Since their inception in 1966, the Miami Dolphins have been known for the uniqueness of their aqua and orange uniforms. In the 2025 season, the franchise introduced a darker blue shade to the palette, causing the aqua and orange to stand out even more than before.
The Dolphins are one of eight NFL teams to introduce a "Rivalries" uniform during the 2025 NFL season. Miami became the second team to wear the "Rivalries" set on the field, using a prime-time stage to debut a uniform that will be a part of the rotation for the next three seasons.
These 'Rivalries' uniforms draw inspiration from the Dolphins' South Florida locale, using a mix of colors chosen to represent the dark ocean waters that are synonymous with the aquatic life in Miami.
Here is everything to know about the Dolphins' "Rivalries" uniforms and the program developed by Nike and the NFL.
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Dolphins 'Rivalries' jersey details
While the Dolphins' "Rivalries" uniforms appear black, they are a dark navy that has been dubbed "pitch blue," and the uniforms are being called the "Dark Water" set.
These go hard. 😤 pic.twitter.com/C1SQwuMrrw
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 28, 2025
The uniforms feature pitch blue helmets, jerseys, and pants. The helmet decal features a pitch blue-colored dolphin, while aqua and orange are used as accents on the helmet and throughout the uniforms. Jersey numbers are printed in Miami's trademark aqua, while orange is used for jersey wordmarks and player nameplates.
Both traditional colors are used on the jersey and pants stripes.
As described during the uniform's reveal, the colors chosen are "dark aquatic tones made to represent a team who hunts in dark waters."
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What are NFL 'Rivalries' jerseys?
In April 2025, a joint announcement from the NFL and Nike described "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."
Rivalries uniforms are inspired by the team's home community. Participating teams wear these uniforms during select divisional rivalry games.
Nike and the NFL began 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)