The National Football League is experiencing a potential renaissance in team aesthetics, with uniforms becoming increasingly crucial for branding, marketing, and fan engagement in this sports behemoth. Recent rule changes have significantly impacted team uniform design, most notably the reinstatement of secondary helmet shells a couple of years prior. This pivotal decision empowered teams to explore alternate uniform combinations and revisit classic designs from their history. Teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and Tennessee Titans (referencing their Houston Oilers heritage) capitalized on this, reintroducing iconic white helmets that were integral to their cherished vintage looks from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s – a fashion era particularly nostalgic for many fans who grew up with the game.
Further expanding creative possibilities, teams undergoing uniform redesigns this year were granted the option to incorporate a third helmet. This option will be available to all NFL teams starting in 2025, promising even greater uniform diversity and visual appeal across the league.
While not every team will immediately or fully utilize this expanded helmet rule, the 2024 season marks a significant step forward with the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans all unveiling revamped uniforms. These highly anticipated changes necessitate a fresh look at the league-wide aesthetic landscape and an update to our annual NFL uniform power rankings. Here’s a comprehensive ranking of all 32 NFL team uniforms, from the least impressive to the most visually striking (previous rank in parentheses):
32. Washington Commanders (31)
It’s challenging to find anyone, particularly in the Washington D.C. area, who feels genuine excitement for this rebranding effort. While perhaps necessary, the Commanders’ uniforms are largely considered uninspired. This lukewarm reception seems to extend to the team’s new ownership, who haven’t ruled out the possibility of yet another rebranding in the future. The road uniforms are particularly underwhelming, with the black alternate jerseys standing out as marginally better, albeit somewhat by default. A redeeming feature is the subtle incorporation of the District of Columbia flag on the shoulder, a detail that adds a touch of local identity.
31. Carolina Panthers (29)
A recent interesting tidbit revealed that the Panthers’ head logo is cleverly designed to resemble the combined shapes of North and South Carolina on a map. While this is a neat concept, the uniforms themselves lack overall appeal. They present a dated and somewhat disjointed aesthetic that harkens back to the 1990s, an era when black and teal (or “Panther Blue”) – reminiscent of the San Jose Sharks color scheme – was a trendy combination. It feels like time for a significant update, perhaps leaning towards a color palette closer to Carolina Blue. However, the logo itself, with its hidden geographical nod, could certainly be retained.
30. Cleveland Browns (30)
The combination of brown and orange is an acquired taste, appreciated perhaps primarily by Cleveland loyalists. For others, this color pairing might only evoke images of less-than-appetizing candy corn or the San Diego Padres uniforms popularized by Tony Gwynn. The Browns faced further criticism for not utilizing their brown-over-brown uniform combination with orange numbers last season. However, the team is enthusiastic about reverting to white facemasks, a move that acknowledges their relative prominence in the 1980s, alongside a glossy orange helmet shell.
29. New England Patriots (19)
Just as it was time for the Patriots to move on from the Bill Belichick era, it might also be time to retire the “Flying Elvis” logo. Officially consigning the dynastic era to history and embracing a complete rebrand, or at least permanently returning to the “Pat Patriot” uniforms, would be a welcome change for many fans seeking a visual refresh.
28. Baltimore Ravens (26)
While the Ravens’ color scheme aims for an Edgar Allan Poe-inspired mystique, the combination of black and purple doesn’t always achieve optimal visual harmony. The purple jersey with gold numbers does offer a striking contrast, though it wasn’t featured in the AFC North champions’ rotation last season. The Maryland flag subtly integrated into the shoulder crest remains a standout detail. However, team president Sashi Brown has hinted at forthcoming alternate looks, stating, “We have some stuff that’s coming.” The Ravens’ social media team even playfully teased fans with the infamous mustard pants as part of an April Fools’ Day prank, suggesting a willingness to experiment with bolder uniform choices.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (24)
The Jaguars’ uniforms currently occupy a somewhat unremarkable middle ground – neither offensive nor particularly inspiring. This is arguably an improvement from some of the more controversial uniform (and helmet) choices they made a decade ago. It appears the Jaguars are another franchise poised to tap into nostalgia this season, hinting at throwback designs, even if their relatively young history (less than 30 years) limits the depth of their retro catalog.
26. Arizona Cardinals (25)
Since their redesign last year, the Cardinals’ uniforms bear a striking resemblance to those of Ohio State. While this might not be entirely original, it does represent a noticeable upgrade from their previous uniform iterations, offering a cleaner and more contemporary look.
25. Atlanta Falcons (27)
Former head coach Arthur Smith deserves credit for embracing the Falcons’ throwback uniforms and keeping the less-favored gradient alternates off the field. Interestingly, the team possesses red pants, never actually worn in a game, tucked away in their equipment room. While throwbacks haven’t become their primary uniform yet, hopefully, the Falcons will consider bringing back the 1980s-era red jersey and silver pants combination at some point, a look many fans would appreciate.
