NFL: 4 Uniform Changes That Must Be Made in 2011

Uniforms are important.

While they don’t contribute to the stats sheet or win-loss record, they can represent a team, their style of play, and the city where they play.

Take it from Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, who famously said, “You look good, you play good.”

From odd color schemes to uncomfortable fits, there are some major areas for uniform improvement.

With that in mind, here are five uniform-related changes that must be made for the upcoming 2011 season.

Say No to Non-Descript Black Alternate Jerseys

What better way for any team to ignore team colors and history than to break out a nice old indiscreet black jersey?

While teams think the black jerseys create a sleek, stealthy look, in reality it creates a bland visual that does nothing to boost performance.

In the case of the Arizona Cardinals, the shift away from red isn’t just uninspired. It’s uncompetitive.

According to new research from scientists at the University of Durham, among two equally skilled teams, the one wearing red is more likely to win. That’s not just style, it’s science.

Unless your team colors involve black (and it doesn’t count if it’s an accent color for the Cardinals or Baltimore Ravens), you probably shouldn’t wear black jerseys.

Pick a Better Throwback

Teams, more frequently than ever, are using throwback uniforms in an attempt to link with squads of the past and up jersey sales in team shops.

While it worked for some teams in the 2010 season, especially the Buffalo Bills, the throwbacks jerseys the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts wore left a lot to be desired.

Not to fret if your favorite team’s throwbacks were duds. Look at the Philadelphia Eagles, who improved their throwback uniforms tremendously in 2010 after their 2007 throwbacks were the worst thing to come out of Philadelphia since the film "The Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon."

An Unfortunate Arms Race

We get it. The field can get pretty hot. Players want as much flexibility as possible without the restrictions of tight jerseys and heavy pads.

With that said, I don’t want to see your armpits. I’m not sure anybody wants to see your armpits. No thanks Chris Hovan (the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer who missed the 2010 season after going on injured reserve) and Osi Umenyiora.

If the sleeve patterns continue, jerseys may begin to look less like NFL uniforms and more like ones worn in the National Basketball Association or even the Lingerie Football League.

As ESPN’s Paul Lukas has suggested, maybe it’s time for the league to mandate player sleeve lengths.

Jacksonville and Minnesota: You're on Notice

There's not a lot to like about either of these jerseys. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars, not exactly known for their good looking jerseys over the years, disappointed many with the humdrum uniforms launched for the 2009 season. Unnecessary piping through the jersey create an unusual look that's distracting and out of place in the NFL.

The major technological revolution, a special paint that can change color from black to green based on the surrounding light, is unnoticeable except when looked at from short range.

Not to say you're in the clear Minnesota. The Vikings' current jersey, which debuted in 2006, is an unattractive pairing of side details and confusing piping. When I see these Vikings jerseys, I do not think of pillaging.

So for 2011, cut the fans the break. Go back to the drawing board, try out some new designs, and give fans something they can get excited about.