Classic NFL jerseys are making a comeback in 2023
Multiple NFL teams are bringing back classic uniforms this season for the first time in years — a welcome addition to the "No Fun League."
In 2013, the NFL implemented a one-helmet rule designed with player safety in mind. But that rule, as NFL.com's Kevin Patra explained in 2021, kept teams from using alternate color helmets, which prevented franchises from going all-in on bringing back old uniforms with outdated color schemes.
With the exception of the Bengals and Patriots, several teams didn't revive their classic looks as planned in 2022 because of supply-chain issues due to COVID-19. In 2023, these teams will join New England and Cincinnati with their own classics for select games.
Philadelphia Eagles
Per UniWatch, Philadelphia got rid of the "Kelly Green" look in 1996 for the darker hue of green we've grown familiar. The look returned in Week 1 of the 2010 season to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the franchise's most recent title at the time, but the one-helmet rule made owner Jeffrey Lurie refrain from reviving the look until now.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks never won a title with their old uniforms, but for fans who remember when Seattle was in the AFC before the league added the Houston Texans in 2002, there's plenty of nostalgia attached to the franchise's old style.
In November, the organization released a video teasing the return of the team's 1990s jerseys. Clips of Kurt Cobain, Bill Gates, Shawn Kemp and Ken Griffey Jr. remind us that special things happened in the Northwest then. But the Seahawks weren't one of them.
From 1990-1999, Seattle had two winning seasons, one playoff appearance and no playoff wins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers might not be so great in 2023, so they may as well look the part.
That's meant as no offense to their "creamsicle" uniforms — one of the best in football history — but to the franchise's infamous history when wearing them.
Tampa Bay went 0-14 in its inaugural 1976 season and finished last in its division in 12 of its first 20 years in the NFL.
The Bucs won two Super Bowls after updating their uniform, but with Tom Brady retiring, it could be a long season in Tampa. At least the team's jerseys will give fans something nice to look at.
Tennessee Titans
Per Titans.com senior writer Jim Wyatt, "The plan is to wear [the Oilers throwbacks] for a home game in 2023."
He noted Tennessee's home game against Houston would be an obvious time to bring those out. Tennessee, which relocated from Houston in 1997, was called the Oilers for two seasons before they became the Titans.
Like the other teams bringing back old looks, Tennessee found success after changing its uniform. The franchise reached the Super Bowl in 1999, the team's first year as the Titans.
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