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USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking the NFL's new alternate helmets for the 2025 season
And you can get yours 🤩Shop Now ➡️ Beginning with the 2022 season, the NFL allowed teams to add an alternate helmet to their uniform options. Since then, we've seen some slick helmets pop up across the league, with the trend continuing in 2025 where several teams have unveiled second helmets for the upcoming season. That includes some slick throwbacks sure to give fans a rush of nostalgia. Below is ranking of each helmet revealed so far — independent of the full uniform — judged by style, creativity, nostalgia or simply how much I would want to rock each one myself. We'll update this ranking as more helmets are revealed. 1. Pittsburgh Steelers I'm a fan of the color yellow when it's done right -- which usually means pairing it with black. That's exactly what the Steelers did with these throwback yellow shells with the black stripe down the middle and the classic Steelers logo on one side. The gray facemask is a nice touch too. These are beautiful. 2. New Orleans Saints You're welcome. It's the small details that really take this helmet over the top for me, like the tiny black specks in the white paint and the gold stripe down the middle filled out with a bunch of the little Saints fleur-de-lis logos. This is much better than the black alternate they rolled out a couple years ago. 3. Buffalo Bills It's beautiful. 😍 | #BillsMafia These bright reds actually look a lot cooler than I remember back in the days, which is a sign of nostalgia done well. The Bills gave us something to miss. 4. Cleveland Browns freshen up the phone screens 📲@DUDEwipes | #DawgPound Listen, the helmets aren't the problem with these terrible new uniforms. Are they the flashiest shells in the league? No. But I'm a sucker for a good matte paint, and the shiny stripe livens them up a bit. I especially like that the Browns are actually making their helmets, ya know, brown. The white chin strap and bumpers add a nice contrast that the uniforms lack. 5. Washington Commanders Weaving past and presentWe're adding back the Super Bowl Era threads to our uniform rotation It's hard to give out nostalgia points for these semi-throwbacks considering the reasons they had to abandon the original helmet — and logo — in the first place (and I never loved the burgundy and gold color scheme to begin with). But I'll admit these helmets do at least strike a nice balance of past and present. 6. Los Angeles Chargers the best got better. again. For a logo as cool as the lightning bolt, I've always thought these dark blue Chargers helmets were way too boring. I didn't like them much when LaDainian Tomlinson did his best to make them look cooler than they actually are, and I don't like 'em all that much now. 7. Green Bay Packers Engineered for legends in the making If we were only giving out cool points, then the Packers would rank a lot harder simply for the effort and detail that went into turning the leatherheads into an actual modern helmet. But on looks alone, I can't rank these ugly helmets any higher than this.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
6 reasons for optimism as the Philadelphia Eagles enter training camp
After months of waiting, the Eagles will get their Super Bowl rings on Friday night for one final celebration, before the team gathers one week from Tuesday for the start of training camp at the NovaCare Complex. Howie Roseman has retooled both sides of the football, and a defense that saw seven starters depart could be just as dominant, depending on several roster competitions. Philadelphia rookies and veterans will report for training camp on July 22, and we're examining six reasons why the Eagles should be optimistic about the 2025 NFL season. 1. DC Vic Fangio A retooled defense would normally face some reservations about taking a step back in production, but most defensive units don't employ a coordinator like Vic Fangio. In his first season with the Eagles, Philadelphia (278.4 ypg) led the league in total defense for the seventh time in team history, having previously accomplished the feat in 1991, 1981, 1953, 1949, 1945, and 1944 (excludes the 1943 Steagles). Philadelphia ranked 1st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (174.2) for the second time in the last three years (also 2022, 179.8). Furthermore, the Eagles finished with the NFL lead in defensive points allowed per game (16.9 — their best figure since 15.8 in 2008), opponent three-and-out percentage (39.0%), and FFs (18, tied). 2. HC Nick Sirianni Jalen Hurts will have another offensive coordinator, and the Eagles will face every team's best shot, but a Super Bowl-winning head coach adds calm to a 2025 squad looking to repeat. Sirianni is battle-tested and has faced every scenario imaginable, having led Philadelphia to the postseason in four consecutive seasons. According to Elias Sports, Sirianni (.706, 48-20) owns the 3rd-highest regular-season winning percentage by a head coach in the Super BowlEra (min. 50 games), trailing only John Madden (.759, 1969-78) and George Allen (.712, 1966-77). Overall, it is the 6th-highest mark in NFL history, behind Guy Chamberlin (.784, 1922-27), Madden, Vince Lombardi (.738, 1959-67, '69), Ray Flaherty (.720, 1936-42), and Allen. 