Packers make polarizing announcement that could have fans divided when rivalry week arrives, and they’ll have strong opinions
The Packers unveiled their new Nike Rivalries alternate jersey, and they’ll wear them against the Chicago Bears in Week 5.
The Green Bay Packers released their new alternate jersey for the 2026 season as part of Nike’s Rivalries program. The new uniform is one of eight across the NFC North and AFC South, featuring community-inspired designs that aim to celebrate the traditions, communities, and competitive spirit surrounding some of the league’s most iconic matchups.
All four NFC North teams and all four AFC South teams will wear new Rivalries uniforms this season, drawing inspiration from what the MLB did with the City Connect program and what the NBA did with the City Edition series.
“Revealing eight new Rivalries uniforms marks the next chapter in a program that is beloved by fans across the NFL and Nike,” said Taryn Hutt, vice president of club marketing at the NFL. “By spotlighting the launch of the AFC South and NFC North clubs, and the passionate communities behind them, we continue to capture the spirit and tradition of football’s greatest divisional rivalries.”
Players are on board
Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed expressed his approval in a promotional video for the new uniforms.
“Oh yeah, I’ll rock with this one,” Reed said, showing that at least the players are excited to wear the alternates.
Green Bay will debut the Rivalries jersey in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Bears will also wear their own Rivalries uniform, but that will be in Week 16 at Soldier Field, making it a sequence of special moments to showcase the program.
Tradition runs deep in Green Bay
For a franchise with the Packers’ history, any alternate uniform will inevitably generate debate. Green Bay has worn the exact same primary uniform without changes since 1997, and the design is essentially the same kit with only minor tweaks since the 1970s. That level of consistency is rare across the NFL, and it means the fanbase and the franchise itself carry deep attachment to the traditional green and gold.
Last season, the Packers had two alternate kits. The first drew inspiration from the 1923 Classic, featuring navy blue jerseys with gold numbers. Green Bay also wore an all-white uniform that included white helmets. The all-white look could still be on the horizon for 2026, but the Rivalries program represents a different direction entirely.
The Packers’ identity is tied to their uniform as much as any team in professional sports. Anytime an alternate appears, it will divide fans to a certain extent. That tension is nothing new for a franchise built on tradition, and the Rivalries program will test it once again when the Packers and Bears meet under the lights in Week 5.
