The Giants aren't angry or upset about their old uniforms.
Are there any colors that represent lukewarm reactions?
That may best describe the locker room reaction to the “Century Red” throwback uniforms that the Giants will debut on Sunday against the Vikings to celebrate the start of their 100th season.
“It definitely looks different,” left tackle Andrew Thomas said, “but if you look back at old photos, this is what the uniforms used to look like. Football has come a long way, but we still value the past, because without it, we wouldn't be here.”
Thomas hits two popular points: the word “different” was chosen to describe the look, and the respect for history resonates.
“I think it's great to pay tribute to the guys that really started the NFL,” fifth-year linebacker Carter Coughlin said. “Since I was a rookie, I've learned about the rich history of the New York Giants, so in a way, it doesn't really matter what the jersey looks like.”
“It's cool to be able to represent that.”
New York Football Giants
The biggest concern seems to be how to make the brown pants, red jersey with a thick blue stripe down the middle and white numbers (circa 1933) look fashionable in 2024.
Receiver Wan'Dale Robinson customized special game cleats to go with his new look.
“It's going to be tough to get an IV in,” rookie receiver Malik Neighbors said, “but we have a plan for how we're going to get an IV in.”
Running back Devin Singletary is still figuring out his plans.
“We'll see how we can make that happen,” he said. “We'll have to figure out what kind of spikes and gloves we can put together. That's really the biggest thing.”
There is one element that seems to be unanimously well received.
“This helmet is awesome,” Neighbors said. “This helmet is awesome.”
The red and blue winged helmet is a modern version of the helmet worn from 1937 to 1947.
It had a Michigan feel to it, and it resonated with many, including Wolverines alumnus John Runyan Jr., who admits he's “a little biased.”
“The helmets are super retro,” cornerback Adoree Jackson said. “I have to say, everything looks better in person. You can't tell from just looking at a photo. It's like a lot of things. You look at a house on Zillow and it looks like this. And then you go to the house and you're like, 'Oh, that's not what I thought it would be,' or, 'No, this is better.' In this case, the jersey looks better.”
There's concern among offensive linemen that his 300-pound frame will leave sweat stains on their brown pants.
“I'm interested to see how our offensive linemen play in the second quarter,” Thomas said.
The pants will be paired with blue and red striped socks, reminiscent of the inaugural season in 1925. All Giants uniforms this season will feature a commemorative “100th Season” patch.
“I think the idea of mixing uniforms and blending different eras is cool,” Runyan said.
The Giants will wear their 1980s legacy uniforms when they play against the Commanders on November 3rd.
“The history is the best part,” tight end Daniel Bellinger said. “Again, I have fond memories, but these are really fond memories.”
—Post staff writers Paul Schwartz and Steve Selby contributed to this report.