3. Eagles' offensive line The Eagles have studs at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end, but the overall team success starts and ends with a dominating offensive line. Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are among the two highest-graded offensive tackles in the NFL, and both are All-Pros, while left guard Landon Dickerson and center Cam Jurgens are Pro Bowlers. The right guard position is the only weakness, but this dominant union provides comfort for the entire offense. 4. DT Jalen Carter We talked about Philadelphia having studs at all three levels, and Carter is among the top three players at his position. The third-year defensive tackle has improved leaps and bounds each year, and could very well reset the market for all non-quarterbacks with another huge season. After earning All-Rookie Team honors, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft had 42 tackles, 12 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 61 combined QB hits and pressures, five pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Carter performed at a high level despite playing 80 percent of the defensive snaps, up from 48 percent as a rookie. 5. DeJean and Mitchell DeJean was among the highest-rated players in the slot, holding opponents to 50 receptions. He had five pass breakups, and quarterbacks had an 82.2 passer rating against him. Mitchell ranked 3rd among NFL CBs with 16 forced incompletions, trailing only Zyon McCollum (17) and Denzel Ward (17). He was 3rd among CBs in yards allowed per coverage snap (0.8) behind Pat Surtain (0.6) and Derek Stingley (0.7) (min. 600 coverage snaps). Even with the loss of Darius Slay, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Isaiah Rodgers, and others, Philadelphia can be optimistic about having two Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists in their secondary. 6. Zack Baun An outstanding inside linebacker can erase a ton of mistakes and make a defense elite, and that's precisely what Zack Baun did for the Eagles in 2024. Signed to a one-year deal with the idea that he'd add versatility as a pass rusher and linebacker, Baun earned All-Pro honors, and was a finalist for AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Zack Baun was thehighest-graded LB (90.1) by PFF in the regular season, producing 150 tackles and five forced fumbles (2nd in the NFL, behind T.J. Watt – 6). In the playoffs, Baun became the second NFL linebacker since 1991 to generate takeaways in each of their first four career postseason starts (Devin White in 2020), which included a diving interception of Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX. Baun returns after agreeing to a contract extension, and his presence gives a retooled defense a stud performer at all three levels. This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 6 reasons for optimism as the Eagles enter training camp
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
6 reasons for optimism as the Philadelphia Eagles enter training camp
Philadelphia rookies and veterans will report for training camp on July 22, and we're examining six reasons why the Eagles should be optimistic about the 2025 NFL season After months of waiting, the Eagles will get their Super Bowl rings on Friday night for one final celebration, before the team gathers one week from Tuesday for the start of training camp at the NovaCare Complex. Howie Roseman has retooled both sides of the football, and a defense that saw seven starters depart could be just as dominant, depending on several roster competitions. Philadelphia rookies and veterans will report for training camp on July 22, and we're examining six reasons why the Eagles should be optimistic about the 2025 NFL season. 1. DC Vic Fangio A retooled defense would normally face some reservations about taking a step back in production, but most defensive units don't employ a coordinator like Vic Fangio. In his first season with the Eagles, Philadelphia (278.4 ypg) led the league in total defense for the seventh time in team history, having previously accomplished the feat in 1991, 1981, 1953, 1949, 1945, and 1944 (excludes the 1943 Steagles). Philadelphia ranked 1st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (174.2) for the second time in the last three years (also 2022, 179.8). Furthermore, the Eagles finished with the NFL lead in defensive points allowed per game (16.9 — their best figure since 15.8 in 2008), opponent three-and-out percentage (39.0%), and FFs (18, tied). 