Are NFL jerseys worn more than once?

Top flight professional players typically wear new jerseys every match . Many players change jerseys at half time, so that's two new jerseys every match. The kit guy typically has three jerseys per player: One for each of the halves, plus a spare.

What is the figure on NFL jerseys?

The patch on the front of Drew Brees ' jersey that looks like a caped character is worn only by the past winners of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Brees was named co-winner of the award in 2006, along with former teammate LaDainian Tomlinson. The patch is the image of the statue for the award.

Why are tear away jerseys illegal?

Visiting teams can wear an optional uniform too, but only if the NFL determines it is of “sufficient contrast” with the home team's jersey color. To maintain fairness among all 32 teams and their players, the NFL banned tear-away jerseys in 1979 so runners couldn't use them to escape tackles .

Who is getting new uniforms in 2024?

The Jets, Broncos, Texans, and Lions are all changing up their jerseys for the 2024 season, and we're giving out superlatives.

What does the C mean on NFL jerseys?

The "C" patch Players who have been named a team captain typically wear a "C" patch on their jerseys. There is a standard design used by all teams participating in the captaincy program. The patches are in team colors and are worn on the front left or right breast (depending on other patches, etc.

Do NFL players buy their jerseys?

Conclusion. In the NFL, the cost of player jerseys and uniforms is the responsibility of the team . Each team has a commitment to players' performance and safety, which includes supplying uniforms. This setup equips players for success and provides them with professional-looking uniforms that match.

What is in Dak Prescott's jersey?

Dak Prescott jersey patch, explained The patch comes in the shape of the Walter Payton trophy and is displayed on the top left side of the player's jersey. In addition to the jersey patch, the NFL has special helmet decals that are given out to each team's nominee for the award once announced.

How many times does an NFL player wear a jersey?

Usually they have new jerseys every game . They usually can have new shoes or pads, but players are picky about their equipment, and it isn't uncommon for players to use the same gear for a season (Antonio Brown for example wore the same helmet for something like eight years).

Do NFL players rewear jerseys?

In-game worn jerseys aren't worn again by the players once they've been used in a match . They could, instead, be traded with other players after the match, or they could be saved and later utilized for charity and contributions.

How long do NFL jerseys last?

On average, an NFL jersey can expect to have a lifespan of around 3 years . Yes, you read that right — three whole years! That's a lot of wear and tear for any piece of clothing, especially considering the frequency with which fans choose to don their favorite team's colors.

When NFL players swap jerseys, do they wash them?

Days before the 2020 NFL season kicked off in September, the rule was amended so that players could swap jerseys, but it must be done through the teams' equipment managers. The jerseys belonging to the players who are wanting to swap will be washed and then shipped in the mail.

The worst jersey every NFL team has ever worn, from flying Elvii to the Bucs' calculator numbers (2024)

Christian D'Andrea

June 20, 2024 7:01 am ET

The NFL is a business. Its merchandising is an economy unto itself.

That puts pressure on each franchise to find a jersey that not only looks great on the field, but flies off retail racks when worn by a superstar. Some teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs or New York Giants or Las Vegas Raiders, have decades of classic looks on which to fall back and made few tweaks along the way. Others have fallen victim to trends in their years of existence, creating a spectrum of uniforms that may never rise above “average.”

Let’s talk about the deep end of that spectrum. The jerseys that embody the worst, whether they’re leaning into non-sensical highlights and patches or glorifying old uniforms that were abandoned for good reason. Let’s talk about the worst jersey all 32 NFL teams have ever worn.

First, a rule. We’re only dealing with post AFL-NFL merger kits, so there won’t be anything before 1970 included here unless a team has worn it as a throwback since. And there may be too much appreciation for the clean simplicity of the 1970s and 1980s, as those older jerseys don’t show up too often. Finally, this list would have been significantly less thorough without the incredible work of the Gridiron Uniform Database, which is an encyclopedia of pro football uniforms across a wide range of leagues and years.

Let’s roll through our worst jerseys in alphabetical order.

