Although July usually marks the late offseason period for the NFL, this year it’s quite the opposite due to nearly half of the league releasing new alternate helmets or uniforms in the upcoming month. The release of new team looks is always thrilling for fans, with at least eight teams debuting new alternate designs this July, and the total expected to rise to around 15.
The rollout starts this week with a series of scheduled releases throughout the month:
– July 9: Commanders unveiled their new alternate uniforms.
– July 9: Saints revealed a new white alternate helmet and will release an alternate uniform on July 22.
– July 15: Buccaneers introduced a white road version of their creamsicle uniform.
– July 15: Chargers debuted gold jerseys for the first time.
– July 21: Steelers announced a 1933 throwback with gold jerseys and helmets.
– July 22: Saints to release a gold alternate jersey shortly after unveiling their white helmet.
– July 22: Bills will wear a red helmet for a single game.
– July 23: Browns introduced a new alternate helmet.
– July 23: Packers disclosed new alternate uniforms and helmets.
– July (date to be announced): Seahawks will reveal new alternate uniforms.
Beyond these eight teams, a total of 15 teams will receive at least one new uniform or helmet this year, partly through the NFL’s “Rival” program announced in April’s 2025 NFL Draft. This program allows one NFC division and one AFC division each year to launch new “rival” uniforms across four seasons. For 2025, the AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets) and NFC West (Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, Cardinals) are the first participants. The divisional rollout will continue as follows:
– 2025: AFC East and NFC West
– 2026: AFC South and NFC North
– 2027: AFC West and NFC East
– 2028: AFC North and NFC South
With the NFC West winning the “Rival” uniform this year, the Seahawks are poised to debut two new looks in 2025.
Additionally, new NFL rules passed in April now allow teams to wear alternative uniforms in four games per season instead of three. This change gives teams with multiple alternate or throwback kits more chances to showcase them during the regular season.
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Fan Take: This surge in alternate helmets and uniforms is a big win for NFL fans who love fresh and unique team aesthetics. It reflects the league’s push to blend tradition with innovation, keeping fan enthusiasm high while opening up new marketing and engagement opportunities for the sport.
