Broncos Opt for White Jerseys Against Steelers at Home: What’s the Reason?

Denver Broncos fans have been witnessing a unique sight at home games this season. The team has opted to wear their white road uniforms for both home preseason games and their recent home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, deviating from their traditional orange jerseys.

Head coach Sean Payton explained that the decision to switch to white jerseys at home is primarily influenced by weather conditions. Payton emphasized that the choice of jersey color is based on managing heat exposure, stating, “If there’s heat, we’re in a white jersey.”

To delve deeper into the impact of jersey color on temperature regulation, Tony Nuñez, an Associate Professor of Exercise Science at MSU Denver, conducted an experiment using a FLIR thermal imaging camera. The study compared the heat retention of white, orange, and blue Broncos jerseys when exposed to sunlight, revealing that lighter colors tend to reflect heat while darker colors absorb it.

Nuñez observed that the white jersey registered the lowest temperature at 72.5 degrees Fahrenheit, while the orange and blue jerseys showed higher readings, with the blue jersey recording the highest temperature at 94.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite these variations, Nuñez pointed out that the influence of jersey color on player performance is minimal compared to factors like heat dissipation through sweating.

During the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, played on an 88-degree day, the Broncos’ choice of white jerseys contrasted with the Steelers’ black uniforms. Nuñez highlighted that wearing darker colors in the sun can result in higher heat retention, potentially affecting player comfort and performance.

Looking ahead, the Broncos are set to wear their orange jerseys for the first time this season when they face the Buccaneers. Nuñez stressed that humidity can play a significant role in heat management, affecting the body’s ability to cool down efficiently. Despite the strategic jersey choices, the key focus remains on enabling players to dissipate heat effectively during gameplay.

The decision to wear white jerseys at home draws parallels to past instances in the team’s history, notably when former coach Dan Reeves briefly introduced road white jerseys before reverting to the traditional orange. Payton’s preference for white jerseys has roots in his coaching tenure with the New Orleans Saints, reflecting a strategic approach to managing player comfort in varying weather conditions.

As the Broncos navigate their schedule with designated jersey colors for each game, the emphasis remains on optimizing player performance by mitigating heat retention through effective cooling strategies. Ultimately, the choice of jersey color serves as a tactical consideration to enhance player comfort and performance on the field.