Get ready for a blast from the past, Saints fans! The New Orleans Saints are set to revive their iconic throwback uniforms as they prepare to face off against the Denver Broncos tonight on Thursday Night Football. This exciting announcement has sent waves of nostalgia and anticipation through the Who Dat Nation, promising a visually stunning game for fans and uniform enthusiasts alike.
The Saints officially unveiled their throwback plan with a captivating video on social media, immediately sparking buzz and excitement.
Throwback uniforms for Thursday ⚜️#Saints | @Verizon pic.twitter.com/ygI1FbrwCP
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 16, 2024
This “Throwback Thursday” matchup will see the Saints sporting their beloved classic look, although the Broncos will be countering with their updated blue helmets and white jerseys. While a clash of Saints throwbacks against Denver’s “Orange Crush” throwbacks would have been a Halloween-esque visual treat, Saints fans can still rejoice in seeing their team in what many consider their most visually appealing uniforms.
For a team that has faced criticism for their recent uniform choices, particularly the heavy reliance on mono-black and mono-white combinations, the decision to break out the throwback uniforms is a welcome change. Even their “Color Rush” uniform this year leaned heavily into mono-white, leaving fans yearning for more color and classic Saints aesthetics. But tonight, the wait is over. The Saints will finally look like the Saints in their striking throwback gear.
New Orleans Saints throwback uniforms from 2016 game against the Detroit Lions
A Look Back at the Saints Throwback Uniforms
The Saints’ black throwback uniforms are not just a visually appealing choice; they also carry a history of sporadic yet memorable appearances. Since their introduction in 1994, these uniforms have only been donned eight times prior to tonight’s game, making each appearance a special occasion.
This rarity adds to the allure of the throwback uniforms, turning each game into a visual and historical event for Saints devotees. Fans and analysts alike have often pointed to these classic uniforms as a superior representation of the Saints’ visual identity, especially when compared to their more contemporary designs.
There’s a growing sentiment among fans and uniform enthusiasts that the Saints should consider adopting these black throwbacks, along with elements from their “Color Rush” uniforms, as the foundation for a revamped, modern uniform set. One frequently cited issue with the current Saints uniforms is the inconsistent gold shades, with the helmet gold not quite matching the gold in the jersey numbers, sleeve stripes, and pants.
While achieving a perfect gold match across all uniform elements can be challenging, as discussed in the context of Vanderbilt University’s uniform updates, it’s certainly within the realm of possibility for a major NFL franchise like the Saints. Aligning the helmet gold with the classic “old gold” of the throwback uniforms would create a more cohesive and visually refined look.
The Winning Tradition of Throwback Saints Uniforms
Beyond aesthetics, there’s an intriguing statistical element associated with the Saints Throwback Uniforms: winning. In the previous eight games where the Saints wore these black throwbacks, they have an impressive record of 7 wins and only 1 loss.
Here’s a rundown of their throwback games and results:
Saints Throwback Uniform Game History:
- 9-18-94: vs Buccaneers – Won 9-7
- 10-2-94: vs NY Giants – Won 27-22
- 12-1-02: vs Buccaneers – Won 23-20
- 9-26-11: vs Texans – Won 40-33
- 11-6-11: vs Buccaneers – Won 27-16
- 12-4-16: vs Lions – Lost 23-13
- 11-20-22: vs Rams – Won 27-20
- 12-10-23: vs Panthers – Won 28-6
While uniform choice doesn’t directly dictate game outcomes, the psychological impact of wearing a beloved and historically successful uniform can’t be entirely dismissed. Many players and fans are known to be superstitious, and associating these throwbacks with victory might add an extra layer of confidence for the Saints on the field. Whether superstition or coincidence, the Saints’ track record in their throwback uniforms is undeniably positive.
Archival image of a New Orleans Saints player in throwback uniform
Regardless of any perceived “good luck charm,” the consensus among uniform aficionados is that the Saints’ black throwbacks are simply a fantastic design. Even acknowledging the slight gold mismatch, these uniforms evoke a strong sense of Saints identity and represent a high point in the team’s visual history. For many, when they picture the New Orleans Saints, it’s these classic black and gold uniforms that immediately come to mind.
Blackout Request and Throwback Surprise
Interestingly, the Saints managed to keep their throwback plan under wraps until the official announcement. Just days before the game, the team had even promoted a “blackout” theme, urging fans to wear black to the stadium. They even tweeted an image featuring a player in their standard helmet and jersey, seemingly reinforcing the expectation of their regular uniforms.
Fans going to Thursday’s game:
WEAR BLACK ⬛️
Story: https://t.co/CXbrmG3OTI pic.twitter.com/kbFj5Anvrm
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 14, 2024
This clever misdirection only amplified the excitement and surprise when the throwback announcement finally arrived, adding another layer of anticipation for tonight’s game.
Adding to the significance of tonight’s game, the Saints will also be inducting legendary quarterback Drew Brees into the team’s Hall of Fame. This special occasion, combined with the throwback uniform reveal, makes tonight a truly memorable event for the New Orleans Saints and their fans.
What are your thoughts on the Saints throwback uniforms? Do you agree that these classic uniforms should serve as the primary inspiration for the team’s future designs? Share your opinions and join the conversation in the comments below!
