What could Eagles’ Rivalry uniforms look like in 2027?
Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after his team’s rushing touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field on November 03, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The NFL and Nike released their second iteration of the Rivalry uniforms on Tuesday morning for the NFC North and AFC South. The designs are locally themed for one key divisional matchup this season. Last year, the AFC East and NFC West were a part of the inaugural rollout.
Nike’s first two collections have used each team’s city, history and identity as inspiration, with designs ranging from Buffalo’s winter theme to Houston’s H-Town influence and Green Bay’s unique ownership structure.
In 2027, the AFC West and NFC East bear their turn, including the Eagles.
Since going midnight green in 1996, when newly named Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie imposed the switch, the Eagles have only sported four different looks: two exclusive throwbacks worn for just one game, the all-black alternates introduced in 2003, and the kelly-green retro uniforms in 2024.
They will have a fifth next season. But what will they look like?
Based on previous designs from the last two years, the Eagles could have a uniform completely abstract and out of the franchise’s norm. Or, an iconic throwback to see the light of day once again.
The popular answer is another throwback: the white Kelly Greens. The Eagles may or may not have teased this in early August in a social media video of Jalyx Hunt and Riq Woolen blindly trying to match up the team’s helmets. Also, in May when the Eagles’ schedule was released, Jalen Hurts mentioned that they “need a white Kelly Green.” Saquon Barkley replied, “Well, you got the power to change that, Mr. Hurts.”
This helmet is a throwback to the ones from 1969-1973 before a silver lining was added inside the wing. So, it is technically different from the inspiration of the current throwbacks from 1974-1995 that became synonymous with the teams led by Ron Jaworski, Harold Carmichael, Wilbert Montgomery, and Dick Vermeil.
The appeal is obvious. The Eagles have already brought back the Kelly Green helmet and pants, but have never paired them with a white version of the classic jersey as part of the current throwback set. It would give fans something familiar while still creating a distinctly different look from the uniforms they have worn at times since 2024.
The Eagles could also go with their original yellow and blue uniforms. When the franchise was established in 1933, they wore the colors of the city’s flag before switching to green in 1935. The team’s predecessors, Frankford Yellow Jackets, also sported this design from 1924 to 1931 before the Great Depression. Those colors were brought back for the Eagles’ 75th anniversary for one game on Sept. 23, 2007, where they beat the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field, 56-21.
That was the last time those uniforms were worn, and in the public opinion, they probably will stay the last.
The Phillies, in their city connects also designed by Nike, went the yellow and blue flag route, as well. With Nike already embracing the style, the Eagles could easily follow suit — although it would be a much bigger departure from the team’s modern identity.
Since the integration of the Kelly Green throwbacks a few seasons ago, the black primary alternates have had their field time reduced. The Eagles, with these Rivalry jerseys, could do away with the typical black alternates and turn out the lights with their new Rivalry design.
Or, Nike could go revolutionary and have a script style inspired by the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell, similar to the 76ers’ old City Editions. Or, a Rocky-inspired look, perhaps influenced by his gray robe, which the Sixers also sported in 2019.
Of all the possibilities, the white Kelly Greens feel like the safest, and best, bet. The people love it, Hurts has practically made the pitch himself, and if it does anything as it did in 2024, the jerseys will fly off the shelves.
But if the Rivalry program has taught us anything over its first two years, Nike is not afraid to think outside the box.
Benjamin Goldstein
Benjamin Goldstein is a Sports Media major at Temple University and an aspiring sportscaster and journalist. Since 2017, he has covered Philadelphia sports as the founder, editor, writer, and podcast host of Philly Sports Reports. In addition, Benjamin interned with the WBCB Sports Network on 1490 AM and served as the lead broadcaster for Pennsbury Athletics for four years. Through his coverage and media work, he has had the opportunity to meet Phillies owner John Middleton in his suite and was recognized as KYW Newsradio’s Philadelphia Sports Fan of the Week.
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