The San Francisco 49ers have one of the NFL's most iconic looks. When players take the field clad in red and gold, it instantly evokes memories of the franchise's championship glory. Among those championship eras, one season's uniform stands out for its nod to the past—the 1994 throwbacks, introduced during the NFL's 75th anniversary celebration.
The 49ers' 1994 throwback uniforms featured distinctive black borders and shadowing on the numbers, paired with crisp white pants featuring red and black stripes. The team recently revived these fan-favorite uniforms, wearing them for select games—a tradition that will continue in 2025.
CBS Sports writer Jeff Kerr recently ranked the NFL's best throwback uniforms and helmets, highlighting the most impressive classic looks around the league. The 49ers' 1994 throwbacks landed at No. 4 on his list.
"The 49ers didn't unseat the No. 1 throwback uniforms in the NFL, but the 1994 throwbacks are one of the best alternate uniforms in the game," Kerr wrote. "The 1994 throwbacks are actually throwbacks to 1955, which make this combination even more unique."
1955 49ers uniforms (Photo courtesy of UniWatch)
Kerr offered one suggestion to make the 49ers' throwback look even closer to the original 1955 design. It's an interesting suggestion, but it would deviate from the look of the 1994 counterparts, and you have to wonder how fans would react to such a change. But now that alternate helmets are allowed, it's a possibility.
"The black stripe on the pants are symbolic of the Super Bowl team in 1994, while the 3D numbering isn't seen around the NFL," Kerr continued. "The red and black are great for this set, but all the 49ers need are the red alternate helmets from that era to go with the set (although this technically is a throwback to 1994)."
Kerr ranked three teams' throwback uniforms ahead of the 49ers. The Miami Dolphins came in at No. 1 with their 1972 home and road jerseys. The Philadelphia Eagles took the second spot with their 1987-1994 look. Finally, the Denver Broncos came in at No. 3 with their classic 1977 threads.
Where do you think the 49ers' throwback uniforms rank among the NFL's current set of classic looks? Leave a comment below!