Already this season, the Patriots have delivered on two major uniform requests fans have been making in recent years. They brought the red jersey ‘Pat Patriot’ uniforms back in early October, then wore silver pants with their new blue jerseys two weeks ago on Monday Night Football.
The silver pants look came out of nowhere, with the team announcing the change just hours before that game. Joining Patriots Preview this Sunday, team president Jonathan Kraft shared how that came together.
“It came out of – I think Berj [Najarian, director of football/head coach administration] suggested that our marketing folks,” Kraft told Marc Bertrand. Kraft didn’t say whether or not that look would be a one-off, but did add, “it looked good. It’s fun to change things.”
LISTEN: Jonathan Kraft joins Patriots Pregame
(Click here to subscribe to Patriots Audio on 98.5 The Sports Hub.)“So great that the NFL let us go back to the white helmet because they would say to us, ‘well just wear it, but wear the silver helmet’. And that would be sacrilege to those of us who grew up in the 70’s and 80’s watching the Patriots in the red uniforms,” Kraft continued. “And it was awesome seeing that uniform.”
Speaking of throwbacks, the conversation didn’t stop at Pat Patriot. Bertrand also asked about the 90’s ‘Flying Elvis shoulder‘ jerseys potentially making a return.
“Probably not,” Kraft said. “Well, the NFL – you’re limited. Because we have so few games, it’s not like basketball or baseball where you can do it. There are 17 regular season games and there has to be some level of consistency. So you’re allowed your normal home and away jersey, the navy blue and the white, and then you’re allowed an alternative colored jersey, and you’re allowed a throwback. And so you can have four jerseys in your palette at any one time.”
It sounds like for the Patriots to bring back the shoulder jerseys, they would have to replace Pat Patriot – unless they could have an ‘alternate’ that is the same color as their primary jersey.
The Patriots are set to wear those ‘Pat Patriot’ uniforms once more this season, against the Bills during a Thursday Night game in December. As for the silver pants, we’ll have to wait and see.
Kraft didn’t just talk about the team’s uniforms, of course. You can find his comments on Mac Jones, Bill Belichick, and more here.
Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
