NFL broadcasters might dread covering New England Patriots games this season. And that’s not because Tom Brady has departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Since debuting new uniforms Monday, the Patriots now are the only team in the NFL with no TV numbers on their primary jerseys.
See? No numbers on the shoulder or sleeve:
Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
The Patriots’ previous primary jerseys had TV numbers on the shoulders.
Uni-Watch.com’s Paul Lukas acknowledged this in the comment section of Monday’s blog.
“NFL uni guidelines do indeed require TV numbers,” Lukas wrote. “The Pats apparently got a waiver.”
The Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins don’t have TV numbers on their throwback alternate uniforms. The Patriots’ previous alternates, which now are their primary jerseys, didn’t have TV numbers.
NFL Twitter already is crying foul at the Patriots’ decision.
"Sorry coach. I thought that was number 93 in front of me. I couldn't see his number." pic.twitter.com/r7QX7d0sYB
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) April 20, 2020
