Dec 20, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens ZaDarius Smith (90) is blocked by Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the sweetest uniform sets in the league. Clean all-black alternates, iconic white and purple combos, and now the “Purple Rising” helmets that dropped last year. But with the league’s new uniform policy in place, things are about to get even bolder—and leave it to Marlon Humphrey to instantly push the envelope.
The NFL is now letting teams wear their alternate or throwback uniforms up to four times per season. That’s one extra game of visual chaos, good or bad, depending on who you ask. It didn’t take long for the Ravens’ cornerback to chime in with an idea. Or maybe it was a warning.
On social media, Humphrey posted a picture of the Ravens in their infamous purple jerseys and gold (more like mustard) pants combo, with one caption: “It’s time.”
Bring on all the uniform combos
For anyone who blocked it out—and we wouldn’t blame you—the purple jersey/gold pants combo is one of the strangest looks in team history.
It debuted back in 2015 during a forgettable season and didn’t exactly get rave reviews. The gold looked more like Dijon mustard, the contrast was jarring, and the vibe was more “mardi gras fever dream” than legitimate “AFC North contenders.”
If you don’t remember seeing this combination on the big screen, then there’s probably a good reason why. The Ravens wore these in a 34-14 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs during their miserable 5-11 season. It was one of those years best left in the vault—and that’s exactly where these pants ended up. The combo was a metaphor for everything that went wrong that year.
To be fair, Baltimore’s newer alternate look—the “Purple Rising” helmet—has been a hit. Metallic purple, gold facemask, front-facing raven logo with red eyes? It’s honestly the coolest helmet—possibly ever. Players like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman raved about the look, and fans ate it up.
Now that the league is loosening the rules, it opens the door for even more creative combos moving forward. But Humphrey’s post serves as a reminder. For every sharp alternate, there’s always a chance someone dusts off something that should’ve stayed buried in a storage closet far away from M&T Bank Stadium.
If Baltimore trots out the purple and gold combo again, just know who to thank. Or blame. Either way, Marlon Humphrey’s here for it.
