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The NFL’s “Color Rush” initiative to drive interest in its lackluster Thursday night games may have fizzled out a couple of years ago, but the New Orleans Saints were one team that benefited from it in a big way. They picked up one of the league’s greatest alternate uniforms with a super-clean gold-on-white look that contrasts beautifully with the black-and-gold home jerseys.
Unfortunately, the NFL only allows its teams to wear alternates three times per season; the Saints found out the hard way when they petitioned the league office for permission to wear their “Color Rush” uniforms in last year’s playoff game with the Minnesota Vikings, but were denied. The Saints won all three of their “Color Rush” games in 2019 but lost that game; obviously it would’ve made a difference.
However, things could change. The Cleveland Browns paved the way last season when they promoted their own “Color Rush” alternates to primary status, wearing the fan-favorite uniforms in six games. While the Browns followed that up by announcing an altogether new kit in 2020, it’s still an approach the Saints could take given their popularity.
Uniform changes are all the rage in the NFL right now. The NFC South-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons each joined the Browns in announcing new jerseys this offseason, and the New England Patriots will reveal their own updated look next Monday.
While the Saints have a great thing going in their black home look and white road duds, there’s no comparison between the standard away gear and the “Color Rush” upgrades. Here’s hoping they can work something out.
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