Arizona Cardinals: 2010s red-paneled away jerseys

Dec 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (28) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Aside from the period they wore state flag sleeve stripes, the Cardinals’ uniforms have generally been plain, inoffensive and generally forgettable. But if you wanted to sum up Nike’s approach to the late 2000s and 2010s, this paneled monstrosity would be a prime example. Nice bib, Rashard Mendenhall.

Atlanta Falcons: 2020-present gradient alternates

Oct 10, 2021; London, England, United Kingdom; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and center Matt Hennessy (61) celebrate after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets during an NFL International Series aame at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Jets 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons have some of the best colors in the game and finest uniforms in the sporting world. But in the 2000s they parted ways with their classic looks for a modern update which, fine, whatever. Then, in 2020 they gave us this freshman Photoshop design with an honest to god gradient from red to black, allowing the drop shadows of some strangely jagged numbers to emerge from the depths of, uh, their offensive linemen’s guts.

Baltimore Ravens: 1996 road white

Aug 10, 1996; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) in action against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens haven’t been around for 30 years yet. Their uniforms have generally been a proper, daunting mix of black, white and purple with some well placed gold accents. The worst you could say is that the black collars occasionally looked stupid:

The worst jersey every NFL team has ever worn, from flying Elvii to the Bucs' calculator numbers (5)

It’s a little unfair to pick on a first-year expansion team’s kit, especially when that happened in the middle of the 1990s where everyone looked like garbage. But while the seeds of a good uniform had been planted, these jerseys were a bit too basic and the numbers a shade too cartoon-y.

Buffalo Bills: 2000s paneled road whites

Dec 24, 2005; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver (84) T.J. Houshmandzadeh runs after the catch and is tackled by Buffalo Bills linebacker (59) London Fletcher at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Tom Szczerbowski

Buffalo has some of the NFL’s best uniforms, a gorgeous balance of red, white and blue that pops against the background of a throwback design. In the 2000s, however, they created a jersey that matched the Bills’ play on the field.

Carolina Panthers: n/a

Jul 29, 1995; Canton, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Carolina Panthers full back Bob Christian (44) in action against Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Darren Carrington (29) during the 1995 Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Hebert-USA TODAY NETWORK

Carolina’s uniforms have been around nearly three decades and haven’t really changed. They’re all solid. Allow me to use this opportunity to lament the loss to stupidly wide shoulder pads that made anyone with true blocking responsibilities look like a sprite from the old NFL Blitz arcade game.

Chicago Bears: 2004-2011 orange alternates

Nov. 13, 2005; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end (96) Alex Brown is congratulated by defensive tackle (99) Tank Johnson and safety (43) Mike Green after a tackle for a loss in the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 Matt Cashore

I understand these are a tribute to the pre-1950 Bears teams that wore orange as a primary color. The problem is, Chicago is an old school club with an iconic look and little tolerance for nonsense (aside from the last 35 or so years of on-field results). In these jerseys, they’re a mouth hole and a candle away from being jack-o-lanterns.

Cincinnati Bengals: 2010s road whites

Dec 15, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns: 2016 home browns

Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland has put in work to make a palette of brown, orange and white look crisp and clean. But orange numbers on a brown backdrop — and a “CLEVELAND” that feels like it’s sitting just a bit too low — makes this feel like an unlicensed knockoff. And I know we’re not doing pants, but that big “BROWNS” wordmark down the thigh? Same thing.

Dallas Cowboys: 1994-1995 Thanksgiving alternates

Nov 24, 1994; Irving, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys guard Nate Newton (61) carries a cooked turkey on the sidelines on Thanksgiving Day against the Green Bay Packers at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Look, I’m not here to disparage some of the most timeline uniforms in the game. If I were, however, it would be the jerseys that look like saddle shoes from a distance. The current version of these jerseys are cleaner than their inspiration, however; the mid-90s Thanksgiving shirts that looked like viral marketing for Starter jackets. You’ve got stars on the helmets, you don’t need BIGGER ones on each shoulder.

Denver Broncos: 1997-2011 home navy blues

Dec 31, 2006; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback (27) Darrent Williams returns a punt for 34 yards against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Invesco Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Byron Hetzler-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Byron Hetzler

It’s difficult to put into words just how significantly the Broncos downgraded from their orange crush, block D-logo uniforms to these marvels of late-1990s Reebok engineering. Fortunately, we have pictures.

