The NFL has officially launched its inaugural round of “Rivalries” uniforms, a project developed in partnership with Nike aimed at creating alternate jerseys and apparel that honor longstanding local traditions. This initiative kicks off with teams from the AFC East and NFC West, as part of a four-year program that will see additional teams join in subsequent seasons. The AFC South and NFC North will participate starting in 2026, followed by the AFC West and NFC East in 2027, and finally the AFC North and NFC South in 2028.
These new uniforms will be worn by the teams for one game per season over the next three years, in addition to any existing alternate uniforms they may already have. For the following scheduled games, only the home teams will don the “Rivalries” uniforms:
Arizona Cardinals: Sept. 25 vs. Seattle Seahawks Miami Dolphins: Sept. 29 vs. New York Jets Buffalo Bills: Oct. 5 vs. New England Patriots New England Patriots: Nov. 13 vs. New York Jets Los Angeles Rams: Nov. 16 vs. Seahawks New York Jets: Dec. 7 vs. Dolphins Seattle Seahawks: Dec. 18 vs. Los Angeles Rams San Francisco 49ers: Jan. 4, 2026, vs. SeahawksThe new jerseys and related apparel will be available for purchase starting September 10, providing fans an opportunity to express their opinions on these alternate uniforms. Historically, new jerseys have proven to be lucrative for franchises. But how do these new threads stack up? Senior writer Matt Barrows and national news and trending writer Saad Yousuf have compiled a ranking of the eight recently unveiled uniforms, with Barrows focusing on the NFC West and Yousuf on the AFC East.
The Buffalo Bills have impressed with their “Cold Front” jersey, which features a sleek all-white design that evokes the essence of Buffalo, reminiscent of their iconic snow game in 2017. A standout feature is the texturized silver buffalo logo on the sleeves, which brilliantly captures the spirit of Bills Mafia, one of the most passionate fan bases in the league. However, the game scheduled for October 5 against the New England Patriots might be a tad too early for such a winter-themed uniform.
The New England Patriots' new uniform draws attention with its unique neckline design, adorned with six red stars symbolizing the six states of New England and the six Super Bowl titles. The phrase “We Are All Patriots” graces the interior of the back neckline, echoing owner Robert Kraft's message post their first Super Bowl victory. While the “NE” logo is simplistic, it complements the overall aesthetic, particularly with the silver stripes on the shoulders and pants that pay homage to the Gillette Stadium Lighthouse.
The Arizona Cardinals have chosen a playful approach with their new uniforms, which have inspired a host of jokes about their design. The uniforms reflect a connection to the recent weather events in the Phoenix area, drawing parallels to the unique characteristics of a dust storm. Their bold choice certainly stands out in the league.
The San Francisco 49ers' uniforms feature a nostalgic saloon font that brings back memories of the “All Blacks” used during the Jim Harbaugh era. The gold-shadowed numbers improve visibility compared to previous designs, and the nods to the fan base, such as “Faithful” on the front and “Faithful to the Bay” inside the back collar, add a personal touch.
The Seattle Seahawks aim for a theme that embodies high energy with iridescent elements on the shoulder pads and breastplate, symbolizing sound waves. With the boisterous “12s” displayed on the front and back of the helmet, the uniforms strive to capture the team's dynamic spirit. However, some fans feel that the existing “Color Rush” uniforms already fulfill the need for boldness.
The Miami Dolphins have taken a risk with their darker color scheme, but they have cleverly integrated their vibrant orange color throughout the design. Key elements include the neckline, nameplate, and “Miami” logo across the chest, creating a cohesive look that represents speed—an apt nod to their team’s energetic roster.
The Los Angeles Rams have opted for a darker blue with their “Midnight Mode” uniforms, reintroducing the iconic ram horn on the jersey sleeve. While the uniforms carry a traditional vibe, some critics argue they come off as lackluster, earning them the nickname “Night Night Mode.”
The New York Jets have drawn inspiration from their roots by incorporating “Gotham City Football” in their design, a fitting tribute to the legacy of players like Joe Namath. While the green pants complement the jersey well, some feel the overall theme lacks depth, presenting a design that leans too heavily on simplicity.
With the launch of these new “Rivalries” uniforms, the NFL and Nike aim to not only revitalize team identities but also engage fans in a new and exciting way. The upcoming season promises to be filled with fresh aesthetics and spirited matchups, as teams debut their new looks on the field.
