Dear NFL Teams:
You may not know this, but changing your uniforms can do wonders for your team. I know you love the colors and uniform you’ve worn for 200 years, but even the fans get tired of the same ol’ thing–especially if it is coupled with losing season after losing season. As a graphic designer, I find it appalling that so many teams have neglected to update their look. Some teams are rocking out in Calvin Klein while others are still stuck at Montgomery Ward’s. Follow me?
With that being said, let’s take a look at some NFL history to see what a new uniform can do for you. For instance, maybe a Superbowl or three? That is what happened to the New England Patriots. Prior to 1993, the Pats had played 33 seasons while winning only 3 division titles and making 6 playoff appearances; including a Superbowl showdown that didn’t result in a championship. With the arrival of Bill Parcels, the Patriots completely transformed their uniforms and in the next 17 seasons managed to net 9 division titles, 10 playoff appearances and 3 Superbowl victories.
Bucs Throwback: Or, as I like to call it, the Gay Pirate Look
Before 2002, the lowly Seattle Seahawks had managed just 2 titles and 5 playoff appearances in 26 seasons. After a complete revamping of their atrocious outfits, the mighty ‘Hawks landed themselves 4 division titles, 5 playoff runs and their first ever trip to a Superbowl, all within 6 years. Joining their west coast brothers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers likewise only conquered their division twice in 21 seasons while making playoff appearances 3 times. In 1997, the Bucs wisely ditched their “Gay Pirate” uniforms and went on to crush their division 4 times, hitting the playoffs 7 times and winning their first ever Superbowl.
Okay, okay. So I’ve pointed out some bottom-of-the-barrel teams, but what about some perennial powerhouses?
The Broncos snazzy new uniforms.
The mighty Denver Broncos, in 37 seasons, made 11 trips to the playoffs while dominating their division 8 separate times. Amongst all of this glamorous winning, the Broncos also found time to make 4 Superbowl trips…and lose every single one. Then, in the summer of 1997, new uniforms were unveiled and, in the next 13 seasons, the Broncos made the playoffs 6 times on the road to 2 Superbowl championships.
Our final uniform change, in the most extreme of manners, are the Houston Oilers. For 39 seasons, the Oilers dominated their division–claiming the title 6 times. In those four decades, the Oilers also managed to make it to an astounding 15 playoffs. While impressive, they never even sniffed the proverbial “Big Show.” Fast forward to 1999 as the Oilers migrate to Tennessee and become the Titans. In just 10 seasons, they would capture 3 titles, make the playoffs 6 times and make the journey to their first ever Superbowl.
This Eagle's throwback was obviously designed by someone that was colorblind. Poor guy.
Now, as you may have noticed, I took nothing else into account while compiling this list. I didn’t look at the coaches, the star #1 draft picks, nothing. This was simply a comparison of uniform changes-to-improved seasons. As you are most likely already thinking, I readily accept that there are plenty of teams that haven’t changed their look for (literally) decades. The Pittsburgh Steelers have not touched their current design since 1968 and they have the most Superbowl rings of any team in history. Other examples, such as the Colts, exist in the NFL as well.
Detroit Lions Uniform Contest Submission
However, I believe that a new look can revitalize a team that has fallen into obscurity. Take the lowly Detroit Lions, who haven’t had a winning season in over a decade. Perhaps a change in their battle dress might be just what the doctor ordered. No matter their colors, fans always associate the uniform with the team. If Peyton Manning donned a Lions’ jersey, you’d have a slightly lesser opinion of him just because of the silver and blue he was wearing. No matter that he is, quite possibly, the greatest quarterback of our time…it’s the Lions. As I’ve shown above, sometimes a new look can spur a team on to victory. With a new identity, perhaps a lackluster football team can become a gridiron monster.
Seriously. Time for an update.
With that being said, I honestly believe that the teams in most dire need of a uniform revamp are as follows: Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions (obviously), San Francisco 49ers, and the Oakland Raiders. I, of course, understand that there is a certain amount of personal taste and bias that comes with these choices.
Broncos Throwbacks: Someone, somewhere, once thought this was a good idea.
Whatever your personal preference may be, I can’t help but argue that a new uniform will lead to a better team within a decade. Even if the whole thing ended up being a placebo effect. In a game where inches can decide the fate of your team, why would an owner not wish to make every effort possible assist his team in competing?
Post your most loved/hated uniforms in the comment section. Anyone else you think is in desperate need of a makeover?
-Chad 2
And I see the stupidity in the world has not yet dissipated! Sorry for the long delay in posting anything new. Between getting married, looking for a house and horrendous state of the economy, I’ve been a busy guy. Today, someone emailed me an article with the subject line “2008 Carolina Panthers get F+ Grade.” Instantly, I thought they must be referring to the 2007-2008 Panthers not my beloved 12-4 2008-2009 Panthers. Dozens of reasons for this poor grade went through my mind as I waited for the page to load. Amazingly, with all my football experience and the thousands of articles I’ve read, nothing could’ve prepared me for this first paragraph:
Or would it be sweatervests? Regardless, the Buckeyes lost the Fiesta Bowl last night. Again. The Buckeyes have won only 3 of their past 9 bowl appearances (since 2000), including falling in back-to-back BCS Championship games. I like to preach that I cheer for the Big Ten always. That I’m screaming at the tv as Sanchez lobs another bomb over Penn State’s secondary. I even wore a Buckeyes jersey during the LSU Championship game in support of the Big Ten. As 
The National Football League has produced some of the most legendary figures of our time. Names like Peyton Manning, LaDanian Tomlinson and Brett Favre reverberate with an awe that many of us will never experience. These multi-millionaire athletes thrill us every Sunday and we adore them for it. All of this begs the question: Why would you fuck all of that up? What could possibly possess someone to risk everything they’ve worked their whole lives to achieve? Plaxico Burress is the latest in a long list of stupid athletes.
public intox, misdemeanor assault, marijuana possession, obstruction of justice, and speeding) , he was gladly traded to Jerry Jones and his Dallas Divas. After barely getting back into the league after several arrests, Adam Jones returned to the NFL. It seemed as though Wade Phillips had transformed him into a well-behaved player and that maybe he had moved past his rabblerousing. Barely a month into the season, Jones was involved in an altercation with his bodyguard that caused him to be suspended for four games.
I don’t understand if it is the stardom that causes players to act in this manner or perhaps it is the reckless abandon they are required to have to be professional football players. The only thing I am happy about is that no race card has been played…yet. I’m sure someone out there will eventually bring to light that almost all of these incidents are perpetuated by black players such as 
