As the NFL off-season approaches, fans are left yearning for the boys of fall to take the field once again. Outside of the draft, there really isn’t very much to talk about for the sport who has the longest off-season in all of professional sports. Inevitably, among the conversations that fans get into is about uniforms.
Some uniforms are classic, like the Green Bay Packers or the Chicago Bears. You wouldn’t dream of tinkering with those definitive standards of NFL culture. Some uniforms are not so classic, like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or the Seattle Seahawks. Those you could change from time to time and no one would throw a fit.
Well, we found a graphic artist who is also a football fan. He goes by Mr. Design Junkie on Facebook, and he’s got interesting ideas on what an entire league redesign could look like.
We’ve put them together in this list, and added our two cents. Check them out, you might like what you see!
San Francisco 49ers
At first glance, the updated uniforms are a bit jarring. However, once you get past the initial business of the uniform, there’s a lot to like here. First and foremost everything here is big, which is great for television broadcasters because you can see everything on television. The numbers are nice and large, as well as the Niners logo.
The white helmet is a revelation. The current gold 49ers helmet is a classic look, but a bit outdated. This new white look with a different logo on the helmet really freshens up the look.
Chicago Bears
The best uniforms here are the orange set, which is saying something because all of these are pretty sharp. Mr. Design Junkie did something really interesting with the stripe angled across the right leg of the pant. What a neat idea. Very original.
We have to mention the “CHI” word-mark across the chest. It is reminiscent of some of the recent NBA uniforms that have gone for the “graffiti” look. It works well here with this uniform set, and better than most of the NBA uniforms like it.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have the best uniforms in all of professional sports, so it would be tough to improve on them. Unfortunately for Mr. Design Junkie, he didn’t. There’s just too many lightning bolts. There appears to be one coming across, with another creeping out of the pants. It’s just too much.
Actually, it’s nearly impossible to find the number on the jersey because it’s tucked in so tightly between the bolts. The helmet is sharp though. A subtle color change on the classic Chargers helmet.
Cincinnati Bengals
For so long the Bengals have relied on some sort of shoulder stripes to be the key design element of the uniform. In steps Mr. Design Junkie with a stroke of genius. Why not make the stripes a focal point of the whole uniform. These look great. Big and bold, but yet not overstated.
The silver helmet will play well in Ohio, where Cincinnati is, as the Buckeyes of Ohio State have a similar silver helmet and are referred to sometimes by fans as “The Silver Bullets.” The silver uniforms are an interesting addition too, as the Bengals have focused mostly on black for their secondary color.
Buffalo Bills
These uniforms have potential, but they just don’t quite hit the mark. Case in point, the buffalo on the shirt. Nobody gets excited about seeing the rear end of a buffalo. The exciting part is the head, with the horns, the big hunched shoulders, and grizzled mane. On these jerseys though, the head is over the shoulder and all we get is the haunches and hind legs.
Fortunately, he left the current Bills helmets alone, as they are one of the best helmets in the entire NFL.
Denver Broncos
These Broncos uniforms come up just short. The logo is centered on the uniform, which usually would be a good thing. However, in this case, the logo has been enlarged so much you can only see the middle of it. If you were not familiar with the Broncos logo you may not know what you were looking at.
The helmets are sleek. A Blue and orange stylized B on a white helmet. It’s a great look. Unfortunately for Mr. Design Junkie, the Denver Broncos have one of the best uniforms in the league, so there isn’t really anywhere to go but down.
New Orleans Saints
These are pretty good. The Fleur-de-lis is an iconic symbol in New Orleans and it gets top billing on these uniforms. The placement of the numbers on the shoulder pad and low on the abdomen is neat and helps to frame the shirt against the logo.
One area where these uniforms struggle is with the helmet. We get the desire to angle the logo on the shirt. It creates a different perspective. But don’t do it on the helmet too. Straighten that thing up on the helmet.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is already known for its “love them or hate them” uniforms starring the now-legendary shade of green. These take the eccentricities of the real-life Seahawks uniforms to a whole different level, and not in a good way.
These are far to busy with the lines of the Seahawks logo creating an almost indiscernible mishmash on the front of the uniform. The white helmets are nice though, as is the striping on across the front of the pants. You don’t see that very often, if at all.
Washington Redskins
Right off the bat, we like these. Putting DC on the chest is neat, and something that is often overlooked on our capital city’s sports teams. The spears on the shoulder and the pants are really cool and are complemented really well with the ‘Skins garnet and gold color scheme.
The helmet is too dark. It’s nearly impossible to tell that there is a Redskins logo on the helmet. Also, while sticking with the controversial team name, the team could do without putting an actual drawing of a Native American anywhere on their uniforms.
