Super Bowl Color Rush: NFL Uniform Rules for the Championship Game

Super Bowl uniforms follow specific NFL rules and protocols that differ from regular season games. From color assignments to equipment rules, here is a complete guide to how NFL teams choose and wear their uniforms during the Super Bowl.

Home and Away Designation

Despite being played at a neutral site, one Super Bowl team is designated the "home" team and the other the "away" team. Historically, this designation rotated between the AFC and NFC representatives on an alternating basis. The home team traditionally has first choice of uniform color — and interestingly, the home team has more often chosen to wear their white uniform, giving the visiting team the right to wear their colored jersey.

The White Jersey Tradition

The team with "home" designation at the Super Bowl has worn white jerseys in the majority of games. This tradition began in the 1960s and has continued with some exceptions. The Dallas Cowboys were notably associated with white jerseys at the Super Bowl during their dynasty years. The decision of what to wear is strategic — teams often believe their primary colored jersey carries psychological advantages, leading to unusual dynamics where the designated "home" team opts for white.

NFL Uniform Rules

The NFL enforces strict uniform rules for the Super Bowl. All equipment must meet NFL standards, helmet specifications are strictly enforced, and any uniform modifications must receive prior approval from the league. Teams cannot make last-minute changes to their official uniform design. Color rush alternates and throwback uniforms are subject to separate approval processes.

Memorable Uniform Moments

Several Super Bowl uniform moments are memorable: the Seattle Seahawks' "action green" alternates in Super Bowl XLIX, the San Francisco 49ers' classic red and gold uniforms in their dynasty years, and the debates over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' pewter and red combination during Brady's Super Bowl LV appearance. For more Super Bowl history, see our Super Bowl history page and schedule.