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When you ask people about classic uniforms in the National Football League, the same teams are always brought up:
...and, of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The one difference between the aforementioned teams and the Steelers is how Pittsburgh has actually altered their uniforms in a big way in the last 25 years. The much maligned italicized numbers, which were used to match the ones on the helmets, along with the logo being place on the left chest, were big changes from the traditional block numbers so many fans still long for.
Everyone seems to love the Steelers uniforms, even if they made a few tweaks.
ESPN’s Uni-Watch listed them as the top NFL uniform prior to the 2017 season. Here is what they had to say:
Aside from the switch from block numbers to italics (which many fans still gripe about, although it’s been nearly 20 years now and we should all just get over it already), the Steelers have stayed the course. They still have their logo on only one side of the helmet, they still don’t use helmet numbers during the preseason (you have to earn them by making the final roster cut), they still have that instantly recognizable sleeve striping (the Rolling Stones are even using it to promote their show at Heinz Field), and their gold pants still work equally well with either of their jerseys. And while some folks can’t stand the bumblebee throwbacks, that design is actually a big hit here at Uni Watch HQ and helps vault the Steelers into the top spot in this year’s Power Rankings. First rate.
On top of that ranking, a Sports Illustrated ranking of all NFL Nike Color Rush uniforms had the Steelers second among all 32 teams.
In other words, the Steelers’ uniforms, both regular game day and special occasion, are well received throughout league circles, but what if they could be even better?
Clearly, the first thing most would change to the current uniform would be the numbers. A lot of fans, particularly those who grew up with the block numbers, cannot stand the italicized numerals. But if you change the numbers, like the team did with the throwback uniforms they will wear this year, do you keep the logo on the front left chest? Or do you completely ignore all changes which have been made and go back to the unis which saw the Steelers in their greatest glories of the 1970s?
As for me, I have grown so accustomed to seeing the current uniforms it hardly feels as if any changes are needed; however, if the team were to go back to the old school uniforms, or even use the color rush unis more often, I wouldn’t object. The Steelers’ look is classic, and as a Pittsburgh sports fan I have always loved how all three professional sports teams have the same colors across the board.
If you were to make any changes to the current uniform(s), what would they be? Let us know in the comment section below and be a part of the discussion!