2. HC Nick Sirianni Jalen Hurts will have another offensive coordinator, and the Eagles will face every team's best shot, but a Super Bowl-winning head coach adds calm to a 2025 squad looking to repeat. Sirianni is battle-tested and has faced every scenario imaginable, having led Philadelphia to the postseason in four consecutive seasons. According to Elias Sports, Sirianni (.706, 48-20) owns the 3rd-highest regular-season winning percentage by a head coach in the Super BowlEra (min. 50 games), trailing only John Madden (.759, 1969-78) and George Allen (.712, 1966-77). Overall, it is the 6th-highest mark in NFL history, behind Guy Chamberlin (.784, 1922-27), Madden, Vince Lombardi (.738, 1959-67, '69), Ray Flaherty (.720, 1936-42), and Allen. 3. Eagles' offensive line The Eagles have studs at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end, but the overall team success starts and ends with a dominating offensive line. Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are among the two highest-graded offensive tackles in the NFL, and both are All-Pros, while left guard Landon Dickerson and center Cam Jurgens are Pro Bowlers. The right guard position is the only weakness, but this dominant union provides comfort for the entire offense. 4. DT Jalen Carter We talked about Philadelphia having studs at all three levels, and Carter is among the top three players at his position. The third-year defensive tackle has improved leaps and bounds each year, and could very well reset the market for all non-quarterbacks with another huge season. After earning All-Rookie Team honors, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft had 42 tackles, 12 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 61 combined QB hits and pressures, five pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Carter performed at a high level despite playing 80 percent of the defensive snaps, up from 48 percent as a rookie. 5. DeJean and Mitchell DeJean was among the highest-rated players in the slot, holding opponents to 50 receptions. He had five pass breakups, and quarterbacks had an 82.2 passer rating against him. Mitchell ranked 3rd among NFL CBs with 16 forced incompletions, trailing only Zyon McCollum (17) and Denzel Ward (17). He was 3rd among CBs in yards allowed per coverage snap (0.8) behind Pat Surtain (0.6) and Derek Stingley (0.7) (min. 600 coverage snaps). Even with the loss of Darius Slay, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Isaiah Rodgers, and others, Philadelphia can be optimistic about having two Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists in their secondary. 6. Zack Baun An outstanding inside linebacker can erase a ton of mistakes and make a defense elite, and that's precisely what Zack Baun did for the Eagles in 2024. Signed to a one-year deal with the idea that he'd add versatility as a pass rusher and linebacker, Baun earned All-Pro honors, and was a finalist for AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Zack Baun was thehighest-graded LB (90.1) by PFF in the regular season, producing 150 tackles and five forced fumbles (2nd in the NFL, behind T.J. Watt – 6). In the playoffs, Baun became the second NFL linebacker since 1991 to generate takeaways in each of their first four career postseason starts (Devin White in 2020), which included a diving interception of Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX. Baun returns after agreeing to a contract extension, and his presence gives a retooled defense a stud performer at all three levels.
Washington Post
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Commanders to retire Hall of Fame receiver Art Monk's No. 81
The Washington Commanders announced they will retire Art Monk's No. 81 this season, making him the sixth player to receive the honor. He joins Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49), Sonny Jurgensen (9), Sean Taylor (21), and most recently, Darrell Green (28), whose jersey was retired during Washington's win over the Carolina Panthers last season. Monk, the franchise's all-time leading receiver (888 career catches for 12,026 yards) who spent 14 seasons in Washington (1980 through 1993), will fittingly be honored during the Commanders' Week 9 game against the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 2, when the franchise will debut its 'Super Bowl Era' alternate uniforms, designed to mimic the uniforms Washington wore during its three Super Bowls (XVII, XXII, XXVI) in the 1980s and early 90s. In a video released by the team, a contingent from the Commanders travels to Monk's home in Orlando to deliver the news. 'Art, for everything you've done, not just for this team, but for all of us who had the honor to play alongside you, this is a moment that's been a long time coming,' former teammate Gary Clark said, wearing a burgundy No. 81 T-shirt as he read from a prepared script on his phone. 'You showed us what greatness looked like every single day in your work ethic and your humility and how you carried this franchise with dignity. You changed the standard for wide receivers, not just here in Washington but across the league. And today, we get to do what should have been done a long time ago. We get to honor you and tell you on behalf of your brothers, this organization and the entire Commanders/Redskins family that your jersey will be retired.' Monk spent his final two seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets (1994) and Philadelphia Eagles (1995) before retiring. At the time, he was the NFL's all-time leader in career receptions (940) and receiving yards (12,721). He now ranks 24th and 23rd, respectively. Monk set a then-single-season record with 106 catches in 1984. