When the Cleveland Browns´ first 2020 draft pick steps to the podium in Vegas, something will be different.
Yes, we all hope he will be the most successful first-round pick in Browns history.
But something else will change for the first time since 2015.
The #Browns new uniforms will release sometime in April and @obj will be featured in the uniform reveal via @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/QVrEAaBACv
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) March 3, 2020
Because sometime before the April draft, the Browns will unveil new team uniforms.
Gone are the cluttered and gaudy outfits the team debuted with fanfare five years ago.
Dee Haslam was quick to announce the change, which comes as soon as possible according to the NFL´s uniform rules.
New designs have to stick for at least five years according to the league.
Fans and players are as anxious as Dee to see the latest version.
Need these @Browns uniforms to leak now
— Don (@EverydayDono) March 4, 2020
There was a reason the team petitioned the league to use their Colored Rush uniforms for six games last year.
Recent reports of Odell Beckham doing photo shoots indicate the uniforms are close to ready.
How Much Might the Uniforms Change?
So far, the Cleveland Browns and Nike have done a good job of keeping new designs under wraps.
But they opened themselves up to conjecture by allowing the new uniforms would “embrace the team´s tradition.”
Someone who has seen the #Browns new uniforms said “they look like the Browns are supposed to look.”
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) March 4, 2020
Perhaps in response to complaints about the gaudiness or clutter of the 2015 uniforms, the team said there would be nothing fancy about the new duds.
That sparked rumors of a return to the 2002 uniforms.
Those uniforms were themselves a homage to the Browns´ first go-round in Cleveland.
Elimination of the name “Cleveland” in block letters on the chest above the numbers is almost certain.
Nothing Fancy: We're set to unveil new uniforms in 2020
Details from Dee and Jimmy Haslam » https://t.co/MTfZsHikrn pic.twitter.com/U5Zs5Jp05y
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 27, 2019
Likewise, we´re not likely to see “Browns” running down the pants legs, either.
Browns fans reveal they prefer more of the bright orange tones over burnt orange or brown.
But Nike has to address network complaints about reading white numbers against the orange on television.
Back in 1984, orange numbers on a white jersey were scrapped after the preseason for the same reason.
Although issues with the 2015 edition weren´t bad enough to warrant an immediate response.
So, What Will The New Uniforms Look Like?
Odell Beckham Jr and a handful of Nike and Browns execs might be the only folks who know for sure.
But there are a lot of predictions about the Browns new game day outfits available on social media.
Given the positive response to the Color Rush uniforms, some component of that could come into play.
Love it. I’ve been hoping for a modernized version of the old uniforms https://t.co/7vBelhdpJP
— Browns Time (@DevotedBrownie) March 4, 2020
Cleveland is unlikely to go with a total return to historic or traditional uniforms.
What would they wear on Throwback Sundays?
For sure, the new outfits will feature the brighter version of orange and Color Rush brown.
Sources: The brown is browner for the Browns new uniforms #Browns pic.twitter.com/mbXA1vhGBL
— CleWest (@erjmanlasvegas) March 4, 2020
They could throw themselves back to plain orange helmets.
Simpler striping would harken back to tradition, even if the colors were brighter or reversed.
Orange pants with brown and white jerseys were first introduced in 1975.
Cleveland Browns best uniform- 1975 pic.twitter.com/j6M77ylQP7
— UniformCzar (@CzarUniform) August 8, 2019
The late 70s weren´t kind to the Browns, but they looked good!
On the other hand, a return to the traditional Browns Jersey on White pants in 1985 kicked off five straight playoff appearances.
My 2020 Browns uniform concept: pic.twitter.com/wHy54dz1GZ
— Bring Brownie Back (@Cleveland_elf) March 1, 2020
We´ll have to wait for the official reveal to pass judgment.
But we´re fairly confident the 2020 Browns uniforms will be an improvement over the last version.
NEXT: Should The Browns Bring Back Travis Benjamin As A Free Agent?
