On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dropped their new uniforms for the 2020 season that pays homage to their best years and adds a futuristic twist, the team announced.
While most people liked the new jerseys, a lot of people were left wondering why they didn’t bring out the “creamsicle” colors from their earliest days. There is actually a good reason for that.
The Falcons got to release a throwback uniform, but the Bucs didn’t, and it was because the Falcons’ new helmet fits with their throwback look, and the Bucs’ doesn’t.
The NFL currently has a one-helmet rule that’s been in place since 2013. A memo was previously sent out about that.
“Our Head, Neck, and Spine Committee, chaired by Drs. Hunt Batjer and Richard Ellenbogen, and the Player Safety Advisory Panel, chaired by John Madden and Ronnie Lott, have recommended that players no longer wear different helmets as part of a “Throwback” or “Third” uniform. Our office supports this change and has reviewed it with the chairman of our Health and Safety ownership committee, Dr. John York, who concurs with this recommendation. We have communicated the change to those teams that are planning to wear throwback uniforms for at least one game this season. Teams may continue to wear throwback uniforms under league guidelines, but players must wear their regular helmets. The outside of the helmet can be modified by removing or replacing decals, as long as it does not affect the integrity of the helmet.”
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The Bucs’ new helmet is a pewter color, and it would not fit with the orange-and-white look of the creamsicle uniforms. Good news might be on the horizon as the league may revise this rule for 2021.
Bucs coach Bruce Arians spoke about it on the Dan Patrick show in March.
“I think once the helmet rule changes next year, we might have some creamsicles and some throwbacks, which I think are the best uniforms in the league,” Arians said.
