Throwback Jerseys That Should Become Permanent

Any article related to NFL uniforms is usually met with two polar opposite reactions. One group is made of fans that love every aspect of football, including jerseys. They probably own a vast collection of home, away, alternate and retro jerseys of their favorite players and teams.

The type of fan who enjoys the detailed aspects of franchise mode in the Madden football series. I salute these fans for their passion in cheering their team to victory, and their demand to have them look sharp doing so.

The other group of fans are already pulling their hair out after one paragraph. They despise the NFL money-making uniform shuffle. They wish their team would spend more time announcing free agent signings, rather than holding press conferences to show off a new uniform variation.

To these fans, I salute your vision of sticking to the bigger picture. Understanding that at the end of the day, you want your team to do what it takes to get better and win, instead of focusing on nonsensical details that mean nothing.

I can see both points of view on the topic of uniforms. They don't really matter. They aren't going to make your team play better. However, to some people they represent a glimpse of their childhood. Perhaps seeing the retro uniforms unveiled over the past few seasons, brings them back to the time when they first saw a game live with their dad.

Perhaps it reminds the fans of better days. Especially in the cities with teams stuck in seemingly perpetual states of rebuilding. Whatever the case, the common element that brings these two groups together each Sunday is the passion that is second to none when it comes to the game of football.

So...as long as we are on topic, I present to you a list of the top 10 retro and or throwback uniforms that in my opinion should be brought back to each franchise. The saying that comes to mind is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." but unfortunately some marketing person must have missed this memo as they altered some of these classics to create a modern-day version that just doesn't inspire that same feeling when you watch your team take the field.

You may agree, disagree or have other suggestions. No matter your feeling about the selections I have chosen, I look forward to your comments. This list is in no particular order.

Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

I've never been a fan of the midnight green. I think these are one of the best examples of retro gone right. Classic jersey that brings back a lot of memories for Eagles fans.

I like this variation even better than the era prior to the current jerseys.

Buffalo Bills

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills readies to pass against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 3, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

My question to Bills fans is simple. How in the World can that team wear the patchwork style mess of their modern jersey when these classics are hanging in the locker each week?

I can understand if the Bills stuck to the jerseys that they wore during the Jim Kelly era. It would be hard to let go of all of the success those teams had in the late 80s into the 90s.

However, the current threads worn by Buffalo are nothing of that sort. They are no match for these alternate jerseys. I say make the move!

Washington Redskins

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Charlotte, NC - Aug 10: Danny Wuerffel #17 of the Redskins throws the ball during the Washington Redskins versus Carolina Panthers preseason game at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 10, 2002. (Photo by Craig Jones/Getty Images)

I hate political conversation in the context of sports. Especially when the very element of the game itself is meant to escape such everyday debates.

However, if the Redskins ever forfeit to the criticism of using a human being as their primary logo, I suggest they immediately turn to these uniforms.

These were brought back during the early part of the decade, and are still one of my favorite throwback jerseys ever.

Seattle Seahawks

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4 Sep 1994: Quarterback Rick Mirer of the Seattle Seahawks passes the ball during a game against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in Washington, D. C. The Seahawks won the game, 28-7.

The Seattle Seahawks current uniforms are horrendous. It rains enough in Seattle, I don't see any need to make the team resemble a dark cloud.

The previous jerseys worn in the late 90s and into the early part of the decade are so much better than the current version, I don't really need to say much more than that.

These should be brought back, plain and simple. Imagine the surprise in the stadium as the pupils of the fans are reminded that life involves color.

Cleveland Browns

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CLEVELAND- SEPTEMBER 7: Running back William Green #31 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball up the middle against the Indianapolis Colts on September 7, 2003 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Colts defeated the Browns 9-6. (Photo by T

Uniform variations are a touchy subject to Browns fans. They most certainly fit the mold of the Green Bay Packers. Rich in tradition, with no reason to alter a uniform that helped establish the NFL to begin with.

I actually love the Browns home jersey composed of the Brown jersey and white pants. The all white road version however, is a different story. To Browns fans who may disagree I would point out that the team wore the orange pants from 1975-1983. They are in themselves, a return to tradition.

Cleveland briefly broke out the Orange Pants in 2003 for select games. I think the above road jersey combination is a very classic look that should be brought back to action.

New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Danny Woodhead #39 of the New England Patriots celebrates his touchdown with teammates Dan Connolly #63, Wes Welker #83, and Matt Light #72 against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010

There is a reason the Patriots wear these jerseys every year. Everyone loves them. These are in my opinion the best jerseys in football. The logo, the bright red, the patriotic color scheme.

Everything about these jerseys is classic. Who cares about modern variation? These jerseys should be brought back full-time.

Denver Broncos

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

20 Oct 1996: Running back Terrell Davis of the Denver Broncos moves the ball during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won the game, 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport

As a Browns fan, these jerseys still bring me to chills. I'm reminded by the weekly rebroadcast of The Drive staring John Elway.

The Broncos current jersey is awful. It was a trend setter when first revealed, but a decade later I'm left wishing these jerseys were still terrorizing the league with two-minute drives.

After spending so much time cementing the reputation that comes to mind every time I see these jerseys, why throw it away on some graphic designer's modern variation? Bring them back!

St. Louis Rams

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ST. LOUIS - DECEMBER 20: James Laurinaitis #59 of the St. Louis Rams reacts to a play during the game against the Houston Texans at Edward Jones Dome on December 20, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

These jerseys are simply superior to the gold variation. Just looking at them brings back so many memories, from the battles with San Francisco in the '80s to The Greatest Show on Turf.

Yet again, some marketing guy figured gold would appeal to the masses better, and the change was made. These classic jerseys should be brought back permanently.

San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 5: LaDanian Tomlinson #21 of the San Diego Chargers carrries the ball 41 yards for a touchdown in the second half against the Cleveland Browns on November 5, 2006 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld

Oh so close. The Charges have brought back the white helmet, and on occasion wear these classic jerseys felt by many to be the best in football.

I don't need to say much, it's clear these are a better version of the regular everyday jersey San Diego currently wears.

Chicago Bears

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears runs for a first down as Ray Edwards #91 of the Minnesota Vikings gives chase at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Da

Let me preface this by saying the Bears current jerseys are a classic. And if they stayed with their current jersey forever, nobody would complain.

I added this to the list because I really thought these throwbacks were sharp.