Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen had a clear message Wednesday for those criticizing the team’s newly revealed alternate uniforms.
“Stop hating on the jerseys, guys,” Allen said near the end of his news conference following the first practice of training camp.
The remarks came unprompted as the star quarterback wrapped up answers about the team’s outlook under new head coach Joe Brady and with a new stadium on the horizon.
The Bills introduced the “Nickel City” alternate uniforms on Monday. The design features an all-gray jersey paired with matching pants, completed by a blue helmet that displays the franchise’s red charge logo.
Team officials described the look as a tribute to the strength, grit and authenticity of Western New York’s hard-working people throughout history. The uniforms arrive as Buffalo prepares for its first season at the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
Allen made clear he supports the fresh appearance.
“I enjoy them. I think it’s very symbolic of what we want to do and what we want to be,” Allen said.
He recognized that some prefer the franchise’s more traditional designs.
“I understand people want the old jerseys and the old helmets and all that. But at some point, too, we are moving forward. We have to move forward and do something new — and that’s what we’re doing.”Allen expanded on his view earlier in the exchange, stressing the effort behind the project and the broader theme of change surrounding the organization this year..
“They’re great. I honestly — speaking of new, it’s a new look, it is, I understand that. We’ve got to be new. And I think these jerseys are kind of symbolic of that. And I’m excited to wear them,” Allen said.
“We had a lot of people that put in a lot of hard work for these jerseys. And it symbolizes a lot of newness. And that I am excited about.”
When a reporter observed that Allen appeared to take the backlash personally, the quarterback reiterated his stance.
“Listen, everyone — I’ve heard a lot of comments about the jerseys. I enjoy them,” Allen said.
The alternate set is expected to appear in two games this season, though specific dates have not been announced. It marks the first time the Bills have emphasized gray in this manner for an alternate uniform, drawing from colors already in the team’s palette as required by league rules.
Last season, Buffalo finished 12-5 and advanced to the AFC Divisional Round. The club now enters a new chapter with Brady at the helm and the move to the updated Highmark Stadium facility.
Allen indicated the uniforms align with that sense of progress. He even preferred them to a previous all-white alternate the team wore, noting the results in those contests.
“We didn’t win in the All White, so absolutely,” Allen said.
Social media reaction to the gray kits has been largely critical since the Monday reveal, yet Allen’s defense underscores the quarterback’s buy-in to the organization’s direction.
The Bills continue training camp preparations as they aim to build on recent success and chase a Super Bowl title in the new era.
