The Detroit Lions are one of the most recognizable NFL franchises, known for their Honolulu blue and silver uniforms. But have the Lions always worn these iconic colors? Let’s take a look at the history of the Lions’ uniforms over the years.
The Early Years (1930-1948)
The Lions debuted as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1930 as members of the NFL. Their original colors were navy blue and orange. When the team moved to Detroit in 1934, they changed their name to the Lions but kept the same color scheme.
In the late 1930s, the Lions updated their look to simplify the uniform. They switched to a lighter blue jersey with silver numerals outlined in blue. The helmets were silver with a blue stripe down the middle. This was the Lions’ first iteration of a blue and silver motif.
The Modern Honolulu Blue Era Begins (1949-1970)
In 1949, the Lions introduced the Honolulu blue color that they have become known for. Team owner Edwin Anderson linked up with a Hawaiian clothing company that used a vibrant blue similar to the blue waters surrounding the Hawaiian islands. Anderson thought this newly trademarked “Honolulu blue” would be perfect for making the Lions stand out.
The Lions’ 1949 uniforms featured Honolulu blue jerseys with silver sleeves, silver helmets with blue and white stripes, and white pants. Over the next two decades, the Lions experimented with incorporating more silver into the look. But the core Honolulu blue jerseys remained constant up until 1970.
Experimenting with Colors (1971-2008)
In the 1970s, the Lions strayed from their traditional Honolulu blue, instead using a darker navy blue for home jerseys along with white pants and helmets. The Honolulu alternates were still worn for some away games. This navy blue primary look lasted throughout the 1970s and 80s.
In the early 2000s, the Lions began mixing in more black into uniforms, using black trim on the numbers and black alternates. The team brought back silver pants and helmets in 2003 but did not return to Honolulu blue as the primary jersey color. From 2003-2008, navy blue, black and white were the predominate uniform colors.
The Modern Honolulu Blue Era Returns (2009-Present)
In 2009, the Lions went back to their roots and brought back Honolulu blue jerseys as the primary home uniform. Since then, they have worn Honolulu blue for all home games, only mixing in the occasional throwback. The Lions have maintained silver helmets, pants and accents throughout this era.
Here is a summary of the key uniform changes in the Lions’ history:
| Years | Primary Jersey Color | Primary Pants Color | Primary Helmet Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930-1948 | Navy Blue | Navy Blue | Orange |
| 1949-1970 | Honolulu Blue | Silver | Silver |
| 1971-2008 | Navy Blue | White | Silver |
| 2009-Present | Honolulu Blue | Silver | Silver |
So while the Lions have not always been Honolulu blue, it has been their primary color for a good portion of their 90+ year history. The Honolulu blue and silver look has become an iconic part of the Lions’ image and brand.
Why Honolulu Blue?
But why Honolulu blue specifically? Here are some possible reasons behind the Lions’ color choice:
- Eye-catching and unique – The vibrant blue stands out from other NFL teams
- Links to Hawaii – Provides an exotic, vacation-like association with the islands
- Looks good with silver – The lighter silver complements the darker blue nicely
- Matches Detroit’s blue collar image – Blue collar colors for a blue collar city
Regardless of the reason, Honolulu blue has become a quintessential part of the Detroit Lions experience. Fans don the color proudly, like a badge of honor representing their beloved team. Even during periods when the team drifted from the look, the classic Honolulu blue uniforms remained the most popular and best-selling.
Will the Lions Ever Change Colors Again?
While the Lions have shown a willingness to tweak uniform designs and mix in new accent colors over the years, it’s unlikely that they completely abandon the Honolulu blue and silver motif anytime soon.
The league has loosened restrictions on alternate uniforms in recent years, allowing teams more freedom to experiment. But very few NFL teams have undergone complete rebrands of their primary colors. Organizations are wary of alienating fans by straying too far from a look they have invested in emotionally.
The Lions’ current ownership and management has been vocal about respecting the team’s history and tradition. Leadership seems committed to Honolulu blue for the long haul. Barring some major unforeseen circumstances, fans can expect to keep cheering for those timeless Honolulu blue jerseys for decades to come.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions have not always worn Honolulu blue, but it has been one of their defining colors since 1949. After periods of experimenting with navy blue, black and white, the team returned to its Honolulu blue roots as the primary uniform color in 2009. This vibrant shade of blue is now an iconic part of the Lions’ identity and brand. While the team may continue to tweak uniform designs, Honolulu blue is undoubtedly here to stay as the color Lions fans associate with their beloved franchise.
