Getty Image / Brett Carlsen
Teams across the league are revealing new alternate, and retro, uniforms for the 2023 season after the NFL gave the green light for teams to wear alternate helmets.
On Thursday, the Indianapolis Colts chose to go with an alternate uniform instead of going retro, and it may have bit them in the behind.
The social media team shared a video showcasing a new black helmet and blue uniform combo. Maybe the idea was good on paper, but it’s not really hitting home for fans.
Here’s the clip the Colts shared on social media as a way to show off the new alternate uniform they call “Indiana Nights.”
Them Indiana boys in them Indiana Nights. 🌙 pic.twitter.com/yBp1fHbFZH
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 20, 2023
I don’t know about you, but they kind of look like a knock-off Duke jersey. Or maybe even a high school team.
I don’t really get an NFL feel for these uniforms. Sure, the black helmet is the first of its kind of franchise history and no other team in the league has ever had heathered uniform either.
But the immediate reactions on these alternate uniforms are probably not what the Colts were hoping for, as most people find these hideious.
Gonna have to start a gofundme for Indiana sports to get a new head of design
— Micah Gantman (@mfg) July 20, 2023
Yeah I think it’s too late for that.
Unveil a new one in a couple weeks and scrap this idea. You’re welcome. These are mediocre high school uniforms let’s be real
— Benny Smallz (@bennysmallzzzz) July 20, 2023
Just not what Colts fans were looking for.
This ain’t it chief.
— Trevor I. Lewis (@TrevorILewis1) July 20, 2023
I told you they look like Duke!
It feels familiar. pic.twitter.com/MZyYCs52RS
— Jasun™ (@RacinJasun) July 20, 2023
Did anybody else have a flashback to their childhood?
Create a team in Madden 2004 vibes
— William Walker (@WilliamWalker09) July 20, 2023
This is a fair reaction.
They look good, but I also don't think they look like NFL uniforms. I've seen much worse when it comes to alternates.
— Jon Easter (@johnnystir) July 20, 2023
Some would call that “mid.”
The definition of not terrible but not great lol
— Grant Flood (@floodsters) July 20, 2023
At the end of the day, this uniform combo is a bold choice. Maybe it’s the uniform pattern, or maybe it’s seeing the Colts logo on a black helmet.
I’m not entirely sure why it’s hideous, but the majority reaction to these uniforms isn’t positive.
As Ari Meirov reported above, the Colts will wear these alternate uniforms Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns. Maybe they’ll look cooler in action.