24. Denver Broncos (32)
Zach Wilson Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos unveiled their updated “Mile High Collection” uniforms on Monday, and they are indeed an improvement over their previous designs. It would have been difficult to create something less appealing than their former look. The side panel swooshes and tapered helmet stripe have been removed. In their place, prominent triangular “summit markers” are featured on the jersey and helmet back, along with “5280” references, reminding everyone of Denver’s elevation at a mile above sea level in the Rocky Mountain shadow. The social media rollout prominently featured an orange Ford Bronco, leading to speculation about whether the team aspires to emulate the Detroit Lions’ Ford family connection and pay royalties to the automaker.
Extensive effort and focus group testing undoubtedly went into these redesigns. However, the final result evokes a blend of the Chargers’ uniforms and the University of Virginia’s aesthetic. The most straightforward and perhaps most popular approach would have been to reinstate the John Elway-era classics (from a time when the Broncos struggled to secure a Super Bowl victory) as their primary uniforms. Giving the Broncos credit where it’s due, they are utilizing all three helmet options: the “Midnight Navy” primary, the “Summit White” alternate, and the iconic throwback. It remains to be seen if new quarterback Zach Wilson can improve his pass completion rate while sporting any of these new uniforms.
23. Tennessee Titans (28)
The Titans’ uniforms present a somewhat chaotic mix of colors and combinations. The shoulder and hip detailing, inspired by Roman centurions, is both imaginative and somewhat awkward in execution. However, a significant positive is the restoration of the Oilers throwbacks to their rotation. These Columbia Blue classics made a welcome return in 2023, despite the understandable resentment from Houston fans who associate them with a departed franchise.
22. Los Angeles Rams (20)
With the exception of the yellow-white gradient on the blue jersey numbers and the blue pants’ striping, the Rams’ uniforms have grown in appreciation over time, even the increasingly minimized “Bone” road uniforms. However, incorporating some throwback designs, ideally navy jerseys and helmets with white ram horns, would significantly enhance their overall aesthetic.
21. Chicago Bears (23)
The Bears boast conservative, classic uniforms, highlighted by arguably the league’s best sock game. Their throwback uniforms have deep historical roots, with helmets similar to those of the University of Michigan. If the team were to permanently retire the orange helmet and orange jersey combination, few fans would likely complain.
20. Miami Dolphins (15)
The Dolphins’ distinctive aqua and orange color scheme is a fitting tribute to South Florida’s vibrant atmosphere. The updated logo has aged reasonably well, although, like their AFC East rivals, the Dolphins’ throwback uniforms remain the preferred look for many fans.
19. New York Giants (17)
Taking a cue from the Jets, the Giants should consider permanently reverting to their late-20th-century uniforms or, at the very least, making them their primary option. It’s perplexing that “Big Blue” currently features virtually no blue in their main road uniforms, save for the helmet.
18. Detroit Lions (22)
It’s commendable to see the Ford family’s ownership of the Lions reflected in the uniform design, with the Mustang motif subtly integrated into this year’s new striping pattern. The blue collar detail featured on all jerseys is a clever tribute to the hardworking spirit of Detroit’s “Motown” heritage. While the new alternate blue helmet is visually appealing, it doesn’t quite match the charm of the previous season’s helmet featuring the creeping lion logo, which has unfortunately been retired.
17. Buffalo Bills (16)
The Bills’ uniforms offer a clean and well-presented look. The charging buffalo logo is iconic and difficult to fault. However, incorporating the grazing buffalo logo from the team’s AFL days more frequently, perhaps with an alternate blue helmet, would be a welcome addition for fans of Bills history.
16. San Francisco 49ers (14)
The 49ers’ uniforms are solid and understated, aligning with the preferences of their loyal “Faithful” fanbase. Historically, however, the interlocking SF logo has proven less effective against the interlocking KC in crucial matchups.
15. Kansas City Chiefs (11)
The Chiefs’ classic and simple uniform design is becoming increasingly recognizable, thanks in part to their association with pop culture figures. The arrowhead KC logo is also increasingly synonymous with excellence and sustained success. However, a touch of variety would be appreciated. The Chiefs are the only NFL team that doesn’t utilize a third jersey and seem resistant to expanding their uniform wardrobe.
14. Houston Texans (18)
The Houston Texans pledged to create the “most fan-inclusive and transparent uniform redesign in NFL history,” and they appear to have delivered on this promise with their Tuesday unveiling. While largely maintaining their classic core look, the Texans extensively incorporated feedback from over 10,000 surveys and 30 focus groups. This process resulted in a civically inspired Color Rush uniform and helmet, and a striking alternate red kit and helmet that features “candy paint red flakes” and a chrome facemask. The Texans have created a diverse uniform collection that respects team tradition while effectively leveraging the new uniform rules to introduce freshness and variety. Other NFL teams could learn from this approach. For fans of the Oilers, the inclusion of “H-Town Blue” in the Texans’ color palette is a noteworthy detail.
13. Dallas Cowboys (12)
Whether you love or loathe “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys’ brand, complete with the star logo, is arguably the most recognizable in professional sports. Their long-standing tradition of wearing white uniforms for home games provides fans with a distinct visual contrast each week, as visiting teams typically wear their colored home uniforms. While many believe, and perhaps rightly so, that the Cowboys look even sharper in their navy jerseys and silver pants, the white home uniforms are undeniably iconic.
