Cardinals 'Rivalries' jerseys, explained: Inside Arizona's desert-themed alternate uniforms for 2025

Gilbert McGregor

Cardinals 'Rivalries' jerseys, explained: Inside Arizona's desert-themed alternate uniforms for 2025 image

The Arizona Cardinals' branding became even more unique during the 2025 NFL season.

As one of the just eight NFL teams to debut a "Rivalries" uniform in 2025, the Cardinals are the first to wear the jerseys in a game. The eye-popping look isn't a one-off, either; it will be a part of the franchise's uniform rotation for three seasons.

Arizona's 'Rivalries' uniform draws inspiration from the community that the franchise has called home since 1988. Those elements are visible on and throughout the uniform, and there is even more than meets the eye.

Here is everything to know about the Cardinals' alternate uniform set and the "Rivalries" program as a whole.

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Cardinals 'Rivalries' jersey details

The Cardinals' "Rivalries" uniform features a white jersey and pants, but it is far from the standard monochromatic look.

Dubbed the "Built to Last" uniform, there is a speckled pattern on the jersey and pants that is designed to represent the desert heat and shards of sand in a storm. The jerseys also feature hits of red, tan, and copper as an ode to the Cardinals' desert locale and the state's production of copper.

On the sleeves of the jerseys is an outline of the state of Arizona, and within the outline is the unique Arizona state flag.

The look is completed with a sandblasted matte white helmet, complete with a three-dimensional Cardinals logo that has a copper beak. The "sandstorm" look was implemented as a reminder to the NFL world of what makes Arizona unique.

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What are NFL 'Rivalries' jerseys?

An April 2025 announcement described NFL "Rivalries" jerseys as "a new and exciting uniform and fan gear program that will give athletes and fans an opportunity to connect like never before."

The uniforms are inspired by the team's home community. Participating teams wear these uniforms during select divisional rivalry games.

Nike and the NFL will begin with eight participating teams in 2025, and the program began with the four teams in the AFC East and the NFC West. Two more divisions will add Rivalries uniforms during each ensuing year.

  • 2025: AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Jets and Patriots) and NFC West (49ers, Cardinals, Rams and Seahawks)
  • 2026: AFC South (Colts, Jaguars, Texans and Titans) and NFC North (Bears, Lions, Packers and Vikings)
  • 2027: AFC West (Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs and Raiders) and NFC East (Commanders, Cowboys, Eagles and Giants)
  • 2028: AFC North (Bengals, Browns, Ravens and Steelers) and NFC South (Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers and Saints)

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.