5 NFL throwbacks we'd like to see come back

Monday's snowy win over Buffalo wasn't the only win the New England Patriots put up during Week 13 NFL action.

The team's Hall of Fame confirmed on Friday that the team is planning to bring back its famous "Pat Patriot" throwback uniforms during the 2022 NFL season. Known for its striking red jersey and white helmet depicting an animated Minuteman preparing to snap a football, it defined the Patriots' aesthetic for over three decades before being retired for the current "Flying Elvis" emblem unveiled in 1993.

Despite the makeover, the Patriots have often employed the Pat Patriot uniform, most famously on display during their Super Bowl XX appearance against Chicago, on several occasions throughout the new century, notably during the NFL's Thanksgiving showcases in Detroit. It last appeared in 2012, shortly before the NFL instituted a one-helmet rule that prevented teams from fully employing their retro looks. Rumors have persisted that the league is ready to relax those rules, and the new word from the Patriots indicates that they're ready to finally do so.

Which NFL throwbacks should join Pat in a revival?

Duane Starks repping Arizona during the 2004 season (Photo: Getty)

Arizona Cardinals (State Flag)

When the Cardinals moved to the desert in the late 1980s, they debuted by rocking the Arizona state flag on their sleeves. While that look didn't offer much in terms of NFL success (beyond their first win of the Super Bowl era in 1998), it does have the most important seal of approval of all: the face of the franchise (Kyler Murray) has requested that it be brought back. The Cardinals haven't broken out the state flag look since making the switch to a modernized aesthetic, complete with an angrier-looking bird logo, in 2005. It's shocking, especially considering that the one-shell rule wouldn't affect things at all, that the Cardinals haven't done so already. But Murray's clamoring could turn back the clock a bit.

Tony Romo and the Cowboys' original uniforms were Thanksgiving staples at the turn of the decade (Photo: Getty)

Dallas Cowboys (Original)

For all intents and purposes, the Cowboys' original look, worn during their 1960 spawning, should be roundly hated by the fanbase. That's the jersey that defined the forgotten first NFL season in franchise history...when they put up an 0-11-1 record. Nonetheless, the uniforms (and the minimalist white-starred helmet that comes with it) picked up a bit of a cult following during their showcases on NFL Thanksgivings. Dallas has worn a similar, updated version in recent years, part of the NFL's "Color Rush" program, but they haven't been as well-received. The return of two helmets should allow the Cowboys to bring a cherished tradition back.

Oldanis Gary wearing the throwback during a 2001 win over the Cowboys (Photo: Getty)

Denver Broncos ("Orange Crush")

Though the horse-head logo has been the aesthetic of the Broncos' finest hours, both they and their fans have refused to let go of the famous Orange Crush look, last fully worn as a throwback in 2001. The Broncos have actually brought back everything but the helmet, wearing an updated version of the jersey to go along with a modern navy helmet with a D decal. With the return of two helmets, the Broncos should be able to fully complete the beloved look with royal blue head gear, reminiscent of the John Elway/Karl Mecklenburg days.

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Kevin Kolb adorned in Eagles' kelly green throwback during the 2010 season opener (Photo: Getty)

Philadelphia Eagles (Kelly Green)

While Eagles fans continue to embrace the current aesthetic known as "midnight green" (winning their first Super Bowl in the look not so long ago), they've never truly forgotten the kelly green outfits that got them from the 1930s through the mid-90s. The Eagles haven't often been ones for throwbacks; instead, they've been more keen to break out a black alternate jersey. There have been two exceptions: they broke out a garish blue and yellow throwback during their 75th anniversary campaign in 2007 before reverting to the kelly look for their season opener three years later.

Tampa Bay went all out with the throwback aesthetic when they ran with it during the 2010s (Photo: Getty)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers ("Bucco Bruce/Creamsicle")

No matter how much longer Tom Brady does this NFL dominance thing, the football-loving public should try to do anything in its possible power to make sure he plays through the 2022 campaign, if only to see him wear the defining look of one of the most uproarious football squads the league has ever seen. The dashing corsair has been excused from NFL endeavors since enactment of the one-shell rule. It was previously worn for the first two decades of the Buccaneers' existence, including the infamous inaugural campaign in 1976, where the winless Buccaneers began a streak of legendary futility, losing the first 26 games of their existence before finally triumphing over New Orleans in December 1977. Fans have embraced the campy Creamsicle look and have called for its revival. It'll likely never happen...Tampa Bay has won two Super Bowls (and counting?) since Bruce walked the plank...but the return of full-time throwbacks will, at least, keep him out of Davy Jones' locker.