Ranking Lions' Top 10 Uniforms

Which Lions look has been the best?
Lions punter Jack Fox kicks off against the Raiders during the first half at Ford Field.
Lions punter Jack Fox kicks off against the Raiders during the first half at Ford Field. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Detroit Lions are set to unveil a new look this week.

Team president Rod Wood has teased the upcoming release of the team's new uniforms, but little is known about what the Lions' newest jerseys will look like. Most notably, Wood expressed that the new uniforms would offer a modern twist on the organization's traditional colors.

With the announcement set for Thursday, it's a fitting time to look back at the looks of their past. Here is my ranking of the team's top 10 uniforms ahead of their newest release.

10.) Red jerseys (1948-1955)

In what was an interesting time, the Lions once rocked a red uniform. In 1948, the team hired Alvin 'Bo' McMillin as coach away from Indiana University. As McMillin came to Detroit, he brought the Hoosiers colors with him.

This color doesn't bring the Lions of today to mind, but it was an interesting color and a both unique and short-lived diversion from the team's traditional colors.

9.) Original uniforms (1938-1960)

When the Lions first became the Lions, transitioning from the Portsmouth Spartans, they brought in the Honolulu blue and Silver. It was a clean look, though the team did not feature a lion logo during this time on the helmets.

It was a simple design that fit the budding organization. During this time, the team featured a darker blue jersey that has since gotten lighter.

Detroit Lions Left to right: Tobin Rote,  Bobby Layne, and head coach George Wilson.
Detroit Lions Left to right: Tobin Rote, Bobby Layne, and head coach George Wilson. / Detroit Free Press

8.) Silver Color Rush (2017-present)

The silver uniforms gave a fresh perspective on the Lions' uniforms, as they hadn't gone with an alternate outside of their throwbacks. They got a pop this past season when Detroit introduced its blue alternate helmet, which wound up pairing nicely with the color rush uniforms.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff scrambles during a play against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff scrambles during a play against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. / David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY

7.) Black jerseys (2005-2007)

Like the silver, the black jerseys offered a unique look for the Lions. They were short-lived, but gave the team some flare to pair with the traditional home look. The blue numerals paired nicely with these jerseys.

 Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna (8) hands off to running back Kevin Jones (34).
Dec 9, 2007; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna (8) hands off to running back Kevin Jones (34). / Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

6.) 2009 rebrand (2009-2017)

The Lions took on an updated look following their 0-16 season in 2008. The numerals took a new shape, and the logo was updated from years past. The jersey also featured 'Lions' across the top in a bigger font above the numbers, giving the team an updated look.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford warmed up for their Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers.
Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford warmed up for their Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers. / JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/Detroit Free Press

5.) 2010's whites (2009-2017)

Akin to their home uniforms, the Lions sported a new look on the road beginning in 2009. The blue on white looked pristine, and the font of the lettering was visually pleasing. With the black facemask and the black and blue stripes on the side, this combination came together nicely.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) consoles wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
Oct 5, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) consoles wide receiver Calvin Johnson. / Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

4.) Thanksgiving throwbacks (Updated in 2017)

The Lions have featured very clean throwbacks throughout the years. It's a simple design, which works perfectly for the once-a-year appearance. Detroit fans have clamored for the team to use this look on its big game in recent years. Despite the struggles on Thanksgiving as of late, the Lions' uniforms have always lived up to the occasion.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) celebrates his touchdown.
Nov 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) celebrates his touchdown. / Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

3.) 2017 rebranded whites (2017-present)

In its most recent rebrand, Detroit nailed its white uniforms. The font is sharp, and particularly the white-on-white pairing pops. The new-look blue pants were also a different style, as they diverted away from featuring a black stripe and featured only silver.

The Lions have been creative with their road choices as of late, utilizing both the blue and white pants in different scenarios.

Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos.
Dec 22, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos. / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

2.) Classic blue and silver (1982-1998)

One of the Lions' better looks came during a prominent stretch for the organization. The numbers were large and featured on the sides of the jerseys, but it was a solid look with the white numbers and silver outlines.

The blue facemasks were also a nice touch, one that the organization has gone away from in recent years. It all came together nicely at home, with the blue on the helmet and facemasks playing nicely with that of the jerseys and stripe on the side of the pants.

Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders (20) carries the ball.
Jan 12, 1992; Washington, DC, USA; FILE PHOTO; Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders (20) carries the ball. / MPS-USA TODAY Sports

1.) The 'blueberries' (2017-2023)

It's fitting that the Lions have played their recent best stretch with their best look. The 'blueberries,' which feature a blue-on-blue combination, were what they wore during their stretch run last season. Detroit wore this uniform in each of its two postseason victories last year, along with the division-clinching win over Minnesota.

Regardless of whether the Lions bring this look back in a similar capacity with their new uniforms, this look will be remembered fondly for the winning that the organization did during last season's march to the NFC Championship game.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs celebrates a touchdown with Detroit Lions tight end Anthony Firkser.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs celebrates a touchdown with Detroit Lions tight end Anthony Firkser. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

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