The Best and Worst NFL Uniforms
The Green Bay Packers' uniforms are about as good as they get these days.Nike and the NFL are approaching the halfway point in their estimated $4 billion deal that runs through the 2028 season. So let’s take some inventory.
We’ve got primary uniform sets. And alternates. And throwbacks. And so-called Color Rushes. And ones for home games. And ones for away games. In every shade of color imaginable, thousands of combinations in all.
Yet while these (too) many options have enhanced the bottom line — really, that’s all that matters, right, Junior? — it's surprising just how little they’ve done from an aesthetic standpoint. By our count, barely half the league passes muster.
What’s more, the vast majority of best-dressed teams have changed little over the years. Most of the others seem to be confused, if not downright desperate to find an identity.
Here’s how the uniform sets rank for every NFL team. Now you be the judge.
32. Santa Clara/San Jose 49ers
Why do the 49ers still have "San Francisco" in their name?Established: 1946
First season: 1946
Top seller: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo
32. Santa Clara/San Jose 49ers
The road look.Bottom line: The Niners have nice enough uniforms. This is about that "SF" logo, which is faker than a San Francisco summer. The Phony-Niners don’t play their games or practice in The City. Not even close.
The team is based in Santa Clara, which is 40 miles closer to San Jose than its alleged home. (Yeah, I know, the New York Jets and Giants play in New Jersey, but it’s an 11-minute cab ride from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium. No biggie.)
Get back, get back, back to where you once belonged, Jo.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
These Bucs uniforms are not a cause for celebration.Established: 1974
First season: 1976
Top seller: Wide receiver Mike Evans
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay is not going to win any awards for this uni.Bottom line: This franchise is the No. 1 cause of macular degeneration. Remember the Creamsicles that pictured an Errol Flynn lookalike with a sword in his mouth on the helmets?
Even those were better than the pewter and blood-red version of today. Uh, more like p-u-ter.
From the digital-clock numerals to the way-too-much Color Rush reds, it’s time to stuff 'em in the cannon at Raymond James Stadium, blow 'em away and start over again.
30. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens could use a uniform upgrade.Established: 1996
First season: 1996
Top seller: Quarterback Lamar Jackson
30. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens' road uni, and nothing more.Bottom line: Ravens are ominous creatures. We get it. But black and purple mix like Burger King Flamin' Hot Mac n’ Cheetos and a queasy stomach.
The Ravens need to lighten up forevermore.
Oh, then there’s that goofy helmet logo, the one with the startled bird who can’t believe some cruel human actually shaved a "B" into the side of its head.
29. Cleveland Browns
Maybe Baker Mayfield can help the Browns' uni game.Established: 1944
First season: 1946
Top seller: Quarterback Baker Mayfield
29. Cleveland Browns
Welcome to Believe-land.Bottom line: What can brown do for you? Not a helluva lot, pal. A long-overdue rebrand is on the way, and we can only hope that’s a good thing for a change.
Some free advice: Put Brownie the Elf on the sides of that infamous plain helmet. You know, the stoic one with the smirk on his face. Wouldn’t that be absolutely perfect for the newfound swag of Baker Mayfield and his gang?
If that doesn’t work, how about a silhouette of team founder Paul Brown then? OK, probably not.
28. Arizona Cardinals
Is it time for the Cards to rock all-red all the time?Established: 1898
First season: 1920
Top seller: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald
28. Arizona Cardinals
Focus on the bird.Bottom line: As one of the most distinctive around, the bird helmet logo should be the focal point while the rest falls in line.
But the busy jerseys and pants clearly aren’t team players, so intent are they to sabotage their leader.
C’mon, Big Red, keep it simple. (Pssst, an all-red Color Rush version might be worth a try.)
27. Cincinnati Bengals
Tiger style.Established: 1967
First season: 1968
Top seller: Wide receiver A.J. Green
27. Cincinnati Bengals
Does anyone have any new ideas for the Bengals?Bottom line: Raise your hand if you believe the tiger stripes have outlived their usefulness. Uh-huh, thought so.
