This past weekend the NFL made some changes to their 2019 rule book. Did they announce those changes? No. Did they do everything they could to wipe the rule change from the internet? Yes.
In 2018 the NFL relaxed their uniform rules by allowing teams to wear an alternate jersey a maximum of 3 times in the regular season. This rule no longer distinguished between a color rush or throwback/alternate jersey. In other words, teams would now be expected to wear their regular uniforms at least 13 times with the option of wearing any combination of alternates for a maximum of 3 games should they choose.
This relaxed uniform rule was still in place for the 2019 season. It was also available for anyone with the internet to access via the NFL Operations Website. This weekend after seeing the Ravens wear their black jerseys for the 4th time, I went to the NFL Operations Website to look at the rule again. When I looked through the rulebook, I noticed that the rule was no longer there. Upon realizing the change, I did some computer sleuthing and realized that the current set of rules was uploaded on Saturday December 14th 2019 12:41:24 GMT (see screenshot below). So we are in week 15 of the season and the rulebook is being updated at 7 am on a Saturday? That's a bit odd.
PROVING IT- Unfortunately, at this point I do not have written proof of what was previously in the rulebook regarding uniforms because I did not take a screenshot of the page, nor did I print out the document. (If someone with a hard copy of the document or better computer skills can access the original version, please do).
Because I'm lacking that document, I'll prove myself by sharing a variety of other digital evidence. First we have a screenshot of my internet history from December 1st and tweets regarding NFL uniforms from that same day.
Because I'm lacking that document, I'll prove myself by sharing a variety of other digital evidence. First we have a screenshot of my internet history from December 1st and tweets regarding NFL uniforms from that same day.
RAVENS TWITTER- Next up is part of the Ravens' twitter thread when they made the uniform change for their game on December 1st. (Note, teams are required to inform the NFL of the jersey colors they will be wearing by July 1st, many teams including the Ravens post this information on their website.) On the left we have the Ravens' twitter confirming that the team will be in purple for their upcoming game against the 49ers. On the right we have the Ravens' twitter informing followers of a uniform change shortly before gametime. Reminder that a radio host in San Francisco was suspended and accused of racism for pointing out how hard it was to see the ball in that game which was played in a deluge.
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BENGALS COME THROUGH- A bit more damning is my next piece of evidence. This comes straight from the Cincinnati Bengals Weekly News Release which is dated December 10, 2019. Surely if this wasn't an NFL rule, they wouldn't have put it in their weekly release. It further wouldn't read exactly how I recall it being worded in the NFL rulebook.
Since the screen shot may be hard to read, here is what is says after the asterisk "NFL rules allow teams to wear designated alternate jerseys, color rush (CR) uniforms and/or throwback uniforms for a combined total of three regular-season games. As in years past, orange served as the Bengals’ designated alternate jersey, and for the third straight year, the team used their color rush uniforms (white jersey, white pants), which debuted in 2016. Cincinnati does not have a throwback uniform."
Since the screen shot may be hard to read, here is what is says after the asterisk "NFL rules allow teams to wear designated alternate jerseys, color rush (CR) uniforms and/or throwback uniforms for a combined total of three regular-season games. As in years past, orange served as the Bengals’ designated alternate jersey, and for the third straight year, the team used their color rush uniforms (white jersey, white pants), which debuted in 2016. Cincinnati does not have a throwback uniform."
BROWN AND RAMS SPECIAL PERMISSION- I'll conclude by sharing the indisputable fact that recently the Browns and Rams have received special permission to wear their alternate jerseys more frequently than the rule allows. The Browns petitioned the NFL this spring and received permission over the summer. Feel free to google this and you will see multiple references to this fact and the rule. I'll just give you a few screenshots and links. Click on the picture to go to the original article.
While I'm aware that this probably won't become a big deal since it doesn't feed into the Patriots are cheaters and get all of the calls mindsets, all I can do is share the information. Since I'm oh so kind and didn't make you pay for this information or overwhelm you with popup advertisements, please consider giving me a follow on twitter @BOSsportschick or using my links to shop. Thanks.
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