Cleveland Browns new uniforms illuminates minor rift among fans
By Hank Kilburn
Cleveland Browns fans are torn over the new uniforms but it’s deeper than a design choice.
The Cleveland Browns revealed their much anticipated new uniforms yesterday with mixed reviews from fans.
Everyone agreed the 2015 update was a failure and a change was needed as soon as possible. Some fans love the new uniforms because they’re simple and more of the traditional Browns look while others yearned for a complete makeover.
It was suggested that the uniforms were intended to satisfy both palettes but fell short on the latter. In fact, the decision-makers intended to make the uniforms retro.
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"“As you look at iconic franchises like the Browns, the Bears, the Packers, the Cowboys — they’re true to who they are. They’re not doing a lot of changes and trying to make a lot of flashy moves with their uniforms. I think when we went through the process, it just felt right that we got back to who we are and who we’ll always be.” – Executive Vice President and owner JW Johnson via ClevelandBrowns.com"
Many will write the clash off as a simple difference of taste but the psychology of both desires is deeper than design. It’s become a battle between fans stuck on tradition versus fans who want to move toward the future.
Those who swear by the modest look of the uniforms are generally the fans who were around to witness the Browns as a perennial playoff team. It’s understandable why they prefer the solid brown or white jersey with the stripes on the sleeves. It reminds them of better times with Bernie Kosar, Earnest Byner, and Ozzie Newsome. Even Jim Brown if they’re old enough.
The glory days of the Browns will never be forgotten or disregarded, however, the younger generation is feeling ignored.
The argument for modernized uniforms is a simple one. It’s 2020, not the 1980s and the Browns haven’t won a playoff game in over 30 years. Appreciating the past while moving forward aren’t mutually exclusive and can be done simultaneously.
A Browns fan under 35 years old can’t fully appreciate the tradition the elders speak so highly of because they weren’t part of the experience. In a sense, it’s comparable to talking about the first moon landing or World War II.
The new jerseys give the group of fresher Browns fans PTSD since all they have experienced is a losing team. They think Trent Richardson, Braylon Edwards, and Johnny Manziel. While there is nothing wrong with remembering your roots, you’ll never grow if you aspire to stay there.
Next. Cleveland Browns throw it back to the past with new uniforms. dark
At the end of the day, the design of the uniform has little to no bearing on the outcome of games and each side has valid reasoning for their preference. What are your thoughts on the new uniforms?