The worst jersey every NFL team has ever worn, from flying Elvii to the Bucs' calculator numbers (13)

Phewwwww.

Detroit Lions: 2004-2007 black alternates

Dec 24, 2006; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver (80) Devale Ellis returns a kick during the 3rd quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. The Bears beat the Lions 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2006 Jerry Lai

The Lions have effectively worn the same uniforms since 1970. Whatever small tweaks they’ve made, like bold black outlines, have panned out. The throwbacks are clean and simple.

Worst case scenario, you’ve got the black alternates above that look a bit too Carolina Panthers for a century-old franchise. And, honestly, without the too-thick, electrical tape-style sleeve, I think these actually work just fine.

Green Bay Packers: 2001 throwbacks

Detroit Free Press sports front page from 2001. The Detroit Lions lost to the Green Bay Packers, 29-27.

F01c 112301 0d X

The Packers have generally kept their look the same over the last five decades, but mixed in a handful of throwbacks in the process. As an avowed fan of the yellow dot classics, I cannot throw that divisive look into the mix. I can trash the 2001 throwbacks, however, for being so basic even folks in 1932 would have been nonplussed.

Houston Texans: n/a

This team hasn’t changed much in its two-plus decades of existence. The new red alternates are a bit much, but on their own they’re perfectly acceptable.

Indianapolis Colts: 2023 "Indiana Nights" alternates

Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

My body rejects any attempt to make a Colts jersey without its perfect vertical double shoulder stripes. This alternate would be fine (OK, maybe not *fine*) for any other team. Just not the one for which Johnny Unitas and Peyton Manning once played.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Color Rush dehydration edition

Nov 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars long snapper Carson Tinker (46) and punter Bryan Anger (19) talk on the field before the start of a football game against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

I have not altered this photo in any way. These uniforms only got worse as you sweat, which surely wouldn’t be a problem in… Florida.

Kansas City Chiefs: 2009 Dallas Texans throwbacks

Oct 11, 2009; Kansas City, MO, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tashard Choice (23) runs for a touchdown past Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Mike Vrabel (50) and safety Mike Brown (30) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Dallas won the game 26-20. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs don’t do alternate uniforms. They’ve always worn the same clean, classic iteration of hot dog colors. But these throwbacks to the team’s days in Dallas show off just how valuable the minor touches — stripes and highlights — can be on an NFL jersey. These aren’t bad by any stretch, but the pickings are slim when it comes to the Chiefs and bad looks.

Las Vegas Raiders: n/a

Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network

The Raiders only wear two jerseys and they’re both awesome. Silver, black and white in perfect harmony.

Los Angeles Chargers: 2007 road blues

Sep. 28, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo (93) stretches for a tackle on Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) during the first quarter at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

I wanted to make it 1974’s home jerseys, specifically because this was the year San Diego ditched its perfect powder blue for dark blue. But how could I hate on this:

The worst jersey every NFL team has ever worn, from flying Elvii to the Bucs' calculator numbers (22)

Instead let’s roll with 2007, when those perfect vertical bolts went horizontal. These are still fine uniforms, they just aren’t up to the Chargers’ extremely high standard of goofy, jagged beauty.

Los Angeles Rams: 2020 bone away jerseys

Dec 20, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) celebrates after scoring on a 3-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at SoFi Stadium. The Jets defeated the Rams 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams fell victim to some mid-2000s branding when they ditched their signature horn sleeves for darker colors and generic looks. They rectified this problem years later, only to fall into a similar trap in 2020. “Bone” isn’t a terrible choice for a road white, but

a) the yellow highlights have so little contrast they’re effectively invisible, and

b) the numbers look like they were constructed entirely from Fruit Roll-Ups.

Miami Dolphins: 2016 Color Rush orange alternates

Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Orange is a tough look to pull off. Miami kinda/sorta did it earlier in the 2000s thanks to the expressive drop shadows in its numbering. This kit doesn’t have that kind of flavor. It just feels like something you’d see at Marshall’s or Ross Dress for Less.

