Sunday, February 28, 2016

A Convivial Suggestion for Jerry Jones: Re-serif the Cowboys Uniform Numerals

LOOKING AHEAD
By John Turney

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the NFL's iconic uniforms, especially the home version, which is white. It has been essentially the same since 1964. There was a change in the sleeve stripes in 1967 when the number of stripes was reduced from three to two.

However, one change that was not in keeping with the tradition was done prior to Jerry Jones's ownership of the club. It was in 1982 that the serifs, the small lines or marks at the end of letters or numbers, were removed. See below:



The post-1981 numerals were also thinner in addition to being sans serif. See below:



Later, in 1986, the numbers were made much thicker and they were the ones many became familiar with during the 1990s. See below:
1985 Ed Jones, versus Rams in Anaheim
1986 Ed Jones versus Broncos in Dencer

Circa 1990s

Circa 1990s
Those same sizes remain today, though now the numerals are sewn-on tackle twill, whereas in the 1990s they were iron-on plastic. See below:

Circa 2000s

Circa 2010s
Here are some examples of the serif numbers from the 1960s and 1970s, it is our view that they looked great because they were unique and distinct in the NFL gallery of jerseys. See below:









We certainly realize that Mr. Jones rightly more concerned about returning to the Super Bowl that a relatively minor issue of uniforms, but it is our sincere hope that Mr. Jones hears our humble, yet clarion call and seriously consider going back to the serif numbers in the navy, tackle twill fabric.

After all, doesn't this just look awesome? And besides, we are not asking that Jason Garrett wear a fedora, after all.
Inside the Star.com



19 comments:

  1. The serif font had also been worn by the Colts and Packers at one time (and possibly others) -- but I agree; this would be a good look for the Cowboys.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes, Packers wore them in early 1960s, then around 1965 they went sans serif. Colts, if I am not mistaken, went sans serif in 1968

      Delete
    2. and the defunct NY Titans

      http://www.ebay.com/itm/XX10-156-1962-LARRY-DUEITT-NY-TITANS-2-1-4-x-2-1-4-NFL-original-film-/351600813980?hash=item51dd0aa79c:g:XTMAAOSwbdpWW0j0

      Delete
    3. there are a couple others, too

      Delete
  2. Now that you can't change helmet color, just do it as an alt for thanksgiving. With stripped socks, and darker grey pants.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like the 1966 jersey that started the great Cowboys wining tradition

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. the triple stripe, huh? It began in 1964, in 1967 they went to two stripes. But the numbers looked great in 1966 for sure

      Delete
  4. Another vote for the serif font here. I've disliked their big block numerals from the start.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Curiously, the Cowboys actually abandoned serif numbers for the first two games of the 1966 season.

    http://s7.postimg.org/hfmlui1xm/153375986.jpg

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bring back the serifs. Ditch the dark blue jerseys/ silver pants, bring back the royal blue jerseys that are a reverse of the home white jerseys.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Fully Agree!!! Can't stand these Navy Blue jersey's and silver pants, been wearing them way too long already!!! Loved the Royal Jersey's and and silver-blue pants!!!! :-)

      Delete
  7. Cowboys centre Tom Rafferty liked his old jersey so he kept wearing it while everyone else was sans-serif.Would the 1982 pre-season be the last time the Cowboys wore the serif.Thanks for this article most people had no idea about their number change.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Cowboys wont win a Super Bowl until the serifs return. Thats a hex.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Greatest numbers ever. Best uniform look was 1981 both white and blue. Once Cowboys san-serif they didnt look like the Cowboys anymore with the skinny numbers in the early 80s, yuck. Yes bring them back.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Totally agree the Cowboys bring back the serifs, as a Baltimore Colts fan who remembers their classic 1957-1967 uniforms with the serifs (which the Indianapolis Colts revived last year). The serifs were also worn by the Lions in the early-mid 1960s, New York Titans/Jets from 1960-67, Saints in 1967-68 and Eagles from the 50s through 1964.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I Fully Agree!! I am a Big Fan of the 1975-1980, vinyl serif numbers, heat-sealed on the jersey's. They looked great when they shined in the sun or lights of Texas Stadium!!!

    ReplyDelete