Old is still beloved, especially when it comes to NFL jerseys among league fans. And the 2023 season will see plenty of retros — including the triumphant return of one notable AFC Central uniform — making a comeback.
PFN’s Top-Ranked Throwbacks for the 2023 Season
20) Chicago Bears’ 1936 Look
Three orange stripes, then seven on the shoulders and sides in orange and navy, the design brings a blue-collar old-school vibe to the Windy City. The Bears, though, have already worn this look during the league’s 100th season. It’s to be determined when this look will get busted out in 2023.
19) Indianapolis Colts 1956
Before the Colts eliminated the third stripe, they rolled with three stripes during the days of NFL legend Johnny Unitas, then had the famed horseshoes on the back. The kicker is, it’s a homage to their Baltimore days. For what it’s worth, the “Indiana Nights” alternate uniform brings more intrigue this fall.
Them Indiana boys in them Indiana Nights. 🌙 pic.twitter.com/yBp1fHbFZH
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 20, 2023
18) Green Bay Packers 1950-1953
There will be Pack fans who love this look. However, it doesn’t get No. 1 or even top-10 love because those uniforms come from a period when Green Bay produced three seasons of nine losses, during a time the league was at 12 regular-season games.
17) Denver Broncos Orange Crush/Snow-Capped Look
The current Broncos’ look has given Denver its three Super Bowl titles. But this was the original appearance that gave the Broncos their identity and popularity during the “Orange Crush” era. But now, the snow cap helmet gives intrigue of when that will be worn and with which uniform design. For what it’s worth, it’s perfect for road games.
Kept these on ice. 🥶🧊
Introducing our new #Snowcapped Alt Helmet: pic.twitter.com/Iu5VU20pZ1
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 25, 2023
16) Las Vegas Raiders 1970 Away
The Silver and Black are all about maintaining history, even if it brings a sore spot to the city of Oakland for losing the Raiders — twice. But the 1970s away look gave a nice touch up on the silver, though most Raiders fans would likely like the black on the numbers.
15) Minnesota Vikings 1960s and 1970s
Can literally be a homage to the “Purple People Eater” days of Minnesota. It’s also the look that gave the Vikes some of their best seasons under the legendary Bud Grant. The Vikings will have this look on for Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s also the first time Minnesota will welcome back this uniform since 2011.
14) Atlanta Falcons 1966 Home
There’s something about a red and black combination that gives it a power look. Atlanta did just that with the helmets and uniform combination, which they’ll wear three times this season against Green Bay (Week 2), Washington (Week 6), and New Orleans (Week 12).
13) New Orleans Saints 1967 Home
This combination became beloved by “Who Dat” nation in 2016 when the franchise honored its 50th anniversary. This was also part of the regular-season look the Saints had when they rolled to their first-ever Super Bowl win in 2010.
12) Detroit Lions 1934 Home
This should be the uniform the Lions wear annually at Ford Field for a certain holiday they partake in. For a team nearing 100 years of existence, this look is perfect for Thanksgiving…and for honoring the Lions’ early beginnings.
11) New York Jets 1980s Legacy White
This look brings some New York Sack Exchange nostalgia for fans of “Gang Green.” Though the uniforms were originally introduced in 1979, it was still the road jersey that saw one of the league’s most dominating pass rushes featuring future Hall of Famer Joe Klecko.
Now, Aaron Rodgers and company get to rock this look twice versus Buffalo (Week 1) and Kansas City (Week 4).
Coming this season: the Jets Legacy White Uniform, to be worn Week 1 and Week 4. pic.twitter.com/00Gn2t3w76
— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) July 24, 2023
10) New England Patriots 1984-1992 Home
Before a certain seven-time Super Bowl champion came along, “Pat Patriot” was a popular figure in the Boston region by being front and center, and lined up as a center on New England’s helmet.
Unfortunately for the Pats, this uniform gave them an infamous Super Bowl loss in 1986 and two of their worst seasons in 1990 and 1992. Nevertheless, Tom Brady and company proved the Pats can win in this look again. It’ll be on twice versus Miami (Week 2) and the Los Angeles Chargers (Week 13).
9) New York Giants 1980s/1990s Look
The look that gave the G-Men their first two Super Bowl titles was resurrected in 2016 toward the tail end of the Eli Manning era. Though Giants fans are likely torn between the old-school “NY” or “GIANTS” across the helmet, this look is one of the more popular throwbacks around.
8) Dallas Cowboys 1994 Home
The look becomes flawless for Dallas once they go with the white helmet with the navy stars and home color. While the road uniforms have come on rarely, this look became a Thanksgiving tradition for Dallas beginning in 2004.
7) Seattle Seahawks Kingdome Look
Franchise nostalgia for the first time for this franchise. While Seattle has changed its appearance multiple times, the Seahawks are finally bringing back their original look from the days of Steve Largent, Cortez Kennedy, and the Kingdome in Week 8 vs. Cleveland.
6) Pittsburgh Steelers 1972 Home
We’re ditching the hideous “bumblebee” or Hamburglar look for this classic. Besides, the vintage block numbers gave Pittsburgh some of its most iconic moments — a la the Immaculate Reception, the Steel Curtain, and the four Super Bowl titles.
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1976 Home
Yes, the creamsicle look gave the Bucs their worst seasons. But this was also the uniform they wore when they made the NFC title game in their first-ever appearance in the 1979 postseason. This time, the orange-esque color looks more glowing.
4) San Francisco 49ers 1994 Home/Away
While the 49ers have had more than one iconic look, fans can’t simply overlook this famed throwback as it brought San Francisco their last Super Bowl win — and has been brought back in the Kyle Shanahan era. Now the latest image of this uniform involves Deebo Samuel running through the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 and 2022.
3) Philadelphia Eagles Kelly Green
From 1987 to 1994, the Philadelphia Eagles rocked this look during the days of franchise legends Eric Allen, Seth Joyner, Mark McMillian, the late Reggie White and Jerome Brown, and when Randall Cunningham was electrifying the league with his arm and legs.
Now, the new generation of Philly stars, from Jalen Hurts, to DeVonta Smith, to Haason Reddick get to bring the franchise’s iconic look back this season.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 30, 2023
2) Miami Dolphins 1972 Home/Away
Aqua, white, orange…perfection. And it was worn during the league’s only perfect season of 1972. But these color designs bode perfectly with a vibrant city like Miami and ought to be worn more often in 2023 as the Dolphins aim to end their long title dry spell.
1) Tennessee Titans Houston Homage
The best color-coordinated schemes, period. It’s more than “Luv Ya Blue” from the Houston days. But the legendary oil derrick is back. The sky blue additionally makes the uniform the cleanest around. And watching Derrick Henry run through a defender in this look will bring back some “Earlers” vibes in tracing back to the days of Earl Campbell.
🥶🥶🥶 pic.twitter.com/T7xWI9yJUd
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) July 24, 2023