Black and Blue Revisited
Lions Unveil New-Look Alternate Black Uniforms For 2005 Campaign
By Jay Clemons
DetroitLions.com
April 21, 2005
After Lions Executive Vice President and COO Tom Lewand officially introduced the club's new alternate black jersey at Thursday's press conference, offensive playmakers Kevin Jones (34) and Roy Williams (11) modeled the new uniforms.
ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Adding some spice to Detroit Lions Football, the club unveiled their alternate black jerseys on Thursday afternoon -- the team's fourth uniform to be worn this season.
Lions Executive Vice President and COO Tom Lewand provided the introduction at the unveiling ceremony, saying, "We're giving (the team) a fresh look."
Running back Kevin Jones also noted the uniforms are "intimidating."
The Lions' traditional colors of Honolulu Blue and silver -- found in the numbers and sleeves -- provide a sterling contrast to the black uniforms, Lewand says.
"This is our third (home) jersey; this is something we will wear no more than three times a year -- using it at least twice in the regular season," he says. "We have not determined when or how many times we will wear (the black uniforms) this year.
"(Our players) just saw them in the locker room (Thursday)...and the reaction was 'Great!' he adds. "One player has ordered 25 jerseys for his family already -- it's something different."
After Lewand's introduction, Lions playmakers Jones and Roy Williams modeled the uniforms -- which include silver pants and black socks to match the jersey color.
When asked which game he specifically wanted to wear the black uniforms this season, Jones coyly replied, "The Super Bowl."
Williams summed up his feelings about the new digs in one word: "Great!"
The Lions are one of only two teams allowed to wear four uniforms, which includes the traditional home Honolulu Blue, road whites and throwbacks. Lewand reiterated the black uniforms will be worn on a limited basis.
"It's important to note we're not deviating from our tradition -- we're still Honolulu Blue and Silver...we'll still use our traditional uniforms for five home games a year," says Lewand, while noting the club will maintain the tradition of wearing the throwbacks on Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 against Atlanta at home). "We're going to have the best of all worlds here, and we think it's a good new look."
The NFL allows for teams to wear alternate jerseys for up to two home games. Last year, 14 teams wore alternate home jerseys during the season.
Of the 14 teams with alternate jerseys, only Atlanta, Baltimore, Jacksonville and Philadelphia wear predominantly black. The third-jersey program was implemented in 2002; but the popularity surrounding this process began in 1994 -- when the NFL celebrated its 75th anniversary with throwback uniforms.
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