The NFL’s second wave of “Rivalries” uniforms were unveiled on Tuesday, featuring alternate designs for all teams in the NFC North and AFC South divisions. The new gear will debut during the 2026 season for home games against division opponents, with expanded usage allowed through 2028.
NFC North and AFC South Teams Unveil Second Wave of Rivalries Uniforms
Following an initial rollout for the AFC East and NFC West in 2025, the league’s second wave of Rivalries uniforms brings fresh divisional looks to the field. Every club in the NFC North and AFC South has partnered with Nike and the league to create unique uniform designs intended to drive youth engagement, celebrate local traditions, and unite communities via unique uniform designs.
Each club, in partnership with Nike and the league, created designs rooted in their team’s legacy, reflecting the most authentic expressions of community pride. The program aims to capture the spirit and tradition of football’s greatest divisional rivalries by highlighting passionate local communities. Revealing eight new Rivalries uniforms marks the next chapter in a program that is beloved by fans across the NFL and Nike,
said Taryn Hutt, VP, Club Marketing, NFL, according to the team’s official release. Hutt added that by spotlighting the launch of the AFC South and NFC North Clubs and the passionate communities behind them, we continue to capture the spirit and tradition of football’s greatest divisional rivalries.
Vikings and Jaguars Detail Design Origins for Alternate Kits
Designing the new uniforms required extensive collaboration between teams and league outfitters. The NFL x Nike Rivalries program kicked off in 2025, during which the AFC East and the NFC West teams unveiled their Rivalries looks. The Vikings are part of Year 2 of the launch, which this season features the NFC North and AFC South. For the Minnesota Vikings, the process to officially bring the Vikings Rivalries Uniforms to life spanned two years, though the concept was inspired much longer ago, according to the franchise’s announcement.
While developing Minnesota’s Winter Warrior uniforms, an all-white design, the team also ideated a darker Viking warrior that incorporated historical armor and textures. They ultimately decided on pursuing the white, icy version for the Vikings second alternate uniform, which was unveiled in 2024, joining The Classic uniform that launched in 2023. But when Nike presented teams with the option for a fifth uniform, one not obliged to the previous guidelines governing alternates, Vikings Senior Creative Director Alicia Dreyer and the team, which included Vikings Equipment Director Mike Parson, presented their concept for the darker warrior.
On-field debuts will roll out across the autumn schedule, giving fans a clear timeline of when each new look hits the gridiron. After their on-field debut Nov. 1, the Rivalries uniform will be included in the Jaguars’ uniform lineup for three years, in addition to existing alternate uniforms.
Divisional Matchup Debut Schedule for the 2026 Season
Teams are scheduled to wear their new Rivalries uniforms during specific home games against division opponents. Under program rules, the kits can be worn for games during the 2027 and 2028 seasons as well. The first game to feature the new threads will come in Week 3.
| Week | Matchup / Teams Involved |
|---|---|
| Week 3 | Indianapolis Colts don their new Anvil Strikelook against the Texans |
| Week 5 | Green Bay Packers debut their alternates against the Chicago Bears |
| Week 8 | Both the Jaguars and Lions throw on the new uniforms |
| Week 10 | Week 10 will bring the Titans into the fold |
| Week 11 | Texans will sport their alternate look when the Colts visit in Week 11 |
| Week 15 | Minnesota Vikings debut rivalry outfits against the Lions in Week 15 |
| Week 16 | Bears will be the last team to join the fun when they host Green Bay in Week 16 |
Fanatics Retail Rollout and Pro Shop Hours
Retail availability coincides with the start of September. Beginning Sept. 1, Fanatics will offer a variety of coinciding fan apparel in stores and online, including jerseys and helmets and elevated lifestyle and Sideline merchandise of shirts, jackets, hats, footwear and more, the franchise confirmed.
In Jacksonville, the Miller Electric Center Pro Shop will open with special hours on Sept. 1 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and three hours before kickoff on home game days. The Rivalries program, which launched initially in 2025, became Fanatics’ best-selling merchandise release to date, demonstrating strong fan demand and establishing momentum for the program’s continued expansion in 2026.
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