The Curious Case of NFL Home Teams in White: A Pandemic Response and Its Historical Context
In the 2020 NFL season, a significant change in the distribution of jersey colors was observed. Home teams wore white jerseys primarily due to a decision made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This move was part of a broader set of safety measures implemented by the league, including limiting the number of fans in stadiums and enhancing health protocols.
Traditionally, home teams wear their colorful jerseys while visiting teams wear white. However, the 2020 season saw this reversal for specific safety reasons. The league aimed to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses and transmission by allowing home teams to wear white, which is generally less likely to absorb heat and can help with player comfort in warmer weather. This decision was made to ensure the health and well-being of football players and fans during the pandemic.
Historical Context of Jersey Colors
The tradition of home teams wearing white and visiting teams wearing gray dates back to the early days of professional baseball. This custom was rooted in practical reasons, primarily related to laundry.
In the early days of baseball, most ballparks had laundry facilities available to the home team, but visiting teams often did not. Home teams could take their uniforms home or use the clubhouses for laundry, while visiting teams might not have the option to wash their uniforms during a road trip. Grayout fabric, which is what the gray uniforms were typically made of, hid dirt and stains better than white, making it easier for teams to maintain a presentable appearance without frequent washing.
Even today, both teams have access to laundry facilities, but the tradition remains for most games, especially for alternate uniforms which often feature distinctive designs or colors.
Home Team vs. Visitor Team Jersey Color Traditions
The color scheme of home teams in American football is often dark, with the visitors wearing white. This tradition is widely observed in professional, college, and high school football. However, there are some notable exceptions where home teams, such as the Dallas Cowboys, choose to wear white at home. Such teams often negotiate with visiting teams to swap the color, ensuring that the home team has the advantage of wearing white.
On a special occasion like the Super Bowl, this tradition is even more pronounced. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) wanted to wear white, and contacted the Kansas City Chiefs (KC). KC either did not object or could not because of the league rules, thus allowing TB the opportunity to wear white.
Similar traditions exist in other sports. In basketball, both the home and visiting teams tend to wear white or the lighter-colored uniforms, but this can vary based on the specific teams and rules. Soccer has a similar tradition, with home teams traditionally wearing the darker color. However, high school rules in some states have changed, allowing home teams to wear dark jerseys.
Conclusion
The decision by NFL teams to wear white in the 2020 season was not just a response to the pandemic. It also honored a long-standing tradition that dates back to the early days of baseball. This tradition reflects the practicalities of laundry access and has evolved into a meaningful tradition in the sports world. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of health and tradition, these norms and practices remain a fascinating part of the sports world.