If Something Ain't Broke

If something ain't broke...don't fix it. I like cliches. I also believe that this particular cliche should be applied whenever teams get the urge to change or tweak their uniform design.

Example: San Francisco 49ers

Joe Montana

The 49ers, somehow dissatisfied with only 4 Super Bowl titles from 1981 to 1989, decided at some point in the early 90's that it would be a good time to "move on," and "improve" a uni that is one of the best of all time in the NFL.




Steve Young

The unnecessary and gratuitous changes here may appear to be subtle, but the impact on the overall design is significant. Note the introduction of the black border and shadow on the numbers, along with a slight color change of the jersey base color. The 49ers also began to wear an "alternate" white pant with a crimson and black stripe. The helmet design and logo remains the same, an apparent oversight by the individual(s) in charge of the new uniform concept (this oversight would be addressed soon enough though - see below.)



The new look is now complete.


A gold outline now surrounds the white block numerals, complemented with the black shadowing. A red stripe with black outline now appears on the pant and helmet. The helmet cage is now that weird 'crimson' color, and the 'new look' was complete - well almost.



Oh Boy...

The infamous 1991 press conference, where the new logo was unveiled. If it's unclear why George, Eddie D. and Carmen look so unhappy, it may be time for an eye exam.


All is well that ends well.

 

Win-Win situation - whomever you picked to QB the Niners, they were gonna look good.