Throwback Uniforms, Honor or License to Sell?

Posted on October 1, 2008 by

By John Hogan

I have seen several NFL teams wear “throwback” uniforms in the past couple of weeks.  Last night it was the Steelers; last week I saw the Jets and the Bills wear the uniforms of the past.  Is this some gimmick to create an additional product they can license and sell?  Or, is this an attempt to honor the men from yesterday who made the game and league the incredible success it is today?  If it is the latter, there are a lot better ways to honor the retired player – fix the disability system and reform their pitiful pensions.  If the NFL truly wants to pay homage to the greats of yesterday, Commissioner Goodell needs to sit down with serious advocates to discuss the situation.  If he doesn’t, then when I see a throwback uniform I will only think the league is rubbing salt in the wounds.

About Jeff Nixon

Jeff was a first team consensus All-American from the University of Richmond in 1978. He is 7th in NCAA history with 23 career interceptions. Played for the Buffalo Bills 1979-1984. Led the team with 6 interceptions in Rookie Year. Holds Bills record for 4 takeaways in a single game - 3 interceptions and a fumble recovery. Tied Bills record with four consecutive games with an interception. After 5 knee surgeries Jeff retired from pro football in 1985. He worked for 13 years (1988-2000) as the Youth Bureau Director for Buffalo and Erie County. He has worked for the past 11 years as the Youth Employment Director for Buffalo. Plays guitar and was voted best R&B guitar player by Buffalo Nightlife Magazine in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
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2 Responses to Throwback Uniforms, Honor or License to Sell?

  1. Earl Thomas says:
    October 2, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    Nothing that this league does surprises me anymore.All of these current players need to realize that they are all one injury away from joining us old guys on the sidelines.Has anyone noticed or realized how many guys are getting hurt from week to week?It might be fashionable to not wear pads on your legs, but I can assure you this is a big part of the proble.
    Wed are simply on the outside looking in with no power.Greed will ruin this great game.

  2. Dave Pear says:
    October 2, 2008 at 3:44 pm

    Mr. Hogan,
    You are right! Commissioner Goodell needs to sit down with serious advocates and discuss this situation. Thank you for your candor and discernment on this ongoing contempt by the NFLPA towards retired players
    Dave Pear

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