One of the most iconic uniforms in the NFL will be getting a second subtle tweak this season, thanks to the league’s revised helmet rule and a clever mix-and-match approach taken by the Cowboys equipment staff.
The team will sport its all-white uniform set for the Week 17 showdown with the Tennessee Titans, the club officially announced on Friday. That game is a Thursday Night Football matchup, so the monochromatic “Color Rush” jersey/pants combo is something that’s been seen previously.
But in 2022, it will be capped off with a never-before-worn alternate helmet, the Cowboys have confirmed.
They showed off the new lid in a video they dropped on social media.
We’ll be leaving the Cali sunshine ☀️ with an ICY new Arctic Cowboys look 🥶
It all goes down 12.29.22 on @NFLonPrime for #DALvsTEN Thursday Night Football!
Want the helmet? Pre-order here: https://t.co/5Tn8rSY80p pic.twitter.com/p4otd2zFcv— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 19, 2022
But wait, you may be saying. The Cowboys already revealed the all-white throwback helmet they’ll wear for their Thanksgiving Day game versus the Giants. So how is this new?
It’s all in the details.
The alternate “Arctic Cowboys” helmet features the team’s current star logo, which is outlined with a thin blue-and-white border and has been since the 1964 season. Prior to that, the star was unbordered; that’s the logo that will adorn the Thanksgiving throwbacks.
Also making its debut for the Dec. 29 game is a matching white facemask, marking the first time the Cowboys have ever worn a cage in any color other than gray.
The team’s announcement actually doesn’t come as a total surprise, seeing as how the alternate helmet was leaked back in late July. As squads around the league were unveiling either throwback or alternate looks for the season, the Cowboys showed up on both lists.
Which alternate or throwback helmet are you most excited to see this season? 👀 pic.twitter.com/u3FAJ24Lta
— NFL (@NFL) July 25, 2022
Some assumed it was just a mistake by a graphic artist that Dallas was included in both announcements, but a close inspection of the artwork shows the exact differences outlined above. (The throwback version even takes away the “Cowboys” wordmark sticker on the front bumper, though it will grace the alternate helmet. It’s a nice nod to historical accuracy, since those obviously weren’t part of the 1960 headgear.)
The NFL’s relaxing of the one-shell rule this season allowed many teams to invent an all-new color combo, while it permitted a few others to resurrect a look from the past.
By mixing their throwback shell color with their current logo and adding a brand-new facemask, the Cowboys were able to sneakily get two new looks on the ’22 schedule.
Week 17’s clash with the Titans could end up being an important game for both clubs as they prepare to close out their regular seasons. But we already know for sure the Cowboys will be looking sharp for their New Year’s visit to Nashville.
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