National Football League - Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions Unveil New Alternate Jerseys

Black and Blue Revisited

By Jay Clemons, DetroitLions.com

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Adding some spice to Detroit Lions Football, the club unveiled their alternate black jerseys on Thursday afternoon -- the team's fourth uniform to be worn this season.

Lions Executive Vice President and COO Tom Lewand provided the introduction at the unveiling ceremony, saying, "We're giving (the team) a fresh look."

Running back Kevin Jones also noted the uniforms are "intimidating."

The Lions' traditional colors of Honolulu Blue and silver -- found in the numbers and sleeves -- provide a sterling contrast to the black uniforms, Lewand says.

"This is our third (home) jersey; this is something we will wear no more than three times a year -- using it at least twice in the regular season," he says. "We have not determined when or how many times we will wear (the black uniforms) this year.

"(Our players) just saw them in the locker room (Thursday)...and the reaction was 'Great!' he adds. "One player has ordered 25 jerseys for his family already -- it's something different."

After Lewand's introduction, Lions playmakers Jones and Roy Williams modeled the uniforms -- which include silver pants and black socks to match the jersey color.

When asked which game he specifically wanted to wear the black uniforms this season, Jones coyly replied, "The Super Bowl."

Williams summed up his feelings about the new digs in one word: "Great!"

The Lions are one of only two teams allowed to wear four uniforms, which includes the traditional home Honolulu Blue, road whites and throwbacks. Lewand reiterated the black uniforms will be worn on a limited basis.

"It's important to note we're not deviating from our tradition -- we're still Honolulu Blue and Silver...we'll still use our traditional uniforms for five home games a year," says Lewand, while noting the club will maintain the tradition of wearing the throwbacks on Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 against Atlanta at home). "We're going to have the best of all worlds here, and we think it's a good new look."

The NFL allows for teams to wear alternate jerseys for up to two home games. Last year, 14 teams wore alternate home jerseys during the season.

Of the 14 teams with alternate jerseys, only Atlanta, Baltimore, Jacksonville and Philadelphia wear predominantly black. The third-jersey program was implemented in 2002; but the popularity surrounding this process began in 1994 -- when the NFL celebrated its 75th anniversary with throwback uniforms.

PURCHASING THE LIONS BLACK JERSEY

Fans attending the Lions Draft Day Party Saturday at Ford Field will have the opportunity to purchase the Lions' new black alternative jersey. The following black adult replica jerseys will be available at the The Roar & More team store: Cornerback Dré Bly, kick returner Eddie Drummond, quarterback Joey Harrington, running back Kevin Jones, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and wide receiver Roy Williams.

The following black jerseys will be available in youth sizes: Kevin Jones and Roy Williams.

Fans can now order customized black authentic jerseys BY CLICKING HERE.

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