Panthers all-black uniforms, explained: What to know about Carolina's 'Dark Side' alternate helmets, jerseys

David Suggs

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Panthers all-black uniforms, explained: What to know about Carolina's 'Dark Side' alternate helmets, jerseys image

Back in black.

Unlike their feline brethren from Cincinnati, the Panthers haven't been known to divert too extensively from their blue, black and gray color palette.

That changes on Thursday, though. Well, sort of.

MORE: NFL picks, predictions against the spread Week 10

Carolina will rock an all-black uniform-helmet combo in its "Thursday Night Football" game against the Falcons, the first time the franchise has sported blackout fits.

The jersey-/helmet combo is sleek, chic and everything in between. Here's what you need to know about Carolina's eye-popping style choice in Week 10.

Why are the Panthers wearing black jerseys and helmets?

Thursday night won't be Carolina's first foray into black threads. The Panthers have routinely sported dark shades during their 28-season NFL tenure.

This is, however, the first time they'll pair their black uniforms with their black helmets.

The reason why is simple: the NFL grants teams three chances every year to rock alternate uniforms, including the preseason. Carolina's black uniform-and-helmet combo constitutes one of those three times.

It's a pretty big deal, particularly for those invested in the Panthers' social media team.

In fact, the team is branding it as its rush into "the dark side." How dramatic . . .

Why can the Panthers wear black helmets?

Last year, the NFL rescinded its one-helmet rule, which limited teams to one helmet design during the season. That opened the door for teams to come up with stylish alternate lid concepts.

The Panthers weren't the only team to take advantage: the Cardinals, Falcons, Bears, Bengals, Cowboys, Texans, Patriots, Saints, Giants, Jets, Eagles and Commanders have also unveiled new headgear this year.

But it'll be hard to top the sick garb Carolina will wear Thursday.

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.