There’s something to be said about simplicity, especially when it comes to NFL uniforms. The mark of a great uniform isn’t necessarily the boldness of it. Trying to be different than everyone else. Sometimes, tradition is enough to make it unique, recognizable among others.
Which is why it’s surprising that in ranking each of the 32 NFL team’s uniforms that Sporting News has the Bears at No. 25. As in, they’re among the worst uniforms in the league. As in, the Packers, Lions and Vikings all rank ahead of them.
Which is absolutely ridiculous.
This is another team set with its traditional look, and we respect that. The Bears also rank higher than the Colts because they at least have some versatility with their orange alternate jerseys and the classic look they used in 2019.
The Bears’ uniforms, though, are dull. As blasphemous as it sounds, a styling change in the number font and sleeve striping could work wonders. Chicago also could experiment with some white facemasks.
Chicago has a great color scheme, which makes the team’s insistence on sticking to its traditional look frustrating.
Look, I get it. Some people get sick of the same thing for an extended period of time, as evidenced by the seven NFL teams that will make changes to their uniforms in 2020.
But as they mention later in Sporting News’ article, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And there’s nothing wrong with maintaining the traditional look Chicago has going for it.
Not only is the navy, orange and white color scheme brilliant, but the iconic “C” on their helmet makes the uniform instantly recognizable. The “GSH” on the upper left sleeves pays homage to George Halas, the man that made the NFL possible. Not to mention the “100” patch the Bears wore on their uniforms last season honoring the team’s centennial season in the NFL.
The Bears’ uniforms are far from among the worst in the league. If anything, they’re some of the most recognizable. Whether it’s the classic navy jersey/white pants, white jersey/navy pants, the orange alternate jersey or the special centennial throwbacks, the Bears certainly don’t merit a ranking among the bottom eight.
And considering the Packers are ranked all the way at No. 4, this list becomes invalid.
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