Super Bowl jersey colors are determined by a combination of tradition, league rules, and team preferences. Each year, the designated home team—alternating between the NFC and AFC champions—chooses their jersey color, while the away team wears the opposite color. This decision is influenced by factors such as historical success in certain colors and team branding.

How Are Super Bowl Jersey Colors Determined?

Home Team’s Choice

The team designated as the home team for the Super Bowl gets the first pick of jersey colors. This decision alternates between the NFC and AFC champions, with the NFC team choosing in odd-numbered Super Bowls and the AFC team choosing in even-numbered ones. The home team typically opts for their traditional home colors, which are usually darker.

Away Team’s Jersey

The away team wears the opposite color of the home team. If the home team selects a dark jersey, the away team will wear white, and vice versa. This ensures clear differentiation on the field, which is essential for players, referees, and viewers.

Historical Success and Superstitions

Teams often consider their historical performance in certain jersey colors. For instance, some teams have superstitious beliefs about their success while wearing specific colors. The Dallas Cowboys, for example, prefer to wear their white jerseys whenever possible due to a history of success in them.

Branding and Fan Appeal

Teams also consider branding and fan appeal when choosing jersey colors. A team’s color choice can influence merchandise sales and fan engagement. Wearing their primary colors can enhance team identity and boost fan support.

Factors Influencing Jersey Color Decisions

• League Rules: The NFL has specific guidelines regarding jersey colors to ensure contrast and visibility.
• Team Tradition: Teams often stick with colors that have historical significance or are part of their traditional uniform set.
• Superstitions: Some teams believe certain colors bring luck and may choose based on past performance.
• Marketing: Teams consider how jersey colors will resonate with fans and affect merchandise sales.

Examples of Super Bowl Jersey Choices

• Super Bowl LIV: The Kansas City Chiefs, as the home team, chose to wear their traditional red jerseys, while the San Francisco 49ers wore white.
• Super Bowl LII: The New England Patriots, as the away team, wore their white jerseys, continuing a trend where they had experienced success in white.

People Also Ask

Why Do Some Teams Prefer White Jerseys?

Teams often prefer white jerseys due to past successes or superstitions. For instance, the Dallas Cowboys frequently opt for white jerseys, believing they bring good luck. Additionally, white jerseys are sometimes seen as cooler in warm climates.

Can Teams Wear Alternate Jerseys in the Super Bowl?

Typically, teams wear their standard home or away jerseys in the Super Bowl. However, the NFL has allowed alternate jerseys in rare cases, provided they meet league regulations and contrast sufficiently with the opposing team’s colors.

What Happens if Both Teams Want the Same Color?

The home team has priority in choosing their jersey color. If both teams wish to wear the same color, the away team must select a contrasting color, adhering to league rules for clear differentiation.

Has the NFL Ever Changed Jersey Color Rules?

The NFL occasionally updates its rules to improve game visibility and viewer experience. However, the fundamental rule of home teams choosing their jersey color has remained consistent, ensuring clarity and tradition.

Do Teams Consider Weather in Their Jersey Choice?

Weather can be a factor, especially in outdoor stadiums. Teams might choose lighter colors to stay cooler in warm weather, although this is less of an issue in Super Bowl games, which are often played in controlled environments.

Conclusion

Choosing Super Bowl jersey colors involves a blend of tradition, strategy, and superstition. The home team has the privilege of selecting their preferred color, while the away team adapts accordingly. These decisions are not only about aesthetics but also about team identity and fan engagement. Understanding this process adds another layer of intrigue to the excitement of the Super Bowl.

For more insights on NFL traditions or team strategies, explore articles on NFL rules evolution and team branding strategies.