uniform from a past game, showcasing the classic gold accents and stripes.
A Look Back at the Saints Throwback Uniform History
The new orleans saints throwback uniforms, particularly the black versions, have had a somewhat sporadic history of appearances since their introduction in 1994. Prior to tonight, they have only been worn eight times. This limited usage makes each throwback game a special occasion for Saints fans who appreciate the vintage aesthetic.
Tonight marks the ninth time the team will showcase these classic jerseys. Many have advocated for the Saints to embrace these black throwbacks, alongside their Color Rush uniforms, as the foundation for a modern uniform overhaul. One frequently noted issue is the gold color discrepancy between the current helmets and the older gold found in the jersey numbers, sleeve stripes, and pants of the new orleans saints throwback uniforms.
Addressing the gold mismatch might present a challenge, but as demonstrated by Vanderbilt University’s successful color matching for their helmets, a solution is certainly achievable for the Saints.
The Winning Record of the Throwback Saints Uniforms
Beyond aesthetics, there’s a compelling argument for the Saints to adopt the throwbacks more regularly: their impressive win record when wearing them. Out of the previous eight games sporting the new orleans saints throwback uniforms, the Saints have emerged victorious in seven, suffering only one loss.
Here’s a rundown of the games where the Saints wore their throwback uniforms:
Dates, Scores, and Opponents in Throwback Games:
- 9-18-94: Saints defeated Buccaneers, 9-7 (Win)
- 10-2-94: Saints defeated NY Giants, 27-22 (Win)
- 12-1-02: Saints defeated Buccaneers, 23-20 (Win)
- 9-26-11: Saints defeated Texans, 40-33 (Win)
- 11-6-11: Saints defeated Buccaneers, 27-16 (Win)
- 12-4-16: Saints lost to Lions, 23-13 (Loss)
- 11-20-22: Saints defeated Rams, 27-20 (Win)
- 12-10-23: Saints defeated Panthers, 28-6 (Win)
While uniform choice doesn’t guarantee victory, superstition plays a role in fan and player sentiment. This winning history associated with the new orleans saints throwback uniforms could be another reason for the team to consider wearing them more frequently, or even permanently.
Image alt text: A closer shot of the New Orleans Saints throwback jersey, highlighting the gold numbers and sleeve stripes, part of the team’s classic uniform design.
The Timeless Appeal of the Saints Throwback Look
Regardless of their on-field performance in these uniforms, many agree that the new orleans saints throwback uniforms are visually striking. For many fans, this classic design is the quintessential Saints uniform they picture when they think of the team. The gold color inconsistency aside, the overall aesthetic resonates strongly with the team’s history and identity.
Interestingly, the decision to wear the throwbacks for tonight’s game was kept under wraps. Just days prior, the team promoted a “blackout” theme for fans, even featuring a player in the standard helmet and jersey in promotional material. This secrecy suggests a deliberate effort to surprise and excite fans with the throwback reveal.
Fans going to Thursday’s game:
WEAR BLACK ⬛️
Story: https://t.co/CXbrmG3OTI pic.twitter.com/kbFj5Anvrm
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 14, 2024
Adding to the special occasion, tonight will also see the enshrinement of legendary quarterback Drew Brees into the Saints Hall of Fame. It remains to be seen if fans will adhere to the team’s “wear black” request, given the throwback uniform reveal.
The new orleans saints throwback uniforms are arguably the team’s best uniform set. Building upon this, and considering their Color Rush uniforms, the Saints already possess the components for an exceptional and comprehensive uniform collection. Suggestions for further refinement include revisiting the 1969 preseason black helmet design, resolving the gold shade inconsistency on the standard helmets, and even introducing throwback black pants. Such additions, along with a potential gold jersey reminiscent of their 2002 one-game appearance, could create a versatile and visually appealing uniform wardrobe for the New Orleans Saints.
What are your thoughts on the Saints bringing back the throwbacks? Do you believe these classic uniforms should be a more permanent fixture for the team?
