# Unpopular Opinion: The Detroit Lions Should Bring Back the Gray Uniforms—But Only as the Away Jersey
The Detroit Lions have a rich history when it comes to uniforms, from the classic Honolulu blue and silver to the occasional (and controversial) alternate looks. But there’s one uniform that still sparks debate among fans: the gray jerseys. Introduced in the 1950s and briefly revived in the 2000s, the gray uniforms have their detractors—but I’m here to argue that they should make a comeback. With one major caveat: **They should only be used as the away jersey.**
Before you grab your pitchforks, hear me out. This isn’t about nostalgia or some misguided attempt to relive the past. There are legitimate reasons why the gray away jersey would be an upgrade over the standard NFL road whites—both aesthetically and practically.
The Lions’ official colors are Honolulu blue and silver. Yet, for decades, the team’s away uniforms have been some variation of white with blue accents. While this follows the NFL’s traditional home/away structure, it doesn’t fully embrace the team’s identity. Silver is a core part of the Lions’ branding, yet it’s mostly relegated to pants, helmets, and trim.
A gray away jersey would better represent the team’s secondary color while still maintaining enough contrast against most home uniforms. The current white jerseys feel generic—just another team in the sea of NFL road whites. A silver-gray alternate would stand out while staying true to the franchise’s roots.Let’s be honest: NFL away jerseys are boring. With rare exceptions (like the Raiders in black or the Cowboys in their throwback blues), most teams default to white with minimal flair. The Lions’ current away uniforms are no different—clean, but forgettable.
A gray base with Honolulu blue numbers and striping would be instantly recognizable. It wouldn’t be as flashy as the Color Rush jerseys, but it would offer a unique identity without straying too far from tradition. Imagine the Lions walking into Lambeau or Soldier Field in sharp gray jerseys—it would be a statement without being gimmicky.Remember last season when the Lions’ all-white “Color Rush” uniforms turned into a sticky, see-through mess after a Gatorade bath? Yeah, that was… unfortunate. While the NFL has since adjusted its rules to prevent similar mishaps, the incident highlighted a flaw in the current away design: **white jerseys show everything.**
Gray, on the other hand, is far more forgiving. Stains, sweat, and even the occasional sideline beverage mishap would be less noticeable. It’s a practical choice that still looks professional.The NFL has a uniformity problem when it comes to away games. Outside of a few teams with unique color schemes (like the 49ers’ gold pants or the Seahawks’ highlighter greens), most road uniforms blend together. The Lions could carve out a distinct visual identity by adopting gray as their primary away jersey.
It would make for a more visually interesting NFL while still maintaining tradition.
Of course, not everyone loves the idea of gray jerseys. Some fans still have PTSD from the 2000s-era gray alternates, which were… divisive, to say the least. But here’s why those concerns don’t apply here:True, the last iteration of the gray uniforms wasn’t perfect. The shade was too dark, the blue accents clashed awkwardly, and the overall design felt dated. But that doesn’t mean gray can’t work—it just needs a modern refresh.
A lighter, truer silver-gray (closer to the helmet color) with clean striping and bold numbering could look sharp. The Lions’ current uniform template is already sleek; applying that to a gray base would avoid the mistakes of the past.Tell that to the Raiders, who have made black (a neutral color) iconic. Or the Cowboys, who turned metallic silver into a signature look. Gray can work if done right—it just needs the right balance of contrast and team identity.This is the weakest argument. The NFL has relaxed its uniform rules in recent years, allowing more alternates, Color Rush designs, and even position-specific cleats. If the Lions pushed for a gray away jersey (especially as a nod to franchise history), the league would likely approve it.
If the Lions were to reintroduce gray jerseys as the primary away option, here’s how they could execute it:
– **Make it a true silver-gray.** Not the dull charcoal of the 2000s, but a brighter metallic shade that matches the helmet.
– **Keep the striping consistent with the current set.** No need to reinvent the wheel—just adapt the existing design to a gray base.
– **Use Honolulu blue numbers and accents.** This ensures the jersey still pops on TV.
– **Pair it with silver pants.** No more all-gray monstrosities—balance it with the classic silver bottoms.
The Lions have an opportunity to do something different—not for the sake of being different, but to enhance their brand. Gray away jerseys would be unique, practical, and truer to the team’s colors than the current whites.
Will it happen? Probably not anytime soon. But should it? Absolutely.
So, Lions fans—would you embrace the gray, or is this one unpopular opinion best left in the past?