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. Monk, Clark and Ricky Sanders formed Washington's famed receiving trio, nicknamed 'the Posse,' who became the second such group to each have 1,000 receiving yards in the same season with a team. 'Number 81 will forever belong to you, me and Ricky Sanders,' Clark told Monk. 'We are the Posse, and now this team is making your legacy ride with every fan, every player, every young man watching. You earned this. We love you, brother.' Harris has made a point to honor the franchise's history since purchasing the team from former owner Daniel Snyder in 2023. Harris's first call after fellow NFL owners approved the deal was to Monk. Over the last two years, many former players have returned to games at Northwest Stadium, including John Riggins, Robert Griffin III and Green. The team also brought back the gold pants it used to wear decades ago, announced plans to build a new statue in honor of late safety Sean Taylor, named Williams an honorary captain during the 2024 playoffs and recently named its new draft room at its Ashburn facility after former general manager Bobby Beathard. Last week, the team unveiled its Super Bowl Era alternate uniforms that will be worn for three games this season. Earlier this year, the Commanders cut a deal with D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) to build a new stadium on the site of former RFK stadium. The D.C. Council approved funding for the development on Monday but its expected to vote on the specifics of the deal at a later date.
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL uniform rankings: Where are the Commanders after revealing new uniforms?
Weaving past and presentWe're adding back the Super Bowl Era threads to our uniform rotation It's fashion week in the NFL. Well, not really, but that's what it felt like with two teams, including the Washington Commanders, introducing either new alternate uniforms or helmets. Several other NFL teams will reveal alternate jerseys this month. For Washington, it was a historic day when the franchise unveiled its new look, which was actually quite similar to its old one. The Commanders, who introduced new uniforms in 2022 when the franchise underwent a questionable rebranding, will bring back their Super Bowl-era uniforms as alternates for next season. Washington will wear the uniforms at least three times — all in prime time. The Commanders will reportedly make the alternates permanent in 2026. So, with the Commanders and New Orleans Saints getting new gear for 2025, Nate Davis of USA Today ranked all 32 NFL teams' uniforms. Davis was rather harsh with the Commanders, ranking them No. 30. First, let's look at those new uniforms again: Now, here's what Davis said about the Commanders: Been a turbulent few years, the franchise mothballing its long-worn uniforms – which it was finally compelled to do – in favor of the barebones 'Washington Football Team' interim versions and then the semi-disastrous rollout of the Commanders rebranding. The current road jerseys with the gradient numbering remain eyesores. The original black Commanders alternates are pretty slick, the D.C. flag on the sleeves a nice detail, but many fans think it's too similar to the Steelers. Personally, I've never minded that the franchise retained its traditional colors, including the return of gold pants in 2024, to keep some linkage to its glory days − though some believe it would have been best to make a complete break from its 87-year run using a nickname that's defined as a racial slur. Little chance of such a pivot now, the team essentially readopting the uniforms from its glory years Wednesday. The only noticeable difference in the new alternates, which resemble what the team wore in its four Super Bowl appearances between the 1982 and '91 seasons is the current Commanders "W" logo standing in for the former Indian head insignia. Lots of thoughts here. Let's stress, as we always do, that rankings are subjective. This is Davis's opinion. Sorry, but he's wrong here. There's no way you can rank these uniforms near the bottom of the NFL. Sure, these alternates will not be the primary uniforms next season, which could hurt their ranking. Washington dropped the name and logo, so why would the franchise need a "complete break" from its past? The uniform rollout was universally popular amongst the fan base. Do you realize how hard that is to do? Even those who remain upset about the name loved that Washington will look a lot more familiar. It will be interesting to see where the Commanders rank next season, when these uniforms are reportedly set to become permanent. Look on the bright side: Washington was ranked dead last in 2024.