Now that the franchise has moved on from coach Marvin Lewis, it can enter the new millennium with their attire as well.
It may want to start with a more creative team logo and work from there.
26. New England Patriots
The Patriots play better than they look.Established: 1959
First season: 1960
Top seller: Quarterback Tom Brady
26. New England Patriots
Substance vs. style.Bottom line: When Tom Boy drops back to pass in the Color Rush blues, it looks like he’s in his pee-jays. (The guy has so much time to throw the ball, he may as well be, right?) Point is, this look hasn’t changed much over the years.
And when it has, it has generally been for the worse.
Personally, we favor the old look — red jerseys, white hats, white pants — only with the current Elvis helmet logo as a sweetener.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are moving in the right direction — at least with their uniforms.Established: 1993
First season: 1995
Top seller: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville's road unis are nothing to write home about.Bottom line: Florida’s other team has done the unthinkable — screwed up teal and black somehow.
Lo and behold, the 2019 season promises to be a half-step in the right direction, though. Namely, the all-black helmet, which is a major upgrade from that hideous two-tone one.
We’d like to see a stripe down the side of the pants, but when you consider the utter lack of creativity here over the years, it’s unreasonable to expect too much, too soon.
24. New York Jets
The Jets don't have the look.Established: 1959
First season: 1960
Top seller: Quarterback Sam Darnold
24. New York Jets
Gang Green.Bottom line: You mean Gang Green bragged that it took five years to concoct their new look, then left us with this?
For all we know, these duds were taken off the bargain rack at an Oregon Ducks garage sale.
We’ll still take the classic 1960s throwbacks any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Just bring back Don Maynard, Joe Namath and Matt Snell with them.
23. Atlanta Falcons
Can the Falcons make their alternate "throwback" look their primary style?Established: 1965
First season: 1966
Top player: Wide receiver Julio Jones
23. Atlanta Falcons
Meh.Bottom line: The more these threads change, the more they stay meh.
Numerous tweaks later, this team still looks best in its home throwbacks, the classic model that was worn in its first two seasons (1966-67) way back when.
That is, the black jersey with red-trimmed white numbers on the fronts and shoulder pads, white pants and the original falcon logo on the sleeves and red helmet.
22. Denver Broncos
The Broncos are due — for a new aesthetic.Established: 1959
First season: 1960
Top seller: Linebacker Von Miller
22. Denver Broncos
Orange rush.Bottom line: This orange-and-navy blue combo is similar to that of the Chicago Bears (see ahead). Whereas Da Bears have discovered new ways to highlight the old, this one never made it out of the John Elway era.
The overdue rebrand could start with a lighter shade of blue on the helmets and jerseys. Those XXL-sized stripes down the sides would be the next to go. A third pants color could be added to the mix (and made mandatory for every team while we’re at it).
Then the all-orange Color Rush model should be scrapped once and for all. It’s more trick than treat.
21. Tennessee Titans
Cementing an identity in the NFL takes time. Ask the team formerly known as the Oilers.Established: 1959
First season: 1960
Top seller: Quarterback Marcus Mariota
21. Tennessee Titans
Let's go.Bottom line: In an attempt to further distance itself from its Houston roots, the franchise embarked on a reboot after the 2017 season. Give it high marks for effort, anyway.
The metallic navy blue helmets and silver face mask are a cleaner, bolder improvement over the white version, although to be honest, we're navyed out at this point.
It also features a tapered silver stripe. You know, like a sword. The Roman gladiator theme extends to the scabbard shoulder flaps. Call this a work in progress.
20. Houston Texans
The Texans have moments of excitement. Kind of like their unis.Established: 1999
First season: 2002
Top seller: Defensive end J.J. Watt
20. Houston Texans
Houston has not gone big with its unis.Bottom line: The horned logo and navy blue helmet are keepers, but the rest is unimpressive for our taste.
