The History of NFL Uniforms

The History of NFL Uniforms

The History of NFL Uniforms

The popularity of the National Football League has grown exponentially in the last 50 years. Given the corresponding spike in uniform sales, you're more likely to walk down the street and see someone wearing a replica jersey today than you were even 20 years ago. Fans identify with their team's uniforms, from the classic silver and black of the Oakland Raiders to the sleek and updated look of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And while NFL teams have often experimented with new trends, it has not always been to rave reviews.

Creating an Identity

From the 1920's into the 1950's, NFL teams wore plain and even indistinguishable wool uniforms with basic color schemes. It really wasn't until the 1950's, as the league's appeal to sports fans began to take shape, that teams began to truly develop an identity. The arrival of the AFL further helped NFL teams develop uniform identities, with teams like the San Diego Chargers wearing bright powder-blue jerseys.


The Helmet

Early incarnations of the football helmet were soft, flimsy leather hats with flaps that covered the ears. Plastic helmets were introduced after World War II. Wearing helmets became mandatory in the 1930's, but logos on the side of helmets didn't become the norm until the late 1950's when owners discovered their marketing importance. It was Los Angeles Rams player Fred Gehrke, a former art student, who was the first to paint a team logo on his helmet in 1948. Cleveland Browns quarterback Otto Graham was the first to wear a single-bar face mask in 1955.

Changes

Some teams, like the Oakland Raiders, have kept the same basic uniform scheme for their entire existence. Looking at a Raiders uniform from 40 years ago, it would be hard to tell the difference from today. The Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers would also fall into this category. However, there are others who have drastically altered their team's look over the years, like the Denver Broncos.

The 1990's

Naturally, the most popular NFL uniforms are associated with the most successful franchises; the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are annually among the best-selling teams. Starting in the 1990's, the NFL recognized the importance of selling jerseys. Expansion also added new teams and new looks to the mix. One of the league's most unique uniform dilemmas occurred in 1995, when the Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore but kept their name and colors for a new expansion franchise. Meanwhile, the newly named Baltimore Ravens quickly parlayed a Super Bowl win in the 2000 season into one of the league's most recognizable uniforms.

Throwbacks

As the NFL began to celebrate milestones over the last two decades, it incorporated the use of old replica uniforms worn during games. These uniforms became known as "throwbacks" and developed into a savvy and successful marketing tool for the league. The first throwbacks were worn as part of the NFL's 75th anniversary season in 1994. In 2009, the NFL introduced a 50th anniversary celebration for franchises that originated in the AFL, prior to the merger of leagues.