Jim Harbaugh is bringing his signature style — and a bit of college football tradition — to the NFL once again. In his second season as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, Harbaugh has introduced a new visual layer of motivation and pride: custom achievement patches on players’ practice jerseys.
Inspired by the college football tradition of helmet stickers and even military honors, the patches act as a wearable résumé, showcasing each player's individual accomplishments. “Kind of reminds me how a [military] general has different patches,” Harbaugh said. "Some day they'll be able to put that jersey up in a frame, put it on a wall, say something really good about themselves. It will be what they accomplished as a pro football player. I like that."
The patches recognize a wide range of accolades, from being named a Chargers team captain or earning All-Pro honors, to setting NFL or team records. There are even nods to community service and strength and conditioning achievements, including: Team Captain, Ed Block Courage Award, Walter Payton Man of the Year (Nominee or Winner), Chargers/NFL Playoff Participation (Gold and White Bolts), Chargers/NFL Record Holder, All-Pro Recognition, Chargers Block of Granite Award (a weight room honor curated by Ben Herbert, Executive Director of Player Performance)
While the NFL traditionally doesn’t embrace these types of visible, symbolic achievements on practice gear, Harbaugh’s approach creates a new layer of competition and camaraderie within the locker room.
"I got to get it to the ribs, though," joked team captain and All-Pro safety Derwin James, referring to the placement of his growing collection of patches. “We ain't done. I got it getting it hanging."
The patches not only make the Chargers’ practice jerseys stand out visually — they also build culture. It’s a clever, morale-boosting concept that turns routine practices into opportunities for recognition, leadership, and team pride. Whether the equipment staff loves or loathes the extra work, one thing is certain: this new twist is pure Harbaugh.
The Indianapolis Colts are adding a meaningful detail to their uniforms this season—a custom black patch honoring longtime Owner and CEO Jim Irsay.
The patch, which will be worn on the jerseys throughout the 2025 season, features Irsay’s initials and signature, highlighted by his trademark smiley face—a personal touch that’s been part of his autograph for years. It’s a subtle but heartfelt nod to the deep connection Irsay has built with Colts fans over the decades.
Adding to the detail, the patch includes seven grommets, a clever design element tying back to the seven grommets on the Colts' iconic horseshoe logo. It’s a subtle integration that blends the club’s visual identity with a personal tribute.
The Colts rolled out the patch in full force across their digital presence on Tuesday, with all official team social media accounts updating their profile images to match the commemorative design. Expect to see it consistently featured across all platforms and content throughout the season.
This is more than just a patch—it’s a salute to a man who has poured his passion into the franchise, shaping the culture of the Colts on and off the field.
As the 2025 NFL rookies take the field in their freshly minted uniforms, a new era begins. These young stars, fresh off impressive college careers, now step into the spotlight of the professional stage—where every snap, every play, and every moment counts. Clad in team colors and proudly wearing the shield, they represent more than just potential—they carry the hopes of franchises and the passion of fanbases nationwide. Each jersey tells a story of ambition, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Meet the newest faces ready to make their mark on the league and redefine the future of the NFL.
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) May 5, 2025
Cue the nostalgia — and the old gold. West Virginia University is throwing it all the way back to 1965 with a special edition uniform that’s more than just a retro look. It's a tribute to one of the most storied seasons in Mountaineer football history — and a design that has never truly been replicated... until now.
the 1965 throwback uniform marks a first-of-its-kind effort from WVU: a true historical replica that brings to life the textures, tones, and traditions of a team that not only dominated the Southern Conference but lit up the scoreboard in a record-setting Backyard Brawl.
“It was an opportunity to do a true throwback, which we haven’t done,” said WVU deputy director of athletics Matt Wells. “We thought with the unique nature of that helmet, and the helmet logo with the baby blue, it was probably the most unique element of any of the past uniforms that we could potentially replicate.”
It’s what turned heads then, and it’s what turns heads now: a three-dimensional navy blue WVU logo, outlined in gold, laid atop a light-blue silhouette of the state of West Virginia. Set against an old gold shell, it looked ahead of its time back in ’65 — like technicolor in a black-and-white world.
The helmet design was so iconic that WVU athletic director Wren Baker made it a personal mission to revisit the look as soon as he spotted it in the Hall of Traditions.
“The inspiration really came shortly after Wren got here,” Wells said. “He was familiarizing himself with the history of Mountaineer football, and he saw the 1965 helmet on display… that started a conversation of, ‘Hey, what can we do with that?’”
Some versions of the original helmet had a single blue stripe, while others didn’t. Split end Bob Dunlevy recalled, with a laugh, that the inconsistency probably came down to the infamous resourcefulness of longtime equipment manager Carl Roberts.
“I kept my helmet because I needed it to play in the North-South game after the season,” Dunlevy said. “I’m sure Carl was probably after me to return it, but I kept it, and I still have it.”
The throwback uniform does more than just replicate an old look — it marks 60 years since WVU’s 1965 conference championship season, a year highlighted by the highest-scoring Backyard Brawl in history, a 63-48 win over Pitt.
While the look came from the past, the design process was very much rooted in the present. Kristin Coldsnow, the creative force behind WVU’s recent themed uniforms, was brought back to lead the design — ensuring everything from the shade of blue to the state outline was authentic. She worked closely with Nike to match every detail.
Equipment staffer Austin Blake helped perfect the helmet’s bumper colors and logo placement, while WVU’s internal uniform brain trust — including Michael Fragale and Joe Swan — all contributed during the design phase.
