NFL uniform changes have become frequent in the past few years, so which teams should consider making a change next?
Think about the first NFL jersey you ever bought. I bet you’ve become pretty fond of that jersey, let alone the player it memorializes. There’s just something special about NFL uniforms. The vast array of color and design can commemorate more than just a team’s identity; it can represent a completely different time in one’s life and the memories that accompany it.
That’s why it can be hard to cope when your favorite team undergoes a uniform change. After all, those makeovers are seldom universally praised. In the last five years, 12 teams unveiled new looks — the most recent being the Cincinnati Bengals (finally).
Naturally, this change means it was time I broke down the next crop of teams who should consider a redesign. I sorted them into three categories based on the urgency of which a change should take place. The criteria I used can be broken down into three factors:
- Uniform longevity
- Messy or inconsistent designs
- Potential to usher in a new era
Before we begin, these are NOT rankings of my least-favorite uniforms, though a few of them would certainly qualify. Simply put, these are just six teams that should consider a change based on the factors I listed above. Disagree with me? Let me know on Twitter @ZachCohenFB.
NFL teams that need to overhaul their uniforms
Arizona Cardinals
What’s going on with the Cardinals’ uniforms? Outside of the sleek numbers, there’s just too much inconsistency. We can start by looking at their red jerseys versus their white jerseys. The red ones feature a solid red template, while the white ones have a section of red on the shoulders. It kind of looks like a mismatched Lego piece. Even the white and red pants have different designs, too.
Although, the most irritating aspect of the Cardinals’ uniforms may be their gray facemask. This is something I wrote about extensively in my Uniform Week series from last year, and Arizona’s helmets are no exception. Considering they’ve been rocking the same look since 2005, this team definitely could use a uniform upgrade.
In fact, fan demand for new uniforms have become so frequent that the Cardinals tweeted this back in March:
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) March 17, 2021
Houston Texans
The Texans have been around since 2002, making them the NFL’s youngest franchise. And what do they have to show for it? The same look they’ve had since Day 1. (They also have zero trips to the conference championship, but that’s another story.) Houston’s uniforms aren’t necessarily bad — those hot red tops are among the NFL’s nicest — they’re just way overdue for a change.
Whereas the Cardinals could be turning the corner from decades of mediocrity, the Texans are likely facing a few seasons of irrelevancy. That tends to happen when your franchise quarterback refuses to suit up for you. Now is the perfect time to unveil a new identity. The navy helmet can remain untouched, but the rest of the uniform could be tweaked, starting with that obtrusive collar.