New York Jets paying homage to the “Sack Exchange” era with new throwbacks
New York Jets fans got a taste of their team’s potential new throwback uniforms via a leaked video on Twitter late last week, but now, the cat is officially out of the bag.
Jets owner Woody Johnson tweeted out a graphic unveiling the team’s throwback uniforms for the 2023 season. Johnson also announced the Jets will be wearing the uniforms in Week 1 (home vs. Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football) and Week 4 (home vs. Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football).
Coming this season: the Jets Legacy White Uniform, to be worn Week 1 and Week 4. pic.twitter.com/00Gn2t3w76
— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) July 24, 2023
The Jets’ official Twitter account later posted an accompanying video.
When these Jets took flight, they ascended to great heights.
Introducing our Legacy White Uniform, inspired by the New York Sack Exchange. pic.twitter.com/zfceKkyuOh
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 24, 2023
The throwback uniform is a replica of the team’s road look from 1978-89, featuring white jerseys, white pants, and a green helmet adorned by the iconic classic logo. It is a uniform that is best known for being worn during the “Sack Exchange” years of the 1980s. Old-school Jets fans will fondly remember these kits being donned by the likes of Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, and Abdul Salaam.
NFL teams are limited to only two helmet shells per season. Since the Jets appear to be keeping their black alternate helmets that were introduced in 2022, the Jets will be using their current primary helmet shell (painted in a metallic green) for the throwback uniforms – only switching out the logo and facemask.
The current logo will be replaced by the beloved 1978-97 logo, which is known for being perhaps the best incorporation of jet-related imagery in franchise history. The Jets’ current black facemask will be replaced with the white facemask that was worn from 1978-89.
In my opinion, the Jets crushed it. This set is simple and clean, yet it exudes a gritty feel to it, reminding fans of the toughness and tenacity that the Sack Exchange teams were known for. The helmet really puts it over the top. This is, in my opinion, the best logo in Jets history, and it looks stellar on the metallic helmet shell. With the shiny, sleek helmet complementing a classic jersey/pants combo, you get a beautiful blend of old and new with this uniform.
Overall, I believe this uniform signifies that the franchise should be thinking about going back to a retro look for its primary uniforms. While I defend the current uniforms and like them more than most, I cannot deny that the New York Jets look their best in a retro design. The Jets can change their primary logo and uniforms starting next year – five years are required between logo and uniform changes, and the Jets’ last change was in 2019.
What do you think of the new uniforms?
