The social media age has amplified reactions to everything new in sports, often starting with harsh criticism. Remember the Denver Broncos’ uniform reveal? It’s a tense moment for teams unveiling new looks. Excitement mixes with the fear of online backlash.
This offseason, four NFL franchises underwent significant uniform changes. However, the reality is, these teams largely succeeded. Even the Broncos, despite initial reactions, didn’t fare too badly. The Cleveland Browns also updated their look with white facemasks, a change that, while hyped, is a welcome throwback and visually appealing.
Let’s dive into a ranking of the new NFL uniforms for the 2024 season:
4. Denver Broncos: A Mile High Makeover
The Broncos land at the bottom of this ranking, but it’s more by default than outright failure. Their new uniforms are far from the social media meltdown some predicted.
Perhaps expectations were low. Their previous uniforms, dating back to 1997, were arguably among the least liked in the NFL. Almost anything would have been an improvement. Once the initial jokes subside, these new kits will likely be seen as decent. There’s no major flaw in the new jerseys, pants, and helmets.
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
One misstep? Not making their 1977 alternate throwbacks the primary uniform. That retro look is truly exceptional.
Throwin’ it back to 1977.
📸’s » https://t.co/k9h0wyheHM pic.twitter.com/hyMPYWGsKU
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 22, 2024
Despite missing the mark on the throwback, the Broncos’ 2024 uniforms are not as disastrous as some claim. They simply rank fourth in this strong year for new NFL uniforms.
3. Detroit Lions: Classic Football Style Returns
It speaks volumes about this uniform cycle when the Detroit Lions, with their excellent new designs, are ranked third.
There’s very little to criticize about the Lions’ updated look. It’s a modern take on a classic design, evoking images of legendary players from the 90s. And that’s a good thing.
While incorporating modern elements, the “Detroit” wordmark across the away jerseys is particularly effective. The Lions didn’t need a complete overhaul, and wisely, they didn’t attempt one. They refined a timeless aesthetic, making it even better.
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 will likely be divisive, but for fans who appreciate the darker look, they will be a hit.
Well? pic.twitter.com/VqO2YtsD3P
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 19, 2024
Overall, the Lions’ new uniforms are a success. They are clean, not overly designed, and respectful of the team’s history. Detroit deserves praise for this update.
2. New York Jets: Throwback to the Sack Exchange Era
The New York Jets are embracing their 1980s “Sack Exchange” era, and the result is fantastic.
The Jets of that period were exciting to watch and had a strong visual identity. Returning to that style makes perfect sense.
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 successfully used this look as a throwback in the past. Its popularity led them to make it their permanent uniform, a smart decision.
Every aspect of these uniforms is excellent. It’s a lesson for other teams: uniform design peaked decades ago. Instead of radical reinvention, refine a classic. While some might prefer the Jets’ 1998-2018 uniforms, these new throwbacks are a strong choice.
1. Houston Texans: A Modern Expansion Team Triumph
The design team behind the Houston Texans’ new uniforms deserves significant praise.
The Texans faced a unique challenge. As a relatively young expansion team (established in 2002), they lack the nostalgia factor of teams like the Broncos, Lions, and Jets. They couldn’t rely on decades of history or fan memories.
Despite this, the Texans absolutely nailed their uniform redesign. Every combination they unveiled is outstanding.
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 mention goes to the dark blue alternate uniforms with red numbers. They are not only the best of this group but could quickly become one of the top uniforms in the entire NFL. Texans fans should consider acquiring a No. 7 C.J. Stroud H-Town alternate jersey before the season starts.
Ice so blue 🥶 pic.twitter.com/3nC5xglb6x
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 23, 2024
With these four new uniform sets and their various combinations, the NFL will undoubtedly look sharper this season. The Texans are an ascending team in the league, and while Super Bowl contention this year might be ambitious, they undeniably won the 2024 uniform rollout.
