More Than Just a Jersey: How the NFL’s ‘Rivalries’ Uniforms Celebrate Local Communities
The roar of the crowd, the bone-crushing hits, and the electrifying plays – these are the elements that define the NFL experience. But beyond the gridiron action, there’s a deeper connection that binds teams to their cities: community. And now, that bond is being celebrated in a groundbreaking way with the NFL’s new “Rivalries” uniform program in partnership with Nike. Launched in April 2025, this initiative isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about honoring the unique spirit and heritage of the communities that fuel these teams.
A New Era of NFL Uniforms
For years, NFL uniforms have been more than just functional garments. They’re symbols of identity, pride, and tradition. From the classic Chicago Bears navy and orange to the Green Bay Packers’ iconic green and gold, these colors and designs evoke powerful emotions in fans and players alike. The “Rivalries” program takes this concept a step further, embedding local narratives into the very fabric of the jerseys.
As Renie Anderson, chief revenue officer at the NFL, stated, this program marks a “historical moment,” harnessing the power of rivalry matchups to elevate fan excitement and community pride. The program elevates NFL rivalry games over the next four seasons, with specially designed Nike uniforms and fan gear. Rivalries will drive fan engagement by celebrating storied traditions and uniting communities with unique and elevated product designs.
The AFC East and NFC West Lead the Charge
The inaugural season of the “Rivalries” program features teams from the AFC East and NFC West. This includes the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks. Each of these teams will don a specially designed uniform during a home game against a division rival, with the designs drawing inspiration from the history, culture, and unique aspects of their respective communities.
Imagine the New England Patriots sporting a jersey that pays homage to the region’s maritime history, or the Miami Dolphins wearing a design that reflects the vibrant art deco scene of South Beach. These uniforms aren’t just about looking good; they’re about telling a story.
The Design Process: A Collaboration Between Nike, Teams, and Communities
Creating a uniform that truly represents a community is no easy feat. It requires a deep understanding of local history, culture, and values. That’s why the design process for the “Rivalries” uniforms is a collaborative effort between Nike, the NFL teams, and the communities they represent.
Nike’s design team begins by immersing themselves in the local culture, conducting research, and engaging with fans, local artists, and community leaders. They delve into the team’s history, exploring iconic moments, legendary players, and the stories that have shaped the team’s identity. They also look beyond the gridiron, seeking inspiration from local landmarks, cultural traditions, and the unique characteristics that define the community.
For example, when the Houston Texans redesigned their uniforms, they conducted 50 focus groups with fans and players and sent out 10,000 surveys to understand what the community wanted. Similarly, when the Denver Broncos created their “Mile High Collection,” they consulted over 10,000 fans and incorporated their preferences for the team’s primary color and logo.
More Than Just a Game-Day Jersey
The “Rivalries” program extends beyond the field, offering fans a chance to connect with their teams and communities in new ways. In addition to the on-field uniforms, Nike is releasing a line of fan gear inspired by the same local narratives. This includes jerseys, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other apparel, allowing fans to proudly display their community pride.
The NFL has also ramped up its player safety, social responsibility and social justice initiatives. A visit to the NFL’s Community page on its website shows the breadth of the league’s initiatives, from environmental sustainability to domestic violence education, youth fitness, early cancer detection and prevention, and building character in young people.
A Commitment to Social Justice
The NFL’s commitment to community extends beyond the “Rivalries” program. The league and its teams are actively involved in numerous social justice initiatives, addressing issues such as education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform.
Through its “Inspire Change” platform, the NFL has provided over $375 million to advance social justice causes, supporting organizations and programs that reduce barriers to opportunity, particularly in communities of color. The NFL Foundation also supports numerous grants to support NFL players and Legends’ philanthropic and community efforts.
Teams like the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, and Chicago Bears have also launched their own community outreach programs, focusing on education, health, and youth development. These initiatives demonstrate the NFL’s commitment to being more than just a sports organization, but an active and engaged member of the community.
Looking Ahead: The Future of NFL Uniforms
The “Rivalries” program is just the beginning of a new era for NFL uniforms. As the league continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative designs and collaborations that celebrate the unique stories and cultures of the communities that support these teams.
In 2026, teams from the AFC South and NFC North will debut their “Rivalries” uniforms, followed by the NFC East and AFC West in 2027, and the AFC North and NFC South in 2028. This ensures that every team in the league will have the opportunity to showcase their community pride on the national stage.
The NFL’s “Rivalries” uniform program is a testament to the power of sports to unite communities and celebrate local heritage. It’s a reminder that these teams are more than just athletes on a field; they’re symbols of hope, pride, and the enduring spirit of the cities they call home.