The Lions have recently unveiled their new uniforms, which pay tribute to the team’s past, particularly during the Barry Sanders era. The updated uniforms feature subtle changes, with a standout being a black jersey named “Motor City Muscle.” This design brings back memories of the Lions’ look from 2004-2007, with a twist that includes the team’s signature Honolulu Blue on the jersey numbers and helmets.
Head coach Dan Campbell was a fan of the black jerseys and had requested their return shortly after becoming head coach in 2021. Lions team president Rod Wood jokingly made a deal with Campbell, saying that they could bring back the iconic jerseys if the team won a division title. The Lions went on to win the NFC North with a 12-5 record, earning them a spot in the playoffs for the first time in several years.
The revival of the black jerseys was likely already in the works before the team’s success last season, but it was seen as a fitting reward for their recent achievements on the field. The two-year process of designing and clearing these new uniforms with NFL seems to have been well worth it for fans who were happy to see a return to classic design.