Pittsburgh Steelers
These are phenomenal. Giant, daring numbers on the front in a font that is modern yet still fits with the 21st century Pittsburgh. The classic steel logo is moved to the pants, a terrific adornment with a logo that has meaning in the city beyond just their football team.
Finally, on the shoulder pads is the classic Steelers block S. It’s a reminder of who this great franchise is and what they have accomplished in their long and illustrious history. The uniform is so good, we won’t even mention the terrible helmet.
Cleveland Browns
Considering what the Browns are currently wearing, these are not that bad. The “Stripe B” logo across the chest is bold and commanding. The offset number placement would probably be rejected by the league because it would be hard for officials to see, but it’s unique. The fading stripes are especially cool.
The only bad part of this uniform is the helmet. They took a bland, albeit classic, helmet design and made it even blander. All white with nothing but a stripe down the center? Pass.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
These are wild, but still an upgrade from the digital clock font uniforms they are currently wearing. The shoulder striping and color block are reminiscent of a teenager’s prom dress with only one shoulder covered. The addition of a throwback is excellent, and they couldn’t have made a better choice. The handsome pirate is one of the best former logos in the league.
The addition of the state of Florida to the pants is interesting, and would probably make the other two NFL team in the Sunshine State a little jealous. Also, don’t we all already know where Tampa is?
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona is typically known as the land of the sun. It’s a desert for crying out loud. Yet, these uniforms are so dark. Mr. Design Junkie appears to have darkened the color palate, and not to a positive effect. Although the addition of a yellow jersey is positive.
There are some additional positives. The giant menacing Cardinal eye is unique and fierce and the front-of-pant stripe is back and rocking it, yet again.
Kansas City Chiefs
These red uniforms are tremendous. Aggressive and bold, just like a Chief would want his warriors to be as they head into battle. The subtle feather designed blended in with the striking red uniforms is a great reminder of the spirit that they play with.
The finest part of this uniform though? The black helmet. What a tough look. The red and gold on the logo and stripe pair perfectly with the jet-black helmet.
Indianapolis Colts
The traditional Colts royal blue has been replaced with this invigorated “Electric Blue”, which is downright stunning. As in you’ve been hit with a stun gun and you can no longer see any other colors. It’s difficult to look at it and not squint.
Despite the glowing color, there are good things about this uniform. The giant horseshoe logo in the middle is cool, although it takes the place of a number and would never be accepted by the league office. The black and blue helmet is ok. Somehow it feels too dark, despite the glowing blue logo.
Dallas Cowboys
These are pretty good, but the bar is pretty high for “America’s Team.” The design is set up cleverly with the star logo in the center. This allows the designer to play with the stripes and colors around the edge of the logo. Very interesting.
The downside to these uniforms is the helmet. Maybe it’s because the Cowboys real helmet is so iconic, or maybe it’s because you can’t see if there’s a star design on the side or not, but these helmets are just bland. The exact opposite of one of America’s greatest sporting exports.
Miami Dolphins
There is no way Mr. Design Junkie wasn’t inspired by the Miami Heat’s “ViceWave” jerseys, and we are glad about that. These pastel designs scream South Beach, and not just on the word-mark on the pants. These jerseys are so Miami they may as well be eating a Cuban sandwich while listening to DJ Khaled.
These would definitely be the first uniforms in NFL history that would be all pink. That would be a statement. The only one of these we don’t like are the grey ones. In a town so full of color, you produce a grey uniform? No way, Jose.
Philadelphia Eagles
Fly, Eagles, Fly. These are terrific. While we chastised the designer for awkward logo placement in some of the earlier designs, these work so well because it’s obviously an eagle’s wing across the chest. All 4 of these designs are terrific, but the best one is definitely the white set.
The green, grey and black wings pop off the stark white uniforms in a really terrific way. Even the grey uniforms are pretty good, and when was the last time you saw a good grey uniform. Seriously, when?
Atlanta Falcons
This is exactly the logo placement the Buffalo Bills logo needed. Here we get the exciting front of the Falcon’s logo, not the tail feathers. These are sleek and sharp, like a fighter jet. The numbers are big and bold and stand out even though they are off-centered and low.
There is a terrific striping pattern on the pants that includes four colors. When was the last time you saw a stripe that had four colors on it? That’s a quality stripe.
New York Giants
“Where is this team from?” is a question you will never have to ask when the Giants are playing in these new and bold uniforms. If you miss it, you may need to go see your optometrist. To be fair, the “ny” on the shirt is as big and bold as the average New Yorker’s personality, so it works.
The thing that these uniforms get right is the classic understated nature of all Giants uniforms. Excluding the giant word-mark, the uniforms are plain and simple. Take a look at the current Giants uniforms. There’s nothing on them.
Jacksonville Jaguars
That’s probably a jaguar on the front of these uniforms, but it’s really hard to tell, especially on the all-black set. It’s nearly impossible to find the number and discern where the cat begins and ends. It just looks like random black stripes. The helmets are good though. An upgrade from their current helmets.
