Cowboys on NFL 2023 Uniform Rankings: Still No. 1 ... Right?!
The Dallas Cowboys uniforms are a classic. Meanwhile, the NFL's controversial one-helmet limit is long gone, which has led to the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts all introducing alternate lids for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals have a new uniform set altogether, ditching what was universally seen as one of the worst kits in the entire sport.
As the 2023 campaign nears, here's our CowboysSI.com rankings of all 32 uniform sets, from worst to first.
32. Atlanta Falcons
Whether it's with a black or red helmet, we love the Falcons' throwback black uniforms. However, their primary uniform set, introduced prior to the 2020 season, are one of the worst the NFL has ever seen. The "ATL" written across the chest looks cheap. The number font is atrocious. At the very least, coach Arthur Smith revealed the the Falcons are ditching their gradient alternate uniforms in 2023. But you get the feeling it won't be long until the Falcons are once again rebranding.
31. Washington Commanders
Is there a reason they couldn't have just stayed the Washington Football Team on a permanent basis? Commanders isn't a name that anyone seems to like, and the "W" on the helmet looks like it was designed using a stencil. The alternate black uniforms that the Commanders have aren't bad, but they don't incorporate enough burgundy and gold to really look like Washington. If new owner Josh Harris decides to change the franchise's name again -- and thus, redo the uniforms -- we wouldn't be against it.
30. Arizona Cardinals
Are the Cardinals new uniforms worse than what they wore from 2005-2022? No. Are they better? If they are, it's not by much. The 3D Cardinal that initially appeared on the black alternate helmets is now universal, which seems like a good decision. But the black alternate uniforms look like something that would be worn at Ohio State. The white uniforms look like a worse version of the all-white alternates that the division-rival San Francisco 49ers have. And while it makes sense for a team named the Cardinals to have an all red uniform, it's just not aesthetically pleasing to look at.
Lions aren't blue, but the Detroit Lions use honolulu blue as their primary color. Bald Eagles aren't green, but the Philadelphia Eagles use midnight green as their primary color. Maybe in the future, Arizona needs to think about just ditching red as their primary color, even if they are named after a red bird.
29. Tennessee Titans
This will be the sixth season of the Titans current uniform mix, and there's really not much to like about it. The helmet -- as first noticed by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk -- looks like a bowling ball. The white helmets that the Titans wore from 1999-2017 were significantly better looking. We would also say that the Titans would be wise to ditch the navy blue, and lean into powder blue as their primary color.
Of course, the Titans will wear powder blue on two occasions this season when they don the iconic Houston Oilers throwback uniforms. However, while the Oilers did become the Titans, it just doesn't feel right for them to wear those throwbacks, especially against the Texans.
28. New York Jets
The Jets plan to don their new "legacy white" throwback uniforms in Week 1 and Week 4, and they would be wise in the near future to considering returning to this helmet on a full-time basis. Their current primary uniform set was introduced in 2019, and features amateurish-looking "New York" script across the chest. The Jets also increasingly wear green less and less, instead leaning on their black alternate uniforms and an unsightly black pant, white top combination. The throwbacks are a step in the right direction, with the direction hopefully being to ditch their primary uniform set ASAP.
27. Los Angeles Rams
The helmet that the Rams wear is cool, though not any more than the multiple others they have rocked in their franchise's history. The rest of the uniform is a mess. The rubberish lining inside the uniform numbers is inexplicable, as is the gradient number utilized on Los Angeles' blue uniform tops. The shade of yellow isn't bad on the helmets, but it's just too much when you also combine it with the pants and jerseys.
26. Detroit Lions
How did someone approve of this entire uniform? The gray alternate uniform -- introduced as part of a 2017 refresh -- was, at best, not terrible. But with this helmet, it's reached the point of no return. The alternate logo on the helmet was initially used from 1961-1981, but never on a helmet. It looks cool on a shirt, but on a "honolulu blue" helmet, it looks pretty terrible. The Lions are expected to overhaul their uniforms prior to 2024, so it's possible that Detroit will wear these helmets twice and then never again.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
The uniforms that the Jaguars wore from 2013-2017 -- yes, the ones with the black and gold helmets -- were so bold, that the pendulum probably swung too far in the other direction when Jacksonville refreshed their look in 2018. There's nothing particularly offensive about these uniforms, but not much stands out either. We would say that the Jaguars should go back to a matte black helmet over their current glossy one, just don't include gold on the back half of it. Also, the four-legged Jaguar logo that was used from 1995-2012 should go back onto the uniform in some manner.
