Tampa Bay’s release showed three variations of their uniform, including an all-white, an all-pewter and a red-and-pewter look. But the throwback uniforms from the ’70s, when the Bucs wore an overly orange color scheme, was missing. The absence was even more noticeable on Wednesday when the Falcons’ uniform release came with a throwback look.
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So how come Atlanta gets a throwback uniform and the Bucs don’t? Because the Falcons’ new helmet fits with their throwback look, and the Bucs’ doesn’t. Tampa Bay wants to bring back the creamsicle look, but can’t — an orange jersey without the proper helmet would look ridiculous.
The NFL currently has a one-helmet rule that’s been in place since 2013. A memo was sent out that explained the reasons why, and it mostly deals with safety concerns.
From the memo:
The Bucs’ new helmet is a pewter color, which would not fit with the orange-and-white look of the creamsicle uniforms. Putting the old Bucco Bruce logo on top of the pewter helmet would look terrible, so Tampa decided not to release its throwback uniforms as part of the overall reveal.
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The good news for Tampa Bay fans however, is the league may revise this rule for 2021. In a March interview with Dan Patrick, Bucs coach Bruce Arians let it slip that the league may get rid of its one-helmet rule, allowing more teams to wear throwback uniforms.
“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.
ProFootballTalk reached out to an NFL spokesperson, who clarified Arians’ statement.
“There will be no change for the 2020 season,” they said. “There are ongoing discussions for a potential change for the 2021 season, but no decisions have been made.”
Considering how much negative feedback there has been regarding the league’s one-helmet rule, it seems likely the league would be willing to change it for 2021. If that happens, then you can expect Tampa Bay to launch a new version of its creamsicle throwbacks — with the helmet to mach.
