The Tampa Bay Buccaneers previously hinted they were getting new uniforms -- now it's official. The team announced Monday on social media that it will unveil a new design in April. It will be the Bucs' first uniform change since 2014.
We heard you!
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 24, 2020
New uniforms coming April 2020. pic.twitter.com/e7qNUsNWZb
In that year, they ventured away from the classic red and white tops with pewter pants that they wore for 17 years -- and were associated with their lone Super Bowl win -- in favor of what co-chairman Edward Glazer said at the time was a "sleek" and "modern design." The intent was to complement a more refined and less gaudy logo that was also unveiled that year. Some fans, however, complained that the new uniforms were too busy and the "alarm-clock numbers" were difficult to read. Not to mention, the Bucs had just one winning season in those uniforms, when they went 9-7 in 2016.
The NFL mandates that uniforms can only be changed every five years -- unless there's a change in ownership or location -- so the Bucs weren't previously eligible for a uniform change until 2019. The Bucs' previous uniform design, which was kept under tight wraps, took two years to design.
The Bucs haven't been able to wear their Creamsicle throwback uniforms since 2012. In 2013, at the recommendation of the NFL's Head, Neck and Spine Committee and the Player Safety Advisory Panel, the league created a rule mandating that teams can only wear one helmet during the season, for safety purposes. Other NFL teams have found a workaround by changing helmet decals, but the Bucs' old helmet were white, while their current ones are pewter.
