Dave Betancourt | Sports Section Manager

2/08/02

In order to ring in their 70th anniversary in style the Washington Redskins will have a new look for the 2002 NFL season.  The team recently revealed their new threads at a recent press conference at Redskin Park in Ashburn, Va.

While teams like the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers went the futuristic route when it came to getting new uniforms, the Redskins instead went looking to the past.   The Redskins new uniforms are strongly based on the uniforms they wore from 1965-1969.

  The Jersey's are a much deeper shade of burgundy than the ones worn this past season.  The numbers are now on the top part of the shoulder and not on the bicep part of the sleeve.  There is also a spear on the side of each sleeve. The pants are a metallic-like gold, similar to the gold in the St. Louis Rams color scheme.  The numbers on the Jersey are white and right above them in small letters it says "Redskins".

The best part of the uniforms however is the helmet.  The color of the helmet is the same dark burgundy as the jersey's and the Indian head is replaced with a spear.  Some would say the uniforms mirror that of Florida State only a little darker.  The new uniforms are great.  This is great for Redskins fans who have wanted the team to change their uniforms for some time now.  Once the new merchandise, helmets, jersey's and hats hit the stands in May they will surely sell out quick in the Washington area.

However the change is just temporary.   The Skins will only wear the uniforms at home this year.  On the road, they will wear the same white jersey's, burgundy pants and Indian head helmet that they have worn for years.

And once this season is over they will go back to their normal uniforms. Fan reaction in the D.C. area has been extremely positive and hopefully Dan Snyder will be convinced to make a more permanent change with the uniforms. Regardless, the Skins will be looking sharp in 2002.