For over 70 years, the Browns have come out each week sporting orange helmets with a white line splitting two brown stripes down the middle.
That changes in 2023.
The Browns are debuting their new white alternate helmets on Sunday. The team previously announced a throwback lid would be introduced this season as a result of the relaxed NFL rules regarding alternate uniforms.
The new alternate helmet is an entirely different look than the normal orange lids worn on Sundays in Cleveland.
revisiting our roots with modern style 🔁 pic.twitter.com/JpnXwBqksk
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 18, 2023
Cleveland essentially inverted the color scheme from their typical helmets for the alternates. Instead of an orange base, the helmets' primary color is white. The brown stripes on the top stay the same, however, instead of a white line splitting the brown, it is an orange stripe instead.
The Browns' new helmets won't feature a new logo like the Lions or Bucs, but it is still a major change from the look that Cleveland fans have been so used to seeing.
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Why the Browns are wearing white helmets
Teams around the league have showcased revamped looks this season. There were 13 clubs last year to debut different helmets, and others like the Browns, Lions and Buccaneers have joined in on the creative trend in 2023.
But why the white? It's a nod to the team's history, bringing a throwback look to modern days.
From 1946 to 1949, the Browns solely wore white helmets. It was a successful look too, as the Browns won four All-America Football Conference titles in a row. When they joined the NFL in 1950, they brought the white helmets with them, leading to a Super Bowl win in their inaugural season in the league.
taking it back to how it all began ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/XPiFCHGdND
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 18, 2023
In a statement, Browns executive vice president JW Johnson said the white helmet "harkens back to our past" and credited fans for bringing up interest in a white helmet. In their announcement video, the team said "some traditions are destined to return, and that time is now."
Week 2 will be the first of three appearances throughout the 2023 season for the white helmets. In addition to the "Monday Night Football" game against the Steelers, the Browns will wear the white lids in Week 6 against the 49ers and in Week 17 against the Jets.
