The Green Bay Packers announced Thursday they are "returning to our roots," unveiling a striking 1923-inspired alternate uniform set for the upcoming season.
The jerseys are a deep navy, complemented by dark gold numbers and tan pants with matching navy socks. But the most eye-catching feature? The helmet — a hand-painted, historically themed nod to football’s earliest days.
According to the team’s official release, “The historic ensemble also features, for the first time in NFL history, a hand-painted helmet designed to emulate the vintage leather look of the NFL's earliest helmets. The brown helmets feature realistic distressing and hand-decorated leather strap and stitching effects, with a navy face mask completing the look.”
Returning to our roots@amfam pic.twitter.com/IyJGJ1z6Yz
— Green Bay Packers Football Club (@packers) July 24, 2025
While most fans and players seemed to embrace the look with excitement, not everyone was impressed — particularly Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, who took to social media to suggest the Packers had borrowed inspiration from his program.
“They interviewed Jake Rosch (best EQ guy in the country) last year and took a few ideas from the #famILLy,” Bielema posted on X. “Always good to be a trend setter in the NFL.”
This isn’t the first time Bielema has stirred the pot on social media, and it likely won’t be the last. His Illini team debuted their own throwback uniforms before last season and wore them again during a statement win over No. 24 Michigan on Oct. 19 — a 21-7 upset at home.
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Regardless of whether the Packers drew direct inspiration from Illinois or not, the players themselves were clearly fired up about the look.
“These are nice,” wide receiver Romeo Doubs said.
“Dang, the leather caps right there. Goodness. They're pretty cool,” quarterback Jordan Love added.
"I'm keeping this one at the end of the season for sure," tight end Tucker Kraft said.
The Packers are expected to debut the throwback uniforms later this season, bringing a nostalgic flair to Lambeau Field. And while Bielema may feel a bit slighted, imitation — even unintentional — remains the sincerest form of flattery.