Why did the Cincinnati Bengals wear white helmets and uniforms on Thursday Night Football?
With the NFL allowing alternate helmets for the first time ever, many teams have unveiled new looks, none more anticipated than the White Bengals
While teams have altered their uniforms over the years, and every team has at least three different styles to suit up in, prior to this 2022 campaign, the NFL required each team to have only one helmet design across the entire season. With the reversal of that decision, most teams have added an alternate helmet design to their uniform choices.
Few alternate helmets and style choices have evoked more anticipation around the NFL fanbase than the White Bengal look that Cincinnati sported on Week 4′s Thursday Night Football 27-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Why the White Bengal?
Cincinnati’s Director of Strategy and Engagement, Elizabeth Blackburn said, “We picked that because dating back to 2015-16 when introduced our original color rush jersey, all white and black, ‘White Bengal’ jersey, our fans immediately we’re like ‘Oh my gosh, we would love to see this with a white helmet.’”
“We submitted that white helmet request and heard back somewhere around the playoffs (in 2022). That came with a jersey requirement to wear it with an alternate jersey which is different than your away jersey so that’s where we brought back our color rush jersey that our fans really liked.”
When the original white-and-black color rush uniforms were designed, Bengals equipment manager Adam Knollman said, “The jerseys were inspired by the Cincinnati Zoo’s famous white tigers and feature a sleek, classic design that will stand out in the primetime lights.”
Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard added to that idea saying, “Our first white tigers were born at the Zoo in 1974 so naturally we’re excited they can be a source of inspiration for the Bengals Color Rush jerseys.”
The timing for the unveiling was chosen with care. With the Bengals facing the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, they were guaranteed a captive audience, since as the only NFL game being played they will be assured to have the maximum fans’ eyes on them.
Cincinnati are scheduled to wear their black and white helmets twice this season, with the second date being their Week 11 road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers for Sunday Night Football.