The overly simplistic design is due for a rebrand, and it would take only a few positive tweaks to move up in class.
Hint: Start with the horribly misplaced red (on blue) and blue (on red) stripe around the collar and proceed from there.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles could use a new green.Established: 1933
First seasons: 1933
Top seller: Quarterback Carson Wentz
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Fly unis for the Eagles? You make the call.Bottom line: Color scheme isn’t the only thing when it comes to uniforms. It’s everything. Now will somebody, anybody kindly tell the Iggles that Kelly Green beats the hell out of Midnight Green from here to Manayunk?
Don’t they know that one obvious change means a whole 10 spots in the order?!
Try, Eagles, try! (OK, we'll calm down now. But this bugs the @#$%^&*()_+! out of us. There has to be a Betty Ford Clinic for this kind of thing.)
18. Buffalo Bills
The Bills' aren't bad. Can we say the same about the team?Established: 1959
First season: 1960
Top seller: Quarterback Josh Allen
18. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo's road whites are clean.Bottom line: The return of the white helmets of yesteryear didn’t come soon enough.
Their home blue and road white jerseys also are well done, thanks to some of the sharpest piping and numeral outlines around.
Scrap the all-red Color Rush model, a bad match for the helmets, and this ensemble moves into the first division.
17. New York Giants
That "NY" logo is iconic.Established: 1925
First season: 1925
Top seller: Running back Saquon Barkley
17. New York Giants
The Giants have a strong brand as one of the NFL's flagship franchises.Bottom line: We are traditionalists at heart, even more so with a time-honored franchise such as this one. So we're on board with the plain blue jerseys and old-style "NY" logo that has Sam Huff written all over them.
We're also in on the block "Giants" that appears on the lid occasionally, the one that Lawrence Taylor made famous.
It’s the pants that this team could do without. No, we mean, the team should play with pants, just not the gray ones. (One word: white).
16. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts still have (Andrew) Luck on their side, which is nice.Established: 1953
First season: 1953
Top seller: Quarterback Andrew Luck
16. Indianapolis Colts
Sometimes, simplicity wins the uniform game.Bottom line: If one can get past the fact that the Colts name was stolen from Baltimore in a Mayflower van, there’s more good than bad here.
True, the blue-and-white scheme is restrictive, but the design is clean. Yet it’s the familiar horseshoe logo which oozes tradition that puts this in the upper half. Unitas gives to Ameche . . . The Colts are the world champions!
Now do the right thing, owner Jim Irsay — give it back!
15. Chicago Bears
The Bears' uniform game remains strong after 100 years.Established: 1920
First season: 1920
Top seller: Outside linebacker Khalil Mack
15. Chicago Bears
Chicago has tradition on its side.Bottom line: Reaction has been mixed to the Bears' 100th anniversary throwbacks (circa 1936), which will be worn at two games in the 2019 season. We kinda like the white jersey with added stripes on the winged helmet and sleeves as well as navy blue- and orange-striped socks.
Otherwise, it will be business as usual. For a solid color scheme that offers a number of mix-and-match options, that’s a good thing.
NFC North fun fact: This is the best-dressed division in the league — every one of its members ranks in the top half of our list.
14. Miami Dolphins
Miami's uniforms could be worse.Established: 1965
First season: 1966
Top seller: Linebacker Kiko Alonso
14. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have some of the most unique colors in football.Bottom line: There’s no reason why aqua, white and orange can’t be merged into something special.
The new all-white throwbacks are a start. In fact, they’re so dadgum sharp, they should be numero uno. The lovable dolphin helmet logo merits a permanent spot in the lineup as well.
More good news: The aqua-on-aqua combo that was an awful match for the white lid has been scrapped altogether.
13. Seattle Seahawks
Little things make a big difference with uniforms.Established: 1974
First season: 1976
Top seller: Quarterback Russell Wilson
13. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawk unis capture the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.Bottom line: If there’s one pro sports team that Nike should do right, it’s the one that plays three hours from its headquarters, no? For the most part, mission accomplished.
