Logo and Uniform Changes
April 21, 2020
By Noonefromtampa
There is no more divisive topic in the NFL and its fanbase than changes to a team’s uniform or logo. Recently the Rams, Chargers, Buccaneers and Falcons have all made changes with varying levels of positivity.
Is a uniform change something the Redskins should entertain to further demonstrate that this is a new era in place? If so, what types of changes should be considered?
Background
First, let’s look at some uniform history. Since 1990, the NFL has had a single manufacturer for uniforms for all teams. Prior to 1990 that teams made their own deals for uniforms. This is the list of manufacturers by year:
| Uniform Company | Years Made |
| Nike | 2012-present |
| Reebok | 2002-2011 |
| Adidas | 1999-2001 |
| Starter | 1998 |
| Wilson | 1997 |
| Starter | 1991-1996 |
| McGregor | 1990 |
The Nike era has also brought in the “Color Rush” uniforms, which have single-color themes for jerseys and pants. They usually generate a love/hate feeling among fans, more often “hate” than “love”.
The Redskins color scheme has been burgundy and gold since moving to Washington, with white being added later when teams went to home and away jerseys. The color tones have changed back and forth during the years: the burgundy has gone from a classic dark burgundy to an almost red color, and the gold has gone from a darker gold to a yellow gold.
The early helmet schemes varied between gold and burgundy helmets. Starting in 1958 decals were added to helmets. The helmet decals used through the years are:
| Years | Design | Helmets Color |
| 1972-Present | Variations of the Native American head logo | Burgundy |
| 1970-1971 | Stylized “R” logo | Yellow Gold |
| 1965-1969 | Spear Logo | Burgundy |
| 1958-1964 | Feathers decal | Burgundy |
Most of the Redskins uniform changes since the AFL-NFL merger have revolved around changing the color tones of the burgundy/gold; adding or removing accent stripes; along with swapping pants between gold and white.
The one exception to this came in 2002 when the Redskins had special 70th anniversary uniforms with a spear helmet. They wore the same uniforms in 2003 without the 70th anniversary patch.
What Should be Changed?
Let’s start with the colors. I would go with a more burgundy, less red color, a true gold, less yellow color, and white. Jerseys choices should be burgundy and white, with pants colors of white, burgundy or gold. This would give a range of uniform combination options: the traditional burgundy jersey with gold pants; the Gibbs era burgundy jersey and white pants or white jersey burgundy pants; and two color rush options of all burgundy or all white.
Regarding possible changes to the helmet, the first option would be to keep the Native American head. The next two options would be to use at something from the past. There is a lot of fan sentimentality around the spear helmet and it was the choice for the 70th anniversary uniform. The stylized “R” logo is another choice and is still used in merchandise sold, so it also has market appeal. The other option would be to develop some type of new logo, but the issue what kind of logo would be most appropriate. It would have to be something that tied into the Native American heritage of the team. In my opinion, the most logical choices would be a feather, a spear point or an arrowhead. Since the team is the Redskins and not the Chiefs, let’s eliminate the arrowhead, leaving the feather or spear point. So, of the five remaining options, I would choose the spear and go with a burgundy helmet with gold face mask.
The final area are the uniform accents. I would make sure there were some stripes on the helmet, jersey sleeves and pants. Use contrasting colors: gold/white on burgundy; burgundy/gold on white; and burgundy/white on gold.
Post your thoughts in the comment section about whether or not you think the Redskins need a uniform change and what those changes should entail.
Source: gridiron-uniforms.com