Minnesota Vikings: 2012 road whites

Dec 16, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) celebrates after kicking a 53 yard field goal during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. Minnesota defeated St. Louis 36-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Peterson made these look good. Everyone else looked like they’d learned what fidget spinners were against their will. Weird collar? Striping that doesn’t quite line up? Paneling that absorbs sweat at differing rates? A too-big jersey patch? Yep, these were some extremely 2010s uniforms.

New England Patriots: 1995-1999 road blues

Sep 15, 1996; Foxboro, MA, USA: FILE PHOTO; New England Patriots running back Curtis Martin (28) against the Arizona Cardinals at Foxboro Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

It’s not just the massive, terrible Patriot logo on each shoulder. It’s the weird italic numbering and the massive drop shadows underneath that truly make this a part of history. Extra credit for the subtle, Umbro soccer jersey striping on the mesh itself.

You know what? I take it back. These rule. I need these as a throwback immediately.

New Orleans Saints: 1994 NFL 75th anniversary gold-numbered whites

Sep 25, 1994; San Francisco, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jim Everett (17) in action against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. FILE PHOTO; Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans hadn’t worn gold numbers with its white jerseys until 1994 and, honestly, these don’t look terrible. In recent years they’ve brought back a variation of this style with a lighter gold that looks a little less… mustard-y.

New York Giants: 2024 Throwbacks

via nfl.com/giants

Behold, the only entry on this list that, as of publication, hasn’t actually been worn on the field. The Giants will don these tributes to their pre-World War II era in a wild mishmash of styles. Before even getting to the gold pants we’ve got to talk about those jerseys, which identify more closely with the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens than any NFL team. The non-descript blue shoulder stripe throws off a precarious balance.

What makes this worse is the Giants already had great throwbacks. All they have to do is don anything from the 1980s and look clean as hell.

New York Jets: 2019-2023 black alternates

Sep 16, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Luke Falk (8) throws a pass against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

This is what the University of North Texas would wear for an ESPN2 broadcast on Thursday night.

Philadelphia Eagles: 2007 throwbacks

SEP 23, 2007; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb (5) hands off to running back Correll Buckhalter (28) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. The Eagles are wearing blue and yellow throwback uniforms celebrating their 75th anniversary. The Eagles defeated the Lion 56-21. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2007 Howard Smith

There’s a reason Philly has only worn these once since 1934.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 2010s throwbacks

November 18, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham (6) kicks a twenty-two yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Baltimore Ravens won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers: 2015-2017 black alternates

Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) holds up the ball after an interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Every 49ers jersey is iconic. Except for these, which just sorta exist. Thursday Night Football is a curse.

Seattle Seahawks: 2009 swamp green alternates

Sept 27, 2009; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Seneca Wallace (15) tries to elude the tackle of Chicago Bears defensive tackle Anthony Adams (95) in the third quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at Qwest Field. The Bears won the game 25-19. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t get me wrong; the team’s current round of neon green alternates are also a disaster. But this combines an ugly shade of green (for a primary color, at least) and combines it with the crapulence of terrible shoulder panels. This is sub-XFL behavior.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2014-2019 calculator numbered reds

Nov 17, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber (25) is congratulated by quarterback Jameis Winston (3) after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Combining stupid numbers and Kool-Aid colors for nearly five years. Tom Brady gets the credit, but the real reason the Buccaneers won Super Bowl 55 was because they got rid of this monstrosity.

Tennessee Titans: 1999-2017 home navy blues

After scoring a second touchdown, Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair, left, celebrates with running back Eddie George during their 24-7 victory over New England Patriots during the Monday Night game in Nashville Dec. 16, 2002.

121602 Titans

The Titans softened the blow for fans in Houston by ditching the Oilers’ iconic powder blue and red for this extremely late-90s/2000s combination of dark blue and weird panels. The end result is wildly generic.

Washington Commanders: 2022-present black alternates

Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) and defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) and Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

There are few misses in Washington’s arsenal. Their rebranding as the Commanders brought the opportunity to innovate and instead the franchise opted to throw a bunch of crap at the wall and see what stuck, all in the confines of a single blackout jersey. Plus, you can barely see the team’s classic red/burgundy. That’s too much, man.