Previously the NFL implemented a rule where teams were only allowed to have one helmet color. The general idea was that players would be practicing and playing only in one helmet. The one helmet rule was also designed to keep player safety in mind.
The 2021-22 NFL season will be the last with the one helmet rule. During the season, the NFL decided to change the rule and teams are now allowed to have two helmet colors.
Last season the Eagles rolled out five different jersey combos (all with the same Midnight-Green helmet). Here’s how the Eagles fared in those combos.
|
Green/White |
White/Black |
White/White |
Black/Black |
White/Green |
|
2-7 |
3-0 |
1-1 |
2-0 |
1-0 |
The Birds predominantly wore green tops and white bottoms last season. They had the worst record in that combination but also played their tougher opponents. Losses were to teams such as the Chiefs, Buccaneers, Chargers, and Cowboys (x2). The Eagles also debut a new combo this year with white tops and black bottoms. The Eagles went 3-0 in that combo, including a win in Denver, the team’s first ever game in that uniform.
New Rule
Heading into next season, we will likely see the Kelly Green uniforms. Via the NFL’s website the new helmet rule states: “The revised policy allows teams to utilize a second approved helmet. All uses of alternate helmets must follow the set forth parameters”: Clubs must obtain an entire new set of alternate color helmets for all players, alternate color helmets must be the same make, model and size as the applicable player’s primary helmet, alternate color helmets must be made available to all players at the start of training camp and should be fit at the same time as the primary helmet, alternate color helmets must be worn in practice at a minimum during the week leading up to the game in which they will be used.
Kelly Green
This rule most likely means we will be seeing the Eagles in Kelly Green next year. We last saw the Eagles in Kelly Green in a season opening loss to Green Bay back in 2010.
The Kelly Green jerseys are often talked about among Eagles fans. The majority of fans seem to want them to make a comeback. I, for one, am excited to see the Eagles rocking throwbacks next season.
However, I have also seen arguments not to bring the jerseys back. Some fans associate those colors with losing seasons and more importantly, no Super Bowl. I do not believe there is any correlation between the Eagles uniforms’ color and winning, but you can’t deny they have been successful since switching to the Midnight Green.
Bringing back the Kelly Greens is more than just wearing a jersey. It has to do with representing and honoring the history of this franchise. Plenty of great moments happened in those uniforms. Every time they are worn, we honor the likes of Reggie White, Randall Cunningham, Harold Carmichael, Ron Jaworski, and many more.
It will be interesting to see when the team decides to use the alternate helmets. But, regardless of when they do wear them, the Birds will be looking clean and fresh in Kelly Green next year.
Photo Credit: Mel Evans/AP Photo
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