12. Indianapolis Colts (10)
The Colts’ uniforms exude NFL history, evoking images of Johnny Unitas and the iconic horseshoe logo that captivated a generation of football fans. The primary uniforms have remained largely unchanged over decades, a testament to their timeless design. The “Indiana Nights” alternate uniform, introduced last year, was a generally well-received addition, although the black helmet was considered somewhat of a misstep by some critics.
11. Green Bay Packers (13)
The Green Bay Packers’ uniforms represent an even deeper connection to NFL history as the league’s all-time winningest franchise. However, it might be time for the Packers to inject a bit of contemporary flair into their look. Adding a green helmet to their monochrome dark green alternate uniforms would be a fun and visually impactful update.
10. New York Jets (21)
First and foremost, a thank you to the New York Jets for finally listening to fan desires. While a truly unique uniform incorporating an F-22 silhouette or Maverick Mitchell-esque imagery may remain a fantasy, the permanent return to the NYJ’s 1980s uniform aesthetic is a significant leap forward in the right direction. The new uniforms are undeniably stylish, the updated logo is sleek and modern on both the shimmering green helmet and the matte black alternates, and the new secondary insignias provide welcome visual variety. The only minor drawback is the missed opportunity to create a truly distinctive third uniform kit. However, the players themselves seem thoroughly satisfied with the new designs.
9. Minnesota Vikings (8)
The Minnesota Vikings’ uniforms are consistently underrated, featuring a striking purple and gold color combination and subtle Norse-inspired details in their current design. Their throwback uniforms are clean and classic, but it was a missed opportunity that the alternate purple jerseys with gold numbers remained unused last season.
8. Cincinnati Bengals (7)
The Cincinnati Bengals boast arguably the best head-to-toe alternate uniform in the league: the white tiger kit, complete with a bleached helmet and black tiger stripes. They have also refined their primary uniforms, which remain one of the league’s more creative and visually engaging looks. If they were to completely abandon the orange jerseys, it’s unlikely many fans would object – they were only worn once last season, suggesting a similar sentiment within the team.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9)
The “Creamsicle” throwback uniforms are back in the Buccaneers’ rotation, and the less-favored “alarm clock” jerseys are firmly a thing of the past. The pirate ship-era uniforms, popularized by players like Sapp and Brady, remain the standard look, with “Bucco Bruce” throwbacks occasionally featured. In short, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ uniform situation is currently in excellent shape.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (6)
The return of the Kelly Green retro uniforms in 2023 was a resounding success for the Philadelphia Eagles. While anticipation is high for seeing them more frequently, the Midnight Green and black uniforms should not be overlooked. They possess a timeless quality and are, after all, the uniforms in which the Eagles secured their Super Bowl victory.
5. Seattle Seahawks (5)
The Seattle Seahawks’ decision to bring back their original blue, silver, and green look in 2023 was also widely celebrated. While these retro uniforms are highly anticipated, the Seahawks’ contemporary “College Navy,” “Wolf Grey,” and “Action Green” color scheme, creatively incorporating feather designs and a tapered crown stripe, represents Nike’s best NFL uniform redesign. These modern uniforms are also eternally linked to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl triumph.
4. New Orleans Saints (4)
Generally, excessive uniform combinations can dilute a team’s brand identity. However, this is not the case with the New Orleans Saints. Black, white, and “Old Gold” – it all works seamlessly, including the deeper shade of gold used in their home and away throwback uniforms. The black helmet with Fleur-De-Lis logos cascading down the center stripe is arguably the best alternate helmet shell in the NFL. Imagine a Mardi Gras-inspired uniform version, incorporating New Orleans Jazz colors into the Saints’ aesthetic – a potentially stunning future concept.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (3)
Black and gold are synonymous with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their iconic logo, inspired by the Steelmark symbol used by the American Iron and Steel Institute, with the distinctive trio of hypocycloids on the helmet’s right side, is a true classic. Even though some fans may favor the “Dark Knight” alternate uniforms, the Steelers’ primary look remains a timeless symbol of NFL tradition.
T1. Las Vegas Raiders (1), Los Angeles Chargers (2)
This might seem like a tiebreaker avoidance, but in this case, there’s no single superior choice. The Los Angeles Chargers offer a vibrant burst of color, a variety of uniform combinations (without being overly complicated), and the lightning bolt logo that perfectly complements their helmets. Conversely, the Las Vegas Raiders embody the league’s most menacing aesthetic, thanks to their stark silver and black color scheme and their iconic, intimidating shield logo.
Perhaps the ultimate tiebreaker will emerge when one of these teams unveils an exceptional uniform paired with a secondary helmet. Envision the Chargers in navy helmets with white lightning bolts, reminiscent of the Seau-Tomlinson era. And imagine the Raiders in monochrome black uniforms, topped with a now-authorized black helmet and their primary logo in silver. The New York Jets listened to fan feedback and embraced their history – there’s no reason why the AFC West’s best-looking teams shouldn’t follow suit and further enhance their already outstanding uniform sets.
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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.
