With the NFL set to unleash its own batch of “City Connect” jerseys, it’s the perfect time to brace ourselves by revisiting the worst alternate uniforms in sports history.
Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that when leagues try to “connect with the city,” they often disconnect from good taste entirely.
Pittsburgh Steelers 1933 Throwback Uniforms
As if to prove my point immediately, the Steelers released a throwback jersey that should be thrown-back…in the bin! (not proud of that)
The jersey is a nod to the 1933 strip that the Steelers wore during the great depression, which is ironic because it’s giving me depression and probably explains why they didn’t have enough cash to finish the black stripes down the front.
Manly Sea Eagles ANZAC jersey
Great sentiment with the ANZAC Jersey but a bit of a miss with the execution.
These jerseys were meant to represent the camo of the defence forces but unfortunately look more the like Cows than Sea Eagles.
Colorado Caribous 1978
Long before the MLS, the short lived Colorado Caribous had probably the single worse jersey you could imagine.
The colours scheme for the side was already pretty bad but hey! Why not add a giant collar and some tassels? Hell yeah!
Word is the original design actually had tassels five times the length which had players being slapped in the face during play.
They eventually reduced the size rather than removing them entirely.
These jerseys were so bad that the Colorado Rapids threatened their return as an April Fools joke in 2014
Oh and they also made the players walk out wearing cowboys hats too. No lie.
Warriors Bush Jersey
The Wahs love an alternate jersey and are in many ways the NRL equivalent of the Oregon Ducks with how many they march out.
But the Bush Jersey has to be one of the worst design they’ve paraded out onto the field.
Flannel design on a jersey might sound cool if you’re playing a few games of touch at the Denny Ute Muster but rocking some black and yellow (not team colours) flanno for the NRL? No thanks.
Titans Alt Oilers Jerseys
For the record, I actually LOVE this jersey.
I just hate that the Titans were allowed to wear them and even more annoyed that they got to wear them against a Houston team that had to replace the relocated Oilers that Tennessee took years ago.
Dogs.
The Dallas Mavericks “Trash Bag” Jersey
NBA fans have long debated as to whether the Mavs have the worse alt jersey collection in basketball and the Dallas Mavericks 2003-04 Alternate uniform almost solidifies that opinion.
The shiny silver (brown in some light) reminiscent of where you chuck your game day popcorn and glizzy, lasted just one season and was never seen again.
C.D Palencia Anatomy Jersey
Attack on Titan fans would love this jersey (a reference for any anime fans) these monstrosities were for a Div 3 Spanish football side but still need a mention.
Designed by athletic brand Kappa and surprisingly not the local morgue, these horrific jerseys also had (anatomically correct) shorts!
YUCK
Jacksonville Jaguars “Gold” Colour Rush
Gold? Gold?? GOLD???
The Jags hoped this would symbolise the golden big cat they emblazon on their helmets but instead they gave less DUVAL but more DIJON!