The names may be convoluted, but College Navy, Action Green, and Wolf Gray capture the Pacific Northwest spirit. The white-on-gray and blue-on-blue versions are well done, although we wonder if the wide line across the shoulder blade is a bit obtrusive.
As for the all-neon Color Rush model, doctor, my eyes! A simple switch to navy (excuse us, College Navy) socks to match the helmets just might save them. Just do it.
12. Detroit Lions
The Lions have one of the best color schemes in the game. That's better than nothing.Established: 1930
First season: 1930
Top seller: Quarterback Matthew Stafford
12. Detroit Lions
Detroit style.Bottom line: The redesign that was unveiled prior to the 2018 campaign included rather innocent logo and typeface changes, not an unnecessary overall. Um, is it all right to use "Detroit Lions" and "smart" in the same sentence?
Left untouched was the Honolulu blue-and-silver combo, a joyous marriage that was consummated 85 years ago.
The Color Rush grays are a personal favorite here. Unlike too many of the guys who wear it, this wardrobe is solid.
11. Carolina Panthers
Can you say underrated unis?Established: 1993
First season: 1995
Top seller: Linebacker Luke Kuechly
11. Carolina Panthers
Dressed for success.Bottom line: For reasons unclear, these threads don’t get their just due.
The primary logo and silver helmets with center stripes are well done. If the teal jersey/socks with white paints aren’t the sharpest combo in the league, then it’s on the short list for sure. The black-on-black Color Rush version is a winner.
We're not wild about the flared wide stripes down the pant legs, but that’s imminently fixable. What’s more, a third pants color is needed here (and elsewhere around the league.) Fact is, black and teal can negate almost any flaw.
10. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have a uniform worth celebrating.Established: 1959
First season: 1960
Top seller: Tight end Travis Kelce
10. Kansas City Chiefs
Details matter.Bottom line: The distinctive arrowhead logo and red-and-gold colors have been franchise staples since its move from Dallas more than five decades ago.
For some added flavor on special occasions, they could resurrect the spin-off logo of the 1963-1971 seasons. Instead of the Dallas Texans gunslinger superimposed over his home state, this one featured a Native American running with the same stride, football in one hand and tomahawk in the other, a map of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa and Arkansas in the background.
Set off the heart of Chiefs country in solid red this time, and it would be a worthy complement.
9. Washington Redskins
Well, at least the Redskins look sharp.Established: 1932
First season: 1932
Top seller: Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan
9. Washington Redskins
All day with these uniforms.Bottom line: Socks are like placekickers and referees — you don’t hear much about them until they smell really bad. Well, the Redskins boast the best hose in the biz, all-burgundy beauties that stand out in a crowd.
The rest of the uniform is easy on the eyes as well, set off by the iconic logo and burgundy-and-gold combo that is as unique as it is effective.
Other than the throw-ups, er, throwbacks, which could use some work, this group has no weakness.
8. Minnesota Vikings
Purple power.Established: 1960
First season: 1961
Top seller: Wide receiver Stefon Diggs
8. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota nice.Bottom line: About that logo — it’s really Hulk Hogan dressed in a viking helmet, right? Well, let me tell you something, brother, the gold crescent that creates the illusion of a protruding horn is sheer creative brilliance.
We must admit, these unis have been some a favorite since a rookie quarterback named Fran Tarkenton had his coming-out party many years ago.
Set the player names and numerals in a Nordic font, and they may rank higher yet.
7. New Orleans Saints
Black on black works for the Saints.Established: 1966
First season: 1967
Top seller: Quarterback Drew Brees
7. New Orleans Saints
Hi, Mom.Bottom line: This is one of the select few teams that can make black on black look good. A thin gold streak down each side of the stripeless pants could make it better yet.
Credit the classic gold helmet, which features the trademark fleur-de-lis on the sides. Not only does it complement all that is black quite well, but it screams civic pride at the same time. The white-on-whites and white-on-golds are no less attractive. (Love the matching pants-shoulder stripes on the former.)