There are plenty of combinations with these uniforms, so that’s a plus. However, none of the combinations make it easier to figure out what’s going on here.
New York Jets
Yikes. Honestly, there’s really not much good going on here. There are too many shades of green involved and it’s busier than LaGuardia on Christmas Eve. Just tone it down. There aren’t even any numbers on the front. How are you supposed to tell who is who?
The helmet may be ok, but we can’t really see what’s happening on the side. Fortunately for Jets fans, they just got a uniform redesign in real life and it went much better than these.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are one of those really ancient teams that have a pretty classic look. They did get a refresh a few years ago, but pretty much stayed the same. These uniforms are a radical change, and it didn’t go well. What’s with all the weird curved lines?
There is both a number and a curvy line over the top of the Lion logo. What’s up with that? Also, this was an opportunity to get rid of the grey uniform. Grey uniforms are never a good idea, but here we are again.
Green Bay Packers
These wouldn’t be half-bad if it weren’t for the random curvy lines again. The deep emerald green jerseys are very classy. The big G on the shoulder makes the uniforms look like a fancy European suit that you’d see at a Parisian fashion show and not understand why they didn’t just make a normal suit.
Alas, these are just too out there for the Green Bay Packers. They’ve had basically the same uniforms for their entire existence. We needed a baby step before we went ultra-modern.
Carolina Panthers
These are striking. Check it out, it looks like the number has Panther whiskers. That’s a clever touch. Carolina has such a unique and cool color scheme it’s really hard to make a bad uniform with that combination.
The Carolina Blue helmets are terrific, and an interesting tweak to the current silver helmets. Have you ever asked someone from North Carolina why the sky is blue? They’ll answer “Because God is a Tarheel.” It’s true, just ask one.
New England Patriots
With the Tom Brady era coming to an end, it’s time to update the Pats look. These are a little more reminiscent of the Pat Patriot era uniforms that didn’t feature as much silver. We like that. Red, white and blue is as American as anything.
The thing we don’t like it the back of the Patriot logo featuring some prominently on the shoulders and the pants. What is that supposed to be anyway? You can’t even see the head. The script “Patriots” on the white helmet is very good though.
Oakland Raiders
Immediately the eye is drawn to the sword sheathed in the pants. That is so very cool. Impractical as you attempt to catch a pass 20 yards down the field, but cool nonetheless.
The curvy lines make a reappearance on these uniforms but for some reason, they aren’t as awful. They frame the whole thing nicely allowing for each element of the shirt to have its own section. Three different colors of helmets? This guy must have gone to the Oregon Ducks school of uniforms design, and we love it!
Los Angeles Rams
These redesigns were done before the Rams moved back to LA, which is why they still say STL for Saint Louis on them. However, it doesn’t change the quality upgrades that these uniforms are. It’s a great color scheme that allows for more creativity. Once again, the curvy lines aren’t bad here.
The best part of these uniforms is so subtle that you may have missed it. There a thick ram’s horn on the left shoulder of the uniform. The other shoulder features a number. That’s really clever, and we always award extra points for clever.
Baltimore Ravens
These are going to be a no from us. The purple and gold is a royal, classy, stately look but then to throw in two glaring red eyes is just jarring. Yes, we get what they are trying to do. The bird is looking at you. It’s trying too hard and doesn’t work.
The helmets are fine, if not copied from the Broncos look. Overall it’s a fine look highlighted by the beautiful pant striping. If you can get over the bird’s eyes, that is.
Houston Texans
The longer you sit and look at these the better they get. Initially, one look at that giant off-centered longhorn logo and you’re ready to move on. But wait, look at it a bit longer. It starts to grow on you. Hey, that’s not so bad. It’s abstract in a way that Picasso himself could have designed.
As we’ve already established, red, white, and blue is always a great color scheme. These red jerseys are particularly great. The NFL doesn’t have enough red jerseys these days.
Tennessee Titans
These are actually terrible. The look like if one of those MMA brands like Affliction was given the contract to design a team’s uniforms. They’re just some wrestling bro’s chest piece tattoo except they say an NFL team name. Awful.
There are so many ways you could take the Titan imagery, but this just really lacks creativity. Where’s a logo, or a color that isn’t blue? Is there anything on the helmet or is it also just two shades of blue? Swing and a miss on this one.
Minnesota Vikings
These are unique. Sure, some teams use two initials on things if their city has two names. New York, or Kansas City for example. But here the designer has used the initials for the city and nickname. That’s really neat.
Also, the font looks like something you’d see in a cartoon about Vikings, not a serious show about them which is kind of nice. We are talking about a football team after all, not actual Vikings pillaging the northern coast of Great Britain. The white helmets are ok, although it would have been nice to see an additional purple helmet.