Lions black uniforms, explained: What to know about Detroit's new alternate jerseys, blue helmets

Daniel Mader

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Lions black uniforms, explained: What to know about Detroit's new alternate jerseys, blue helmets image

The Lions are debuting a new look on "Monday Night Football."

As Detroit gets set to face the Seahawks in a primetime matchup at home in Week 4, they'll be rocking all-black uniforms with touches of blue in between.

It's a unique look for the Lions, who usually stick to white and gray as their dominant colors with jerseys and uniforms, and some fans have even compared the new look to the Panthers' usual uniforms. 

Here's what to know about Detroit's new look, why they're wearing them and other times they've had all-black uniforms in their franchise's history.

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Why are the Lions wearing black jerseys and helmets?

In April, the Lions announced their new uniform collection. 

Per the team's website, the "Motor City Muscle" uniform, the all-black look, was "heavily influenced by the grit and swagger our team brings to the field" and "reintroduces black to the Lions on-the-field closet."

With the jersey, they also introduced an alternate helmet to match, which is mostly blue but with a black stripe down the middle and a black team logo on the sides.

There's a unique story to why Detroit brought back the black uniforms as well. Per ESPN, head coach Dan Campbell, new to the team at the time after being hired in January 2021, asked Lions president Rod Wood when the franchise could bring the black uniforms back. Wood responded, "When you win the division."

In 2023, Campbell led the Lions not just to an NFC North title, but also to the NFC Championship game, where they ultimately fell short against the 49ers. However, a strong season for Detroit and Campbell making good on that goal to win the division, meant the black uniforms were coming back. 

When have the Lions worn black uniforms before?

Detroit has worn black uniforms in the past, and Campbell himself played in those uniforms before when he was with the Lions from 2006-2008. 

Here's a look at Campbell, a former tight end, catching a touchdown in the old Lions' black uniforms. 

On Monday night, Detroit brings back its all-black style as it looks to improve on its early 2-1 record this season. In 2024, the Lions are continuing their quest to appear in their first-ever Super Bowl as one of the NFC's deepest squads. 

Daniel Mader

Daniel Mader Photo

Daniel Mader joined Sporting News as an editorial intern in 2024 following his graduation from Penn State University. Previously, he covered Penn State, high school and local sports beats for NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. He grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.