Few NFL teams have uniforms quite as iconic as the Cleveland Browns. So when they make a change – even a slight one – everyone in the league takes note.
On Wednesday, the Browns announced that their helmets in 2024 will feature the signature white facemask that they had from 1975 to 1995 and again from 1999 to 2005, which have been only sparingly used in recent years.
In a statement, Browns executive J.W. Johnson said that organization is excited to bring the white facemasks back in order to both write a new chapter in their history while also paying homage to the great teams of old.
“We are excited to honor our storied history through the return of the white facemask,” Johnson said. “As we continue to write the next chapter of Browns’ history, we reflect on different eras, such as the Kardiac Kids and the return of the franchise, that led us to this place in time.
“We heard our loyal fans and are thrilled to see the white facemask featured on the Browns’ helmets beginning with the 2024 season and beyond as we continue to write the history of our franchise.”
For many years fans had pointed out that the brown facemasks the team wore primarily did not even match the logo that team has been using. But as the team noted, the change to a white facemask will not correct that longtime error.
The Browns made the playoffs last year and picked up a number of major accolades along the way. Will the new facemask be making an appearance in the playoffs this year too?