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The Denver Broncos unveiled new look uniforms for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. Unfortunately, the design has been met with much criticism.
Fans believed it the perfect opportunity for the franchise to bring back the throwback look of the John Elway era. Instead, the Broncos continue to move further away from that storied past.
The team posted a reveal on social media Monday in an attempt to create excitement in the offseason. The new drip didn’t land quite the way Denver had hoped.
A new era forged by #BroncosCountry. pic.twitter.com/LaK3ZfsoZ9
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 22, 2024
In the new design, we see a shift away from the two-toned look of the recent past, moving the stripe that had previously been located along the midsection of the uniform over to the sleeve.
Much thought went into the revamp, with the organization referencing specific nods to the city of Denver in the design process.
“This has been a thoughtful, collaborative journey that’s involved us listening to voices throughout all of Broncos Country to design the Mile High Collection, our modern and inspirational new uniforms for the Denver Broncos,” a statement read.
“A program with a strong history, [we] wanted to be grounded in that, rooted in that. But also, innovation. It was great to hear from the Nike folks from a pure design standpoint, them talking about what it felt like in ’97 [for the Broncos’ previous redesign]. Or, [for] those who weren’t there, how they study uniform history and how it felt like what we did in ’97 was incredibly innovative. And so, we still want to do that. We want to try to move the aesthetic forward, move the game forward.”
-Broncos president Damani Leech
Of note, we see a “5280” on the back of helmet, a shoutout to the Mile High City. The stripes on the sleeves resemble the Rocky Mountains. “Broncos Country” is stitched into the jerseys.
The new threads are undoubtedly cleaner and sleeker, providing viewers with a much less busy appearance. Most would probably agree that they’re an upgrade from last season.
Comparing the old and new Broncos jerseys. pic.twitter.com/He2msH7AQv
— NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) April 22, 2024
Still, those same fans believe it to be another swing and miss on the design as a whole.
“These look like uniforms you make for a new franchise in Madden.”
“Getting serious UTEP vibes with this one.”
“I can’t really begin to express how disappointed I am right now.”
The overwhelming majority of followers asked the same question – Can we just return to the throwback design?
None of the focus groups or marketing wise guys said – what if we just do the obvious thing that everyone would love ? Better colors – majestic horse. Why is this so difficult? https://t.co/mYIZzWz6v5
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) April 22, 2024
The Broncos will use the throwbacks as alternative uniforms.
Denver didn’t completely forget about the past. They paid homage to the 1977 squad while teasing their alternative threads to be worn occasionally throughout the year.
The ‘77 classics … are BACK! pic.twitter.com/xG8vtiC1Gf
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 22, 2024
These certainly didn’t disappoint. Fans just wish they would’ve returned to the design permanently!
“These shouldn’t be your alternate…”
“Just use these full-time.”
The new design represents the team’s first since 1997. Maybe next time, the fans will get what they want!