NFL teams just got a little more stylish.
Beginning in the 2025 season, teams will now be allowed to wear alternate or throwback uniforms up to four times per year, an increase from the previous three. Even more impactful, alternate helmets can now be worn with any uniform, not just a designated alternate jersey.
It may sound like a small tweak, but for fans and players, it’s a big deal.
Expect to see fan-favorite looks like the Bucs’ creamsicles, the Eagles’ Kelly greens, the Oilers throwbacks in Tennessee, and even some never-before-seen combos. This rule opens the door to bold marketing, nostalgic nods to team history, and the chance for franchises to switch up their visual identity more often.
Jersey sales, of course, are also part of the strategy. The NFL knows how much fans love alternate looks—and how much they’re willing to spend on them. With four uniform slots now in play, teams will have more incentive to drop new designs and test bolder color schemes.
But it’s not just about retail. It’s also about relevance. With college football programs regularly debuting wild new looks and the NBA thriving off of city-edition jerseys, the NFL has taken a more conservative approach—until now.
Teams like the Chargers, Seahawks, and Commanders are expected to roll out updated alternates this season. Some, like the Cowboys and Steelers, may stick with tradition, but even they now have room to experiment more than before.
This change gives teams marketing flexibility and fans more to look forward to during the long season. Thursday Night Football games, special rivalry weeks, and holiday matchups could now feature even more visual flair.
The league is loosening the leash, and the result should be a more colorful and unpredictable 2025 season.