Colts unveil blacked-out 'Indiana Nights' helmets, alternate uniform

Maybe a cool black helmet will be the new look that leads to the new Colts. It’s all part of an “Indiana Nights” vibe that the team will use in a home game this season.

On Friday, the Colts revealed the alternate uniform and accessories that they’ll wear in week seven as they play host to the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium.

There’s a lot of NFL team history being made since the Colts have never worn a black helmet. But don’t worry, the black helmets still sport the Colts horseshoe logo. The only thing that changes is the color.

The team shared some of the looks on social media.

Paint it black. pic.twitter.com/FVRv7NgP2l

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 20, 2023

Black Colts helmet inspired by Indiana night sky

The jersey also is unique. It’s made of heathered blue fabric. (Confused as to what that is? Think of your favorite heather gray t-shirt.) According to the Colts, Indianapolis will be the first team in the NFL to use this kind of jersey fabric.

From the Colts site, this is how they describe the rest of the look, which is topped off by the matte black helmet.

The classic shoulder stripes run horizontally across the shoulder pads. The white jersey numbers are outlined in black, and the Colts’ secondary logo – paying homage to the state of Indiana – adorns the top left corner of the jersey.

In addition, the team said the Colts added the black helmet because of fan demand. Plus, the designers took inspiration from “the combination of black and blue that resemble an Indiana night sky.” And, the team said the “Indiana Nights” look is super cool because of the “strength, fearlessness and resilience the color black evokes.”

The social media team also shared a video. Give it a look.

Them Indiana boys in them Indiana Nights. 🌙 pic.twitter.com/yBp1fHbFZH

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 20, 2023

This month has been loaded with alternate uniform reveals.

The Bucs leaned into their past with a new “Creamsicle” throwback uniform. Tampa unveiled the alternate uniforms last week. They’ll wear the light orange jerseys in a home game against the Lions on Oct. 15.

And speaking of orange, the Cleveland Browns showed off their white helmets earlier this week. They’ll keep their regular orange helmets in the equipment room for three games. So it’ll be the first time any Brown has worn a non-orange helmet in more than 70 years.

The Vikings also introduced their throwback uniform this week. The team will wear these uniforms, which feature a darker purple than usual, the first game of the season. Meanwhile, the Seahawks used the 1990s as a theme for their alternate looks.

We love the classics, but the change ups are fun, too.