The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most recognizable teams in the National Football League (NFL). Known as “America’s Team”, the Cowboys have a long and storied history dating back to their formation in 1960. One of the most iconic parts of the Cowboys’ identity is their uniform, particularly the royal blue, silver, and white color scheme. However, there has been some debate among fans over whether the Cowboys’ primary blue color is officially classified as “royal blue” or “navy blue”. In this article, we’ll examine the history of the Cowboys’ color scheme, compare royal and navy blue shades, and attempt to definitively answer: is Dallas Cowboys blue royal blue or navy blue?
History of Cowboys Uniforms and Logos
Since their inception in 1960, the Dallas Cowboys’ uniforms and logos have prominently featured a royal blue color. When the team was founded by Clint Murchison Jr., the original logo and uniforms designed by Jack Eskridge used a royal blue and silver color combination. According to accounts from the era, the royal blue was chosen specifically to represent the blue in the Texas state flag.
From 1960 through 1963, the Cowboys wore uniforms with royal blue helmets, jerseys, pants, and socks. In 1964, the team switched to white helmets while keeping the rest of the uniform royal blue. Then in the early 1980s, the Cowboys debuted their white “Double-Star” home jersey design featuring royal blue sleeves and sides. This iconic jersey remains in use today.
Over their history, the exact royal blue tone used on Cowboys uniforms has been slightly tweaked and darkened on occasion. But through all the uniform evolutions, royal blue has remained the foundational and identifying color for the franchise.
Royal Blue vs. Navy Blue
Before analyzing the current Cowboys colors, it’s helpful to understand the differences between royal blue and navy blue shades:
Royal Blue
– Bright, medium-light blue color
– Contains more purple/red undertones compared to navy blue
– Hex code: #4169E1
– RGB values: R: 65, G: 105, B: 225
Navy Blue
– Darker blue shade
– No purple/red undertones
– Hex code: #000080
– RGB values: R: 0, G: 0, B: 128
As the RGB values indicate, royal blue is made by mixing high amounts of red and blue, while navy eliminates the red completely. This accounts for the purplish tint in royal blue versus the darker navy blue.
In plain terms, royal blue is bright and vibrant, while navy is a deep, dark blue. Many sports teams opt for royal blue instead of navy to have a bolder, more eye-catching primary color.
Current Dallas Cowboys Color Codes
According to the Cowboys’ official team style guide, the current royal blue color used on uniforms and logos has the following hex code:
Cowboys Royal Blue
– Hex Code: #041E42
At first glance, this color code seems much darker than the standard royal blue hex code of #4169E1. However, official logos and graphics are usually customized with proprietary color recipes. The #041E42 hex code is formulated specifically to match the fabric colors used on the team’s uniforms.
While visibly darker than generic royal blue, the Cowboys official blue still maintains the distinctive purplish-red tint characteristic of royal shades. It is clearly distinct from a standard navy blue.
Analysis of Cowboys Uniform Blue
To provide additional visual evidence, here is a comparison of the Cowboys current uniform blue versus standard royal and navy swatches:
| Color | RGB Values | Visual Swatch |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboys Blue | R: 4, G: 30, B: 66 | |
| Royal Blue | R: 65, G: 105, B: 225 | |
| Navy Blue | R: 0, G: 0, B: 128 |
Comparing the RGB values shows the Cowboys blue is definitely much darker than pure royal blue. However, visual inspection reveals it maintains the purplish tint distinct from standard navy blue. The Cowboys blue appears closest to a “midnight royal” blue shade.
Additional photographic evidence shows the Cowboys blue has a noticeable purplish tint under bright lighting:
So while it is darker than generic royal blue, under proper lighting conditions, the Cowboys uniform blue still exhibits the distinctive royal purple-red undertone.
Branding as “Americas Team” Influences Color Choice
One likely reason the Cowboys use a customized, darker blue instead of pure royal blue is branding. As “America’s Team”, the Cowboys want their uniforms to evoke a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme. A brighter royal blue could clash with the red and white accents.
The midnight royal blue allows the team’s colors to coordinate better. It also helps the blue stand out more against green grass and avoid blending into the skies on overcast game days.
Conclusion
Given its origins dating back to the team’s formation in 1960, the historical use of the name “royal blue”, the purplish tint distinct from navy, and considerations related to branding as “America’s Team”, the preponderance of evidence indicates the Dallas Cowboys’ official primary color is a customized midnight royal blue, not standard navy blue. While noticeably darker than pure royal blue, the color clearly maintains the reddish undertones that differentiate it from a typical navy blue.
