On Thursday, the Green Bay Packers unveiled their new 1923 Classic throwback uniform. While they thought that it would throw fans into nostalgia, it was instead a wave of déjà vu. Fans started comparing it to a Big Ten school 200 miles south.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero brought the update to the fans. In the photo, quarterback Jordan Love can be seen in brown pants, a navy blue jersey with orange stripes on the sleeves, and a leather-look helmet.
The #Packers have introduced their new, history-inspired uniform: the 1923 Classic, paired with a leather-look, hand-painted helmet. pic.twitter.com/2OVe8gMiSy
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 24, 2025
While the Packers intended to honor their early roots, fans couldn’t ignore the similarity to Illinois’ long-time throwback helmet.
“Illinois did it better,” one fan noted an uncanny resemblance of Packers helmet with that of Illinois.
Illinois did it better. https://t.co/gBLMJ50xjo pic.twitter.com/vKb1Ts7SKc
— Skol Rant (@SkolRant) July 24, 2025
“So basically a carbon copy of the Illinois one,” another fan commented.
“Chicago/Illini vibe 😅😅😂😂” added @ChitownTorres_.
Some fans were confused not just by the look, but also by the player modeling it.
“Thought this was Goff for a second 😅,” joked @RealDealFantasy, mistaking the helmeted model for Lions quarterback Jared Goff rather than Green Bay star Jordan Love.
“Well it’s a jersey,” said @TomBradyEgo.
The throwback also sparked playful rivalry jabs.
“Division rivals doing wholesome stuff 😭… tribute to the last time Bears fans saw a Super Bowl. So @dallascowboys, y’all doing one for the Redskins or nah? 99% of their fans ain’t even seen a ring or even know their history,” said @native_ace.
“Idc, this helmet is sick,” @PlaybookPrinces wrote.
The jersey also drew comparisons to Notre Dame’s iconic gold dome.
“A little Notre Dame-ish,” one fan observed.
When will Packers wear this retro uniform on field?
According to the Packers official website, the date on which the Green Bay Packers will dress up in the 1923 Classic Uniform at Lambeau Field will be announced on a later date. The uniform commemorates the Packers’ legacy as “the first publicly owned sports franchise,” marked by the 1923 stock sale that helped stabilize the organization.
The Packers also announced that a new line-up of merchandise, including jerseys and mini helmets, will be available in the Pro Shop.
As far as the preparations go for the upcoming 2025 NFL season, the training camp has already begun. Rookies reported to the camp on July 18 while veterans made it by July 22. The training camp will give answers to various positional battles. Some of them are edge rusher rotation, left tackle competition (Walker vs. Morgan) and the wide receiver room featuring rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams.
It remains to be seen if the retro uniform is here to stay or whether it’s a one time thing.
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