Patriots still hope to revive red throwback jerseys with ‘Pat Patriot’ helmets – once NFL rules allow it
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots’ uniforms underwent some changes this offseason, but their helmets did not. To the disappointment of some, the changes did not include the return of the classic “Pat Patriot” logo. But what really put the football-snapping Revolutionary War soldier on the sidelines was the NFL rulebook, seven years ago.
Sticking with silver and the same “Flying Elvis” logo on their helmets to go with modified home and away uniforms, the Patriots stayed true to their promise of avoiding drastic changes. But Kraft Sports CMO Jen Ferron said via Patriots.com that the team remains interested in bringing back the red throwback jerseys that it wore from 2009-12.
“Our primary uniforms in the modern era have been blue and white and they will remain so,” Ferron said. “We recognize that fans also have an affinity for the red ‘throwback’ uniform and we hope to incorporate that into our uniform rotation in the future.”
Elsa/Getty ImagesPHOTOS: Patriots throwback uniforms
After wearing the red jerseys and “Pat Patriot” helmets in a game for four straight seasons, the Patriots shelved the uniforms after the NFL instituted a rule in 2013 that forced teams to use only one helmet color for the entire season.
Rule 5, Section 4, Article 2: “Pursuant to the official colors established for each NFL club in the League Constitution and Bylaws, playing squads are permitted to wear only those colors or a combination of those colors for helmets, jerseys, pants, and stockings; provided that white is also an available color for jerseys and mandatory color for the lower portion of stockings.”
It’s disappointing because the white helmet, especially, would look good with the new uniforms because they do borrow from past eras. Bucs head coach Bruce Arians, however, let it spill that the helmet rule would be changed for the 2021 season. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed that discussions are happening.
So anyone who wants their Pat Patriot back is just going to have to sit tight for another year. Just have to enjoy the new uniforms as they are – or stomach them, depending on your reaction.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
