It’s NFL uniforms and jerseys week, and while the Seattle Seahawks boast a generally admired current uniform design, particularly the “wolf grey” alternates for away games, one particular uniform choice remains a point of contention: the green uniform. Many remember the striking “wolf grey” uniform debut during the Seahawks’ dominant 50-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin during their game on November 7, 2016. Sherman’s iconic play is captured in the team’s popular wolf grey alternate uniforms.
The Seahawks’ uniforms from 2002-2011, featuring “blue uniforms with white numerals” for home games and “white uniforms with blue numerals” were considered by some as rather uninspired. This coincided with a period where the Seahawks were not consistently seen as a top-tier, must-watch team. The arrival of stars like Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and the “Legion of Boom” in 2012 elevated the Seahawks’ profile significantly. The subsequent uniform refresh arguably contributed to this new, more vibrant era for the team.
However, within the Seahawks’ uniform repertoire, the alternate green uniform consistently sparks debate and strong reactions.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson looks to pass while wearing the team’s “Action Green” uniform against the Los Angeles Rams. The vibrant green color has been a source of both excitement and criticism among fans.
Dubbed “Action Green” or sometimes referred to as “Lime Green,” this uniform is undeniably loud and visually striking. Its intense color has drawn comparisons to office supply hues, with some critics suggesting it’s almost offensively bright.
The story of Seattle’s green uniforms began in September 2009. In a Week 3 home game against the Chicago Bears, the Seahawks debuted a “Lime Green” jersey, paired with dark blue pants.
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Seattle Seahawks running back Justin Forsett runs with the ball during the 2009 game against the Chicago Bears, marking the first appearance of the Seahawks’ lime green jerseys. The team paired the bright jerseys with navy blue pants in this initial iteration.
The Seahawks lost that game 25-19, a defeat partly attributed to missed field goals by kicker Olindo Mare. Then-head coach Jim Mora publicly criticized Mare after the game. Shortly after, Mora humorously “retired” the “Lime Green” uniforms, jokingly citing the team’s loss while wearing them as the reason.
However, the retirement was short-lived. In 2015, the NFL introduced the “Color Rush” program for Thursday Night Football games. While intended to create visually exciting matchups, “Color Rush” became infamous, particularly for issues it caused for colorblind viewers in some games. The Los Angeles Rams’ gold uniforms were notably bright and, to some, garish. By 2016, all 32 NFL teams participated in “Color Rush,” and the “Action Green” Seattle Seahawks uniform was revived. It was featured in both a home victory against the Los Angeles Rams and a road win against the Arizona Cardinals. A defining image of the “Action Green” era is a photo from what turned out to be Richard Sherman’s final game as a Seahawk.
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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman on the field during a game against the Arizona Cardinals. This game marked Sherman’s final appearance for the Seahawks, poignantly captured while he was wearing the team’s distinctive Action Green uniform.
Although “Color Rush” is no longer mandatory with Thursday Night Football moving to FOX, the NFL now allows teams to wear alternate uniforms, including “Color Rush” and throwback designs, up to three times per season. This rule change means the “Action Green” uniform could reappear, despite continued mixed reactions from fans.
Many fans have wondered why the Seahawks don’t bring back their classic uniforms from 1976-2001. According to Seahawks.com, current NFL rules limit teams to one alternate helmet design. Since the Seahawks use “wolf grey” as their alternate uniform and its helmet is already a variation of their primary helmet, reverting to the classic silver helmet design for throwback uniforms isn’t currently possible without significant helmet repainting efforts for just a few games.
Despite the divided opinions, and perhaps due to the NFL’s uniform policy, the “Action Green” Seattle Seahawks uniform may continue to make appearances in the seasons to come.
Fan Poll: Green Jerseys – Yay or Nay?
Should the Seahawks keep their green jerseys?
This poll is closed
-
43%
Yes
(566 votes)
-
56%
No
(741 votes)
1307 votes total
