3 NFL Teams Turned Practice Jerseys Into Statements

In 2008, John Harbaugh started a practice jersey tradition with the Baltimore Ravens. After almost two full decades, Harbaugh has carried that custom to the New York Giants. Now, his brother, Jim, has started it with the Los Angeles Chargers, and it's becoming a trend.

Ravens fans have known about Harbaugh's practice jersey patches for a long time. But now more fanbases are finally noticing the unique idea.

After traveling with the U.S. military to the Middle East, the legendary NFL coach borrowed the idea of service ribbons. The legendary coach has repurposed the idea to give players something to celebrate.

Baltimore Ravens

While military service ribbons recognize awards and accomplishments, the Ravens developed the idea of individual and team accolades for players' practice jerseys. Just check out Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's practice jersey, and you will see a long list of milestones.

Just a few of the patches include the Dagger Patch, which is awarded for an AFC Playoff berth. The Super Bowl Patch is for players who have won a Super Bowl.

The AFC North Champion Patch is for division title winners. The Offseason Workout Patch is for players who complete 85% of voluntary offseason conditioning.

New York Giants

This past offseason, Harbaugh signed a five-year contract to become the head coach of the Giants. One of the most noticeable signs of the new regime is the practice jerseys.

"They are kind of an honoring of the military award medal-type things," Harbaugh told the New York Post. "Then there's other things you'll see as we go, once we get the games going."

So far, there are at least three different types of patches on the Giants' practice jerseys. The Giants Hammer & Star is for players who attend 85% of the voluntary spring conditioning program. The Sword Patch is for a Giants playoff appearance. Lastly, the Sustained Excellence marks multi-year achievements, such as Pro Bowl teams.

Los Angeles Chargers

Last summer, Jim Harbaugh borrowed his brother's tradition for the Chargers. Players' jerseys are already filling up with decorated patches.

Some of them include: Gold and White Bolts, signifying milestones achieved while playing for the Chargers (gold lightning bolt) or another team (white lightning bolt). Milestones for record-holders and individual awards. Plus, Chargers Block of Granite Award winner for weight room accomplishments.

"Someday they'll be able to put that jersey up in a frame, put it on a wall, say something really good about themselves; it will be what they accomplished as a pro football player. I like that," Harbaugh told NFL.com.

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