24. New England Patriots
The red throwback uniforms with the "Pat Patriot" helmets returned in 2022, and they'll again be worn in Week 2 and Week 13 this season. Perhaps Pat Patriot should just come back on a full-time basis, because for as much success as New England has had while wearing "the flying Elvis," it just pales in comparison. The Patriots refreshed their uniforms in 2020, and like much in New England, it has proven to be a worse version of what the team wore when Tom Brady was their quarterback.
23. Houston Texans
If the Texans are discontent with their uniforms enough to be teasing new ones for the 2024 season, it's hard to have them rated much higher than this. The "battle red" jerseys used to be a great alternate, but the matching helmets that the Texans introduced in 2022 have ruined the look. Hopefully the Texans keep their excellent primary logo, but it might be time for the first uniform overhaul in the franchise's brief history.
22. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins had one of the most iconic logos in North American sports, but it's one that they've strayed away from since introducing a more realistic looking Dolphin in 2013. Nonsense. The Dolphins look the best during the weeks where they rock their throwback uniforms. We will not rest until there is once again a Dolphin wearing a football helmet on the football helmets worn permanently by the Dolphins.
21. New York Giants
In recent years, the Giants have worn both the blue and white tops most associated with the Phil Simms/Bill Parcells Era. Both the jerseys, and especially the "Giants" helmets are superior to what Big Blue has worn since the 2000 season. If the Giants returned to those uniforms on a full-time basis, it would shoot them up this list.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Let's start with the throwbacks that the Seahawks will wear in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns -- *chef's kiss*. These were the jerseys that the Seahawks wore from their first season in 1976 through the 2001 season. And we would argue that they are better than anything Seattle has done since. The current primary uniforms that the Seahawks introduced in 2012 felt ahead of the curve when they came out, and the white tops remain excellent. But the navy-on-navy has run its course, and the "action green" wouldn't be missed if it was phased out. The "wolf gray" road alternates have been axed, and it may soon be time for the Seahawks to make what is old new again and return to their roots on a full-time basis.
19. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers made subtle tweaks to their uniforms ahead of the 2022 season, adding a third stripe to each sleeve and bringing back the "saloon" font on the "49ers" script above the jersey number. We wouldn't be opposed to them wearing their 1994 red and white throwbacks as their primary uniforms, but they are also great when mixed in as alternates.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
Too many teams get too cute with alternate uniforms, but the Bengals nailed it with their white tiger uniforms, which look good both with the orange helmet and the matching white alternate helmet introduced in 2022. Both the orange and black tops that came as part of the Bengals' 2021 refresh are unremarkable, but they are carried by the white tiger uniforms.
17. Denver Broncos
The Broncos rebranded in 1997, and they've won three Super Bowls since with their current uniform rotation. But it only took until 2001 for the Broncos to start wearing their orange crush throwbacks again. There's nothing wrong with Denver's current set, which has it's own sharp orange crush top. However, there's been buzz about the Broncos refreshing their uniform set again in the coming years, and going back to the "D" on the lighter blue helmet on a permanent basis would probably be what the overwhelming majority of fans would vote in favor of.
16. Chicago Bears
Positives: The Bears navy blue tops are one of the cleanest looking uniforms in the sport. Negatives: What the Bears call their "classic" throwbacks are just bad, and the orange alternates were ruined by adding a matching orange helmet, which looks like it got a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese dumped on it. This kit is very much a mixed bag.
15. Baltimore Ravens
Since moving from Cleveland in 1995 and becoming the Ravens, their haven't been many uniform changes for Baltimore. There are way too many teams with black uniforms and/or helmets now, but the Ravens primary helmet is already black, and the all-black uniforms they introduced in 2004 were ahead of the curve and have stood the test of time. For our money, the white tops with purple pants are the best look Baltimore has.
14. Philadelphia Eagles
Since the Eagles last wore "kelly green" in Week 1 of the 2010 season, there have been calls for it to return in some form. That will finally happen in 2023, and with it will likely come a push for it -- along with the more realistic bird logo pictured on the sleeves -- to be made the primary look again. However, "midnight green" has been what the Eagles have worn since 1996, a period in which they've been one of the model NFL franchises. Perhaps there's room for the two eras to co-exist.
13. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers nailed their look when they joined the league in 1995, and wisely haven't made many tweaks to it since. The black alternate helmets that the Panthers introduced in 2022 are actually pretty nice, but their silver helmet still is the best look. Also, the silver pants really contrast well when worn with the blue tops. That's a combination Carolina should lean into more often.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Not only did Tom Brady bring a winning culture with him to Tampa Bay in 2020, but the Buccaneers ditched their awful traffic guard-looking uniforms the year he came to town. Brady is now retired, and the Buccaneers have a tough task ahead of them in terms of competing this upcoming season. But outside of the games where the Bucs don their unnecessary gray alternate uniforms, Tampa will always look good. Both their white and red primary tops are excellent, and the "Bucco Bruce" creamsicle uniforms are returning in 2023. The popular throwbacks haven't been worn by the Buccaneers since the 2012 season.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
The three major sports franchises in Pittsburgh -- the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins -- all wear black and yellow, which is pretty cool. Of the trio, the Steelers have perhaps the most classic look. Only having their logo on the right side of their helmets would be strange if they were just created today, but at this point, it's tradition in Pittsburgh and has a cool story to it. *whispers* If they brought back the bumblebee jerseys once a year, that wouldn't be the worst thing.
10. Minnesota Vikings
This will be the 11th season of the matte purple helmets in Minnesota, which are excellent. The best part about them remains the Norseman's horns on the side, one of the longest-running looks in the NFL. Additionally, Minnesota plans to wear throwback uniforms for their Week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which will pay homage to the "Purple People Eaters" Era.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
We'll admit, it took a little time to get accustomed to the uniform refresh that the Chargers did in advance of the 2020 season. But the italic numbers and prominent lightning bolts on the side of each player's pants have grown on us. We do have some constructive criticism to offer, which if followed, could allow Los Angeles to climb into the top five. First off, ditch the yellow pants, they're just too much. Second, fill the lightning bolts in yellow on the popular navy blue alternates, on the side of the pants and especially the helmet. Third, increase the amount of times the royal blue "Color Rush" uniforms are worn per season, because once just isn't enough.
8. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have white uniform tops, and they have red uniform tops. The pant color worn with each top sometimes varies, but a look that becomes synonymous with winning in recent years isn't going to be touched anytime soon. Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt recently said that Kansas City doesn't plan to join the long line of teams adding alternate helmets and/or uniforms. They'll stick with the two they have, as his father wanted it.
7. Indianapolis Colts
Who asked for this alternate? It would be like the Detroit Tigers or New York Yankees adding a third uniform, there's just no reason for it. The white helmet with the blue horseshoe is iconic, there was no need to mess with it. Now the Colts have a third uniform that drags their entire -- otherwise classic -- look down. The "C" for Colts on the left side of the chest will look especially stupid for players who are also wearing the "C" for captain on the right side of their chest. Again, the overall look was great. But hopefully the "Indiana Nights" alternates are short lived.
6. Green Bay Packers
It will be hard to get used to someone other than Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers playing quarterback for the Packers, but whether it's Jordan Love or someone else in the long run, you'll always know what franchise it is when they run out under the lights at Lambeau Field with white jerseys that feature green numbers and yellow as the primary helmet and pant color. We could do without the alternate green-on-green look that the Packers introduced last year, because it looks more like the Oregon Ducks than Green Bay. But it's not offensive, certainly not to the point where it would dampen the brand of green and gold.
5. New Orleans Saints
The Fleur-de-lis is such a cool symbol, one that was once part of the Montreal Expos uniforms, and has been the Saints primary logo since their inception in 1967. One thing we would note is that both the primary black tops and primary white tops in New Orleans' rotation look better when worn with gold pants. But the Fleur-de-lis on the primary gold helmets and the alternate black ones is what puts the Saints uniforms over the top as one of the league's elite.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Love or hate the Cowboys, you can't deny the allure of the star. The silver helmet, white tops and silver pants are a timeless look, one that would be sacrilegious to ever mess with. And while the Cowboys prefer to wear white, their navy blue tops are solid. It was also nice to see the return of their Thanksgiving uniforms last year, marking the first time the Cowboys wore them since 2012.
3. Buffalo Bills
We're going to say something controversial: While the red helmets that the Bills have teased a comeback of for a couple offseasons now are associated with the success of the Jim Kelly/Marv Levy Era, their current white helmets are actually better. So are the white throwback helmets with the red Buffalo. The Bills ditched a disastrous uniform set in 2011, and haven't looked back since. Nor should they, even with the red helmets.
2. Cleveland Browns
The logo-less orange helmet is classic, and pops even more when the Browns don matching orange pants. We're torn on the white helmets that the Browns are adding as an alternate, because we like the white throwback uniforms reintroduced in 2021, and the helmets are part of Cleveland's history. Whatever, the Browns will wear the white helmets in Week 2 and Week 17, leaving 15 other games for the perfect orange lids to be worn.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
"The autumn wind is a Raider," and so is the No. 1 uniform set on our list. Whether they've been in Oakland, Los Angeles or Las Vegas, the silver and black has remained the most iconic look in the NFL. And we may actually even like the white Raiders uniforms -- pictured above on receiver Davante Adams -- even better than their black tops.
You can follow Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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