The second year of the Nike x NFL Rivalries program brings special uniforms to the AFC South and NFC North while expanding a merchandise program that became Fanatics’ best-selling release.
Nike has unveiled a second collection of special NFL Rivalries uniforms for the 2026 season with eight new teams joining the program. These new designs are part of a program that launched in 2025 and became Fanatics’ best-selling merchandise release to date. Teams will wear their new Rivalries uniforms during one home game against a divisional opponent this season.
After making their debut on the field the Rivalries uniform will be part of each team’s lineup for three years according to NFL.com. The Chicago Bears; Detroit Lions; Green Bay Packers; Minnesota Vikings; Houston Texans; Indianapolis Colts; Jacksonville Jaguars; and Tennessee Titans are the eight franchises included. Each uniform design takes inspiration from its team’s city and history as well as its fan community.
The fan gear includes jerseys as well as hats; tees; long-sleeve shirts; and Air Max shoes. Some Air Max 90 shoes have already sold out for multiple teams. The 2026 Rivalries merchandise became available starting Sept. 1 through Nike.com and other retailers.
NFL vice president of club marketing Taryn Hutt said the program is beloved by fans across the NFL. The visual campaigns for the new uniforms are being created by each participating team and feature local players as well as legends and community figures. These campaigns highlight the communities where each rivalry is rooted and include appearances by rappers and country singers.
CBS Sports noted that the Houston Texans’ uniform has a strong resemblance to the team’s Oilers history even though the Tennessee Titans control the Oilers identity. The Minnesota Vikings’ design draws inspiration from Nordic mythology with runes and knots featured on the uniform. The Tennessee Titans’ uniform received mixed reviews with one CBS Sports ranking praising the jersey and helmet while criticizing the navy pants.
The Green Bay Packers’ new uniform has been gaining appreciation after initial skepticism. The first dual-Rivalries matchup will feature both the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks wearing their new designs. Additional teams will debut their uniforms during the 2027 and 2028 NFL seasons.
The release of these new uniforms marks a significant step in how teams connect with their fans through fashion and identity. Fans can see the new designs throughout the season as participating teams wear them in designated divisional games. Nike continues to push boundaries with its collaboration between sports and popular culture, especially in the realm of fan gear.
The program’s success is evident not just in sales but also in how fans respond to the unique storytelling behind each design.
Whether it’s through sneakers or jerseys, these new Rivalries uniforms are shaping how fans express their loyalty to their teams.
IMAGE: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick scrambles with the ball against the Green Bay Packers in both teams’ season opener.. Photo: Daniel W. Hartwig / Wikimedia, taken 2013-09-08, CC BY 2.0