Vintage
jerseys.
A vintage NFL jersey is either a replica sold to fans or an authentic built like the team's on-field uniform. The maker changed over time. Champion, Russell, Starter and Sand-Knit all made NFL jerseys at various points between the 1970s and the 1990s, and Nike supplied some teams late in the 90s. Reebok held the exclusive league license from 2002 until Nike took over in 2012.
Dating a jersey means checking that the maker, the player and the uniform details agree. The player's years with the team, the number font, where the TV numbers sit and any patches should all point to the same seasons. Throwbacks and reproductions copy old designs, so a 1960s look is not proof of age.
- Match the maker to the years. A Reebok jersey dates to 2001 or later, while Starter, Russell and Champion NFL jerseys are generally 2000 or earlier.
- Confirm the player's years with that team. A jersey for a season he never played there is a later product or a custom.
- Check uniform details against the team's history: number font, sleeve stripes and TV-number placement all changed over time (the Steelers' rounded numbers arrived in 1997, for example).
- Look for patches that pin down years: the NFL 75th anniversary patch (1994), the Bears' GSH initials (1984 on) or the Chiefs' Lamar Hunt patch (2007 on).
- Check the NFL shield. An eight-star shield means 2008 or later.
- See whether the numbers and letters are sewn or screen-printed, and look for peeling, cracking or replaced numbers.
- Ask for chest and length measurements. Jerseys were cut tighter, with shorter sleeves, from about 2000.
- Rule out reproductions. Mitchell & Ness and other throwback lines recreate old jerseys, so read every label.
- Replica — the fan version of the team jersey at a lower price; numbers can be screen-printed or sewn depending on the line
- Authentic (on-field cut) — built like the uniform the players wore, with sewn numbers and the team supplier's label
- Throwback — a later recreation of an older uniform, from the NFL Throwbacks Collection (1991 on), team alternates or Mitchell & Ness
- Practice jersey — a plain jersey with numbers and few or no team graphics
- Fashion jersey or mesh tee — a jersey-styled fan shirt, not built like the team uniform
1990s Packers jerseys
1980s Bears jerseys
1990s Bears jerseys
1990s Cowboys jerseys
1980s 49ers jerseys
1990s 49ers jerseys
1960s–70s Steelers jerseys
1990s Steelers jerseys
1990s Bills jerseys
1990s Dolphins jerseys
2000s Patriots jerseys
2000s Colts jerseys
1990s Broncos jerseys
1980s Raiders jerseys
1990s Raiders jerseys
1990s Eagles jerseys
1990s Lions jerseys
