Aside from the fact that Nathan got in trouble for urinating in front of the other kids on the playground during recess and that I was Wilt Chamberlain for the human wax museum, I don’t remember too much about the 4th grade. I do remember wearing my first jersey — Steve Young of the soon to be five-time champion San Francisco 49ers. I loved that jersey. My parents still have it tucked away in their closet back in Arthur, Ill.
Jerseys have only gained exponential popularity since that time. But what should you go for in 2014? What’s cool? What will never go out of style? The answer — throwbacks.
No one wants to own the jersey of a player that just got traded, so if you purchase a Hall-of-Fame player — which you know will always be connected graciously to your favorite team — you also get a classic look that will make you stand out from the pack.
I really wanted to select jerseys that differentiate from the styles we see today. Sure, there are a lot of jerseys in 2014 that hold that same classic look we’ve seen for decades with only minimal changes (Bears, 49ers, Cowboys, Colts etc.), but which jerseys do you see right away and say, “Wow, now that’s definitely a throwback!”?
Here are the most rad throwbacks every fan should consider when shopping for a jersey. Extra points if your jersey is a player from the era in which the style actually debuted. And sorry Steelers fans, no bumble bees here.
Related: Top 14 All-Time Classic College Football Logos
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: (cover) Getty
Best NFL Throwback Jerseys
-
80s Denver Broncos
John Elway is possibly the most beloved man in Colorado history, but any player listed with this retro orange and blue will prove you're a life long fan of the most prized sports team of the rockies.
Photo: NFL Shop
-
90s Detroit Lions
Sure, they don't stray too far away from the newer Lions' look. However, it's still old school and if you can grab Barry Sanders you'll likely own a piece of one of the most prolific running backs in NFL history.
Photo: OnTheField
-
60s San Diego Chargers
Possibly no other jersey is as loved as that old-school San Diego powder blue.
Photo: NFL Shop
-
60s New York Jets
The lime green that has "Broadway Joe" blasted across the back is one of the creme de la crop of NFL uniforms.
Photo: NFL Shop
-
70s-80s Philadelphia Eagles
Hard to believe the "Jaws" we see on ESPN once lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl. Yet, Eagles fans are some of the most passionate and proud in football and going retro is one of the best ways to show that pride.
Photo: NFL Shop
-
70s New Orleans Saints
Nope, this isn't some Peyton or Eli mock-up, it's their dad, Archie. The College Football Hall-of-Famer had a decent long-standing NFL career with the Saints, decades before they were a Drew Brees-led perennial power house. Wear this to the French Quarter and you'll be the envy of the bar.
Photo: Mitchell and Ness
-
70s-80s Houston Oilers
Where is more appropriate to sport this defunct team? Whether it's Houston or Tennessee, this light blue & red combo is an ode to an NFL era long-gone, not to mention Hall-of-Famer Earl Campbell, who is still considered across the south as the greatest running back fans have ever laid eyes on.
Photo: Mitchell and Ness
-
70s-80s Seattle Seahawks
Coming off their Super Bowl win, the Seahawks are the most popular team in the NFL. And yes, they do have pretty sweet jerseys. But if you're a true fan, you probably own the lighter colored retro look of the 80s-beyond -- you know, before they were a consistently good Skittles loving, trash talking champion.
Photo: Mitchell and Ness
-
70s-80s Tampa Bay Buccaneers
They call the color 'creamsicle,' and it's another tribute to a team that was egregiously bad for many years before they ever won a Super Bowl with Jon "Chucky" Gruden. These are harder to find -- your best bet may be eBay.
-
70s-80s New England Patriots
The Patriots lost a Super Bowl to the Bears in '86. Other than that Steve Grogan led team, the Pats didn't have much to celebrate pre-Tom Brady/Bill Belichick. This jersey will show your long-time dedication to a team that now boasts one of the proudest franchises in sports.
Photo: NFL Shop