As the 2025 NFL Draft class officially joins the league, a new wave of excitement rolls in. Rookies across the country are proudly selecting their jersey numbers — a small detail with massive personal and historical significance. It’s more than just a number; it’s a symbol of identity, legacy, and the beginning of a new chapter.
For these young athletes, fresh off dominant college careers, choosing a number is a rite of passage. Some opt for digits they wore in college, while others seize the chance to start fresh in the pros. Each choice connects them to the past, nods to franchise legends, and hints at the player they hope to become.
With every stitched emblem and number pressed onto their new jerseys, these rookies carry more than just fabric — they carry the pride of their teams and the hopes of loyal fanbases. It’s the first step in becoming part of NFL history.
For fans, it’s an early glimpse of what’s to come — the names and numbers that could become household staples for years to follow.
While most fans showed up to Ohio State’s spring game on Saturday to get their first look at the 2025 Buckeyes, the spotlight quickly shifted to the 2024 squad—specifically, the jewelry they earned along the way.
In a celebration worthy of a championship season, the Buckeyes were presented with not one, not two, but three rings. One for making the College Football Playoff, one commemorating their playoff journey, and a crown jewel: the 2024 National Championship ring. The bling was bold, the vibes were high, and the symbolism was undeniable.
“Man, they’re big,” head coach Ryan Day said. “They did a great job with them… You have to drag them around. But really cool to see.”
The rings are more than just accessories—they’re trophies. Designed with intention, each one features intricate details representing the Buckeyes’ unforgettable run. From custom touches to hidden easter eggs, the rings are a physical embodiment of everything the team fought for during the 2024 season.
“We had a ring committee on the team,” Day added. “The guys put those together, and they came out beautiful.”
And the celebration didn’t stop at the hardware. Many of Ohio State’s NFL-bound stars returned to Columbus to take part in the festivities. Names like quarterback Will Howard, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and defensive end Jack Sawyer were all in the building—repping the scarlet and gray one more time before heading to the next level.
The spring game served as a symbolic passing of the torch. While fans got a glimpse of what’s to come in 2025, the day was all about honoring the champions who brought a title back to Columbus. The rings were heavy, but the legacy they represent is even heavier.
The 2025 NFL Draft is not only a pivotal event for teams and prospects but also a showcase for fresh fashion statements, particularly through the unveiling of the official Draft caps. This year, New Era has introduced a collection that seamlessly blends tradition with modern design elements, ensuring that both players and fans can represent their teams with pride and style.
Each team's cap prominently features the franchise's logo, accompanied by the team's location beneath it. A standout addition to this year's design is a signature pin unique to each franchise, adding a personalized touch that resonates with the team's identity.
For instance, the Denver Broncos' cap showcases "Mile High City" across the front, paying homage to Denver's renowned elevation and its significance to the team's heritage.
In conclusion, the 2025 NFL Draft caps by New Era encapsulate a fusion of tradition and contemporary design, offering fans a stylish means to celebrate their team's new additions. As with any bold fashion statement, opinions may vary, but these caps undoubtedly add a fresh dynamic to the Draft day experience.
The votes are in, and the best-dressed teams in college sports have officially been crowned! The 2024 UNISWAG Awards gathered almost a million votes from the fans this year and highlighted the freshest, boldest, and most innovative uniforms of the year. From timeless throwbacks to modern masterpieces, this year’s winners set the standard for on-field fashion.
Let’s break down the top looks that earned their place as the best of the best.
UNIFORM OF THE YEAR: Tennessee
The Tennessee Volunteers took home the biggest award of the season with their stunning Smokey Grey uniforms. A perfect blend of tradition and modern design, the Vols’ alternate look pays homage to the rich history of Tennessee football while delivering a sleek, updated feel. The bold gray base, accented with classic orange, made this set an undeniable fan favorite and a true standout on the field.
THROWBACK UNIFORM OF THE YEAR: Illinois
The Illinois Fighting Illini turned back the clock in style with their elite throwback uniforms. Honoring the team’s past while staying fresh in the present, these classic uniforms brought nostalgia and swag together seamlessly.
MILITARY APPRECIATION UNIFORM OF THE YEAR: Navy
Navy’s specialty uniforms honoring the Jolly Rogers with intricate details and symbolic designs showed to be the best of the best when it came to honoring a part of the military.
HELMET OF THE YEAR: TCU
The TCU Horned Frogs dominated the helmet game in 2024, earning Helmet of the Year with a design that perfectly captured the team’s fierce identity. With a bold color scheme and striking details, this helmet turned heads on the field.
FCS UNIFORM OF THE YEAR: Cornell
In the FCS ranks, Cornell broke out the all black uniform with the bold red numbers and red script helmet setting them a part from the field and earning the best FCS Uniform.
The biggest award in uniform excellence is here! The 2024 UNISWAG Uniform of the Year voting is officially live, and now it’s up to you to decide which team takes home the crown. All season long, teams have dropped some of the cleanest, boldest, and most innovative uniforms in the game, and we've narrowed it down to the best of the best. This is the ultimate showdown of swag, where tradition meets creativity, and only one uniform can claim the top spot.
Voting runs from March 5-7, with the winner announced on March 10. Make your pick, rep your squad, and be part of the decision that will define uniform greatness. Who had the best look of the year? It’s time to decide!
The best-dressed teams in the FCS brought the heat all season long, and now it’s time to determine which squad had the most elite look. The 2024 UNISWAG FCS Uniform of the Year voting is officially live! Our team has selected the top uniforms from across the FCS, but it’s up to you to decide who takes home the crown. Voting runs from March 3-5, with the winner announced on March 10. Make your pick and celebrate the best swag in the FCS!
