The Washington Commanders are reaching deep into their storied history for the 2025 season, bringing back the iconic Super Bowl era throwback uniforms. This move comes at a time of renewed hope, as Jayden Daniels enters his second NFL season after a rookie campaign that electrified fans, reset franchise records and saw him win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors while helping lead Washington to an NFC Championship Game appearance.
Yet beneath all the pride and nostalgia, it’s not to wonder if immediate success and these throwback, championship era uniforms might place too much pressure on Daniels’ shoulders. Will the franchise's past glory be too much for Daniels to live up to this soon? In a city that remembers Gibbs, Riggins and the Hogs, it’s a never-ending debate. Are the Commanders setting Jayden Daniels up with unrealistic expectations or are they forging a new legacy?
History doesn’t fade…it fuels the future. pic.twitter.com/MFJbsyMymH
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 9, 2025
Commanders new throwback jerseys are a call back to Super Bowl legacy
For three games in 2025, the Commanders will rock their crisp white retro jerseys with burgundy numbers bordered in gold, paired with burgundy pants and classic sleeve stripes. The helmet, a deep burgundy shell with a gold facemask and three center stripes, calls back to the glorious runs of the 1980s and early '90s. A visual recall back to the days when this franchise was one of the most feared in the NFL.
Everyone loves nostalgia, but just for nostalgia’s sake. The organization wants to bridge the gap between new fans and those who lived through the team’s greatest moments. By linking current ambition with storied tradition, this is meant to inspire both loyalty and belief.
"Ever since Josh Harris and our ownership group acquired the team back in 2023, they've placed great value in finding ways to connect the past and present and pay homage to those that made the Burgundy & Gold what it is today." Commanders team president Mark Clouse said.
Jayden Daniels' breakout rookie year raised the bar
Jayden Daniels didn’t just arrive; he erupted onto the NFL scene in Washington last year. In his first season, Daniels racked up 3,568 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, adding another 891 yards and six TDs with his legs. That’s a dynamic dual-threat in every sense. His poise, accuracy, and ability to thrive under pressure drew comparisons to some of the best rookie quarterbacks in league history. Daniels blew any rookie expectations out of the water, all while playing behind an offensive line that struggled at times to keep him upright.
Washington is taking steps to give Daniels the support he deserves. Upgrading the offensive line, tweaking the offense, along with expanding the receiving corps, show a commitment to growth. Coaches know the dangers of living in the shadow of legends. They’re working to give Daniels space to grow at his own pace.
It’s a fine line because fans love history and nostalgia, but they also want something real and tangible in the current era. The throwback uniforms are great, but it almost creates a Super Bowl or bust level of expectation, especially considering that Daniels’ rookie campaign ended in the NFC title game. Nostalgia and organizational legacy are great, but what truly matters is the here and now.