Celebrating Heritage: The Washington Commanders’ Retro Uniform Revival
When quarterback Jayden Daniels stepped onto the field at MetLife Stadium in August for his inaugural NFL preseason game, he made a statement that transcended the game itself. Donning a vintage white jersey inspired by legendary quarterback Doug Williams-who famously wore the same during Super Bowl XXII and earned MVP honors-Daniels paid homage to a pivotal figure in franchise history. “What better way to mark my debut than to honor Doug and his contributions to this franchise?” Daniels remarked post-game, highlighting the significance of blending past and present in his first NFL appearance.
Bridging the Past and Present in Team Identity
The Washington Commanders’ recent transformation has been deeply rooted in reconnecting with its storied history. Under owner Josh Harris, the franchise has emphasized honoring its legacy, a strategy that will be further reinforced this season through the introduction of special alternate uniforms. These throwback designs serve as a visual tribute to the team’s most triumphant years, fostering a sense of continuity and pride among fans and players alike.
The “Super Bowl Era” Uniforms: A Nod to Glory Days
This season, the Commanders will don special “Super Bowl Era” alternate jerseys, which are nearly identical replicas of those worn during their three Super Bowl victories in the 1980s and early 1990s-Super Bowls XVII, XXII, and XXVI. These uniforms are more than mere throwbacks; they are a celebration of the franchise’s golden era, evoking memories of iconic moments and legendary players.
Scheduled Appearances and Fan Engagement
The Commanders will showcase these historic uniforms during three nationally televised home games this season. The first will be in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks on November 2, followed by a matchup with the Denver Broncos in Week 13 on November 30-an opponent they famously defeated in Super Bowl XXII. The final appearance will be in Week 17 on Christmas against the Dallas Cowboys. While the team has never faced Dallas in the Super Bowl, the 1983 NFC Championship game-where Washington secured a 31-17 victory in their white-jersey-burgundy-pants look-remains a defining moment in franchise history.
Manufacturing these jerseys has been expedited to ensure availability before the first game featuring the throwback uniforms. Preorders began in early September, with delivery anticipated prior to the November 2 game. Fans can purchase the authentic Super Bowl Era helmets-featuring the current team logo-through the Commanders’ official online store and NFLShop.com.
Design Elements and Modern Adaptations
The new white jerseys are distinguished by a burgundy collar and numerals outlined in gold, complemented by matching stripes on the sleeves and white socks. The burgundy pants feature gold and white side stripes, and the helmets are adorned with a gold face mask and striping along the top. Notably, some design modifications were necessary to accommodate contemporary uniform cuts, such as the removal of loose sleeves, ensuring both style and functionality.
Uniform Regulations and Future Possibilities
The NFL permits teams to alter their uniforms once every five years, with exceptions like ownership changes allowing for more frequent updates. All proposed changes must be submitted for league approval at least a year in advance. When queried about the potential for these Super Bowl Era uniforms to serve as a foundation for future redesigns, a team insider indicated that the Commanders will “continue to evaluate” their options, keeping the door open for further innovations.
Rekindling the Franchise’s Legacy
Since acquiring the team in 2023, Harris has prioritized reconnecting the franchise with its legendary figures and historic milestones. His first calls post-purchase were to Hall of Famers Darrell Green and Art Monk, signaling a renewed focus on honoring past greatness. Last season, many alumni, including Green and John Riggins, returned to support the team, underscoring the franchise’s commitment to its roots. Harris is also actively working with local authorities and the NFL to secure approval for a new stadium at RFK Stadium, the site of many of Washington’s most celebrated victories.
Collaborative Efforts in Rebranding
Behind the scenes, Harris has collaborated with NFL officials, Nike, Fanatics, and a dedicated team within the Commanders organization-including marketing, equipment, and ownership partners-to craft a uniform homage that celebrates the franchise’s most successful era. This collective effort underscores a strategic move to blend tradition with modern branding, fostering a deeper connection with fans and history alike.
Expanding the Wardrobe: A Mix of Classics and New Looks
The new throwback uniforms will join the Commanders’ existing wardrobe, which includes their traditional home gear-burgundy jerseys and pants-and their away uniforms, featuring modern white jerseys paired with burgundy pants. The team also reintroduced an all-black alternate uniform in 2022 as part of a rebranding effort, along with gold pants that made a comeback last season after a six-year hiatus. These diverse options reflect the franchise’s evolving identity while honoring its longstanding color palette of burgundy and gold.
A Legacy of Style and Innovation
Throughout its 93-year history, the franchise has maintained its signature burgundy and gold colors, periodically updating its uniform design. In 1979, then-GM Bobby Beathard replaced the gold pants and revamped the look, citing a desire to invigorate the team’s appearance. “Introducing something new can energize the team and fans alike,” he explained at the time. Under coach Joe Gibbs, the team secured its first Super Bowl victory in 1983, a milestone that remains etched in franchise lore.
From Rebranding to Reconnection
The franchise’s brief stint as the Washington Football Team from 2020 to 2022 marked a transitional phase, culminating in the February 2022 unveiling of the current “Commanders” identity. The redesign incorporated input from fans and former co-owner Tanya Snyder, though it received mixed reactions amid ongoing debates about the team’s name. Harris has since emphasized that “the name Commanders now holds meaning,” signaling a focus on honoring the team’s storied past while building toward a unified future.
