We were a little bit hard on the "Creamsicle" throwback jerseys that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wear at least once every season when we put together our list of the best NFL jerseys of all time last month. But the truth is that we look forward to seeing the Bucs wear them every year. Are they hideous? Um, yes. A reminder of how bad the Bucs used to be? Sure. A test for our high-def TV screens? You bet. But for one day every year, those "Creamsicle" throwbacks reign supreme.
Unfortunately, that day won't be coming this season. Tampa Bay was supposed to wear their Creamiscle unis on September 29 when they take on the Arizona Cardinals. But they've decided not to do it this year because of a new NFL rule that doesn't allow teams to wear different helmets during the season because of concerns about concussions. If the Bucs had gone ahead and worn the "Creamsicle" jerseys during Week 5, they would have had to do so without also wearing the throwback "Bucco Bruce" helmet that you see above. And it would have looked weird. So rather than go ahead with the Creamsicle jerseys, they've scrapped the idea altogether for the time being.
"There simply was no acceptable way to meet the requirements of the new policy while staying true to the spirit of our throwback theme," Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford said today. "We will continue to explore options with the league office for bringing back this fan favorite in future seasons."
Damn, concussions! You're really ruining everything in the NFL these days, aren't you?
RELATED: Gallery: The Best NFL Jerseys of All Time
[via Sports Illustrated]