The higher-ups have toyed with a black helmet that they wore in one preseason game a while back. Set the facemask and fleur-de-lis in the current gold shade, and count us in.
6. Green Bay Packers
This green and gold never goes out of style.Established: 1919
First season: 1919
Top seller: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers
6. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay's threads are tough to beat.Bottom line: Change comes at a glacial pace in the Frozen Tundra, especially when it comes to uniform design. Why should it be any other way?
From tradition to the color combo to discipline, these threads are about as good as they get these days. The green-on-gold model defines awesomeness. The Color Rush whites are off the charts. (Note the matching jersey-pants stripes.)
Unfortunately, the Pack will don its blue-and-gold throwbacks at one home game in the 2019 season. That’s one too many.
5. Dallas Cowboys
How about those uniforms?Established: 1960
First season: 1960
Top seller: Quarterback Dak Prescott
5. Dallas Cowboys
A variation on the lone star theme.Bottom line: Suffice it to say, original Cowboys general manager Tex Schramm was waaaaay ahead of his time in fashion sense. Decades later, his successors have done a commendable job to execute his vision of the future.
Whether it be the road white-on-silver or home, home navy-on-white/silver alternate or all-white Color Rush apparel, this team will be dressed better than it plays most days.
And that’s a compliment.
4. Los Angeles Rams
A classic.Established: 1936
First season: 1936
Top seller: Running back Todd Gurley
4. Los Angeles Rams
The white stuff.Bottom line: When a franchise moves to brand-new digs, as this one will do in the 2020 season, the goal is to make a cannonball splash. Uh-huh. Fine. Just don’t go full Hollywood on us, people.
The Rams' throwback uniform with blue jersey and gold numerals plus blue helmet with iconic gold horns was, is and always will be among the most attractive in any sport. Not far behind is the white-horned navy helmet with white face mask and white pants with a navy stripe down the side, which was reintroduced after a fan vote in the 2018 season.
Just don’t go changing to try and please me. But that’s what Billy Joel said.
3. Oakland Raiders
Commitment to excellent unis.Established: 1960
First season: 1960
Top seller: Quarterback Derek Carr
3. Oakland Raiders
When all else fails, celebrate the Raiders' uniforms.Bottom line: The on-field product may suck when the team heads to Nevada after the 2019 season, but never will bad look so good.
The Silver and Black raised the fashion bar in their AFL days, and they remain at the head of the class decades later.
The alternate road version with black-trimmed silver numbers is so beyond cool, they should be considered on a more full-time basis.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Nobody does black and gold like the Steelers.Established: 1933
First season: 1933
Top seller: Wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Black and yellow and white.Bottom line: Full disclosure: I’ve had black-and-gold addiction since seventh grade. And nobody does black and gold like Pittsburgh teams. Nooo-body. (Note: I’m talkin’ solid gold here, not the mustard yellow knock-offs.)
Coupled with the iconic Steelmark logo on one helmet side, the black-on-gold homies and black-on-black Color Rushes are pure 100 percent killer.
And how can one not like the new throwbacks with those big, bold, beautiful block numerals (circa the 1970s)? Answer: One cannot.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
We have liftoff.Established: 1959
First season: 1960
Top seller: Quarterback Philip Rivers
1. Los Angeles Chargers
You can't beat the Chargers' powder blues.Bottom line: I don’t care how the 2019 NFL season turns out, people. It’s already an unqualified success.
That’s because the Chargers have finally adopted the SoCal cool, out-of-this-world powder blues as their primary uniform set. Yes! Yesss! Yesssss! Thank you, Touchdown Jesus!
The yellow facemask makes them even better, if that’s possible. Put the player number back on the helmet sides (circa 1960-73), and they’re about as perfect as perfect can be.
In fact, we'll go as far as to say they’re the best football uniforms in the history of history. Go ahead, name a better one. Waiting, still waiting.