Everything old is new again.
It’s the cyclical nature of how the world works, where trends come and go, but we always end up back in the same spot at some point.
Fashion is an industry that sees plenty of these examples.
NBA players used to wear shorts that were well above the knee, bordering on dress code violations. After a baggy shorts era, the fabric is, once again, in short supply for many players.
NFL players used to wear shoulder pads that were larger than life and leather helmets that offered little protection. While that equipment isn’t returning anytime soon, the jerseys that were worn with those looks are making a comeback.
The Washington Commanders became the latest franchise to unveil a look that honors their past. Prior to the 2024 season, teams like the New York Jets opted to reinstall their 1980s look entirely.
Here’s a look at some of the jerseys that we think teams should bring back in a continued ode to nostalgia.
NFL throwback jerseys to bring back
New York Giants (1980s)
A historic franchise that has seen many variations of their popular red, white and blue color scheme, arguably the best dressed era of Giants football belongs to the 1980s and 90s. The ‘Giants’ wordmark across the helmet looks cleaner compared to the ‘NY’ logo that currently occupies the space. Better yet, both the home and road jerseys incorporate all three colors – compared to just two for the modern threads.
‘Big Blue’ has donned these throwbacks in recent seasons, using the home and road version. The team could use a rebrand, especially after this recent run of mediocrity.
Rather than attempt a modern redesign like most teams, the Giants could skip that step, dig into the closet and pull these gems back out. As the saying goes: Look good, feel good, play good. It might be exactly what the team needs.
Baltimore Ravens inaugural uniform (1996)
It’s a pipe dream at best and virtually impossible at worst, but the Ravens are slated to celebrate their 30th season in Baltimore for 2026. The Ravens were born in 1996 after Baltimore was without a team for over a decade following the Colts departure in the middle of the night.
Left bruised by the team’s departure for Indianapolis, Baltimore fittingly hatched a team that would sport purple-and-black in an ode to Edgar Allan Poe. The original logo sported a shield with ‘Ravens’ and a stylized ‘B’ for Baltimore with raven wings on both sides. However, the look would not last.
The team lost a battle over copyright infringement – a case that made it all the way to the Supreme Court in 1998. Frederick Bouchat, a security guard from Maryland, told ESPN that he hoped to receive some recognition for his artwork as well as an autographed team helmet. Bouchat received neither and the Ravens eventually changed their logo to the current version they still sport to this day.
While unlikely, the logo combined with the raven spreading its wings on the sleeves is a snazzy look. Perhaps there is still time to right this previous wrong and give Baltimore a true throwback jersey.
Miami Dolphins orange alternate (2003-2010)
In a state known for oranges and a less-than-subtle color scheme, the Dolphins sport neither on game days. The aqua-dominated uniforms are clean and the throwbacks they currently rock are even better, but Miami needs something a little louder in the rotation – orange. Look no further than the team on the opposite coast of Florida. The Buccaneers have made people fall in love with the ‘Creamsicle’ fits they dug up from the archives.
Luckily for the Dolphins, they also have some orange fabric to bring back to life. The team wore these orange-dominated alternates in only a few seasons from 2003-2010. With the iconic Dolphins throwback helmet logo already in the closet, it makes for an easy transition.
Buffalo Bills AFL (1960s)
The Bills’ closet is an exercise in minimalism. It’s primarily the same rotation of jerseys, with a red version mixed in recently, and just one helmet. It’s a fine look, but there is always a room to spice things up. Just because a burger and fries is a good choice, it doesn’t mean you always have to order that at the restaurant.
Buffalo would benefit from throwing it back to the AFL days, honoring the past – even if it wasn’t the most glamorous. With a new Rivalries look set to come from Nike this season, we can only hope that there is some creativity exercised here that couples with the return of the old Buffalo logo.
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