Some NFL teams try to beat the heat during home games by requesting a uniform change, as it can be done ahead of time.
The uniform schedule is set in advance, giving teams a chance to adjust. The San Francisco 49ers hoped for such a change, but their Petition to switch from their traditional red home uniforms to all whites was denied by the NFL.
The league has strict rules regarding uniform changes, and the 49ers were unable to get approval. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his disappointment, explaining, “We got the memo earlier in the week that it was going to be hot.
So we asked on Monday, but we weren’t allowed to do it. We had to request it before the season. If we wanted to switch, we’d have to commit to wearing all-whites until the middle of October or so, and then go back to normal.”
To some, the NFL’s refusal seemed harsh, especially given the intense heat forecasted for the game. However, the league remains firm in its regulations, even when extreme weather is involved.
Shanahan added, “It’s not usually this hot, so we’ll probably plan for it in the future. They’ll let us wear throwbacks and alternate with others, so we’ll try to get as much white as we can. The most we could do now was switch to white pants.”
The coach acknowledged that the team didn’t expect temperatures to reach the high 90s on Sunday, but regardless, the NFL was unmoved. At least, Shanahan noted, the team avoided wearing the black uniforms they’ve sported on occasion.
