Fans are known to be a superstitious bunch, especially when it comes to the NFL. Any trick—whether real or perceived—that might give their team even the slightest advantage is held onto and cherished. As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to take the field in the Super Bowl, the focus is on their choice of uniforms, and a long-standing superstition that could play a role in the outcome.
White jerseys: a winning tradition
Simply put, the team wearing white usually wins, and the statistics back it up. In the 58 previous Super Bowls, the team in white boasts a 37-21 record, translating to a 63.8% winning percentage. This trend has only intensified in recent years, making the choice of uniform a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
In the 21st century, white jersey-wearing teams have an impressive 17-7 record (69.9%). But it gets even more compelling: 16 of the last 20 Super Bowl winners have donned white jerseys. This includes memorable upsets, such as the New York Giants defeating the New England Patriots twice and the New Orleans Saints overcoming the Indianapolis Colts in 2009.
The Super Bowl jersey curse
One well-known superstition in the NFL is the Super Bowl jersey curse. Many fans believe that wearing white is a lucky charm, and the evidence is hard to ignore. In the last 11 years, only three teams in colored jerseys have claimed victory in the Super Bowl.
Among those teams, two were the Kansas City Chiefs. The other? The Philadelphia Eagles, who made a bold choice to wear their trademark green when they defeated the New England Patriots in 2017. As the home team, the Eagles had the option to choose their colors, and they went with what they know best.
Now, as the Chiefs gear up for another shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce will again be in white, just like they were when they triumphed over the Philadelphia Eagles in a thrilling 38-35 shootout last year.
Fans weigh in on the superstition
The superstitions surrounding jersey colors have sparked a lively conversation among fans. One fan remarked, "This is crazy how white jerseys win more than the color ones. Like what are the odds? Is it a superstition thing now after players figured this out?"
Another chimed in, "Gotta make sure their precious golden boy and the Chiefs win their three-peat." Some fans even went so far as to suggest that the outcome is predetermined, with one saying, "It’s RIGGED. Chiefs will win because the NFL wants them to. Bookmark this."
The debate continues, with some attributing the outcome to the referees, stating, "Only colors that will matter in this game are the black and white stripes."
NFL head coach annual salaries
- Andy Reid – Chiefs – $20 million
- Sean Payton – Broncos – $18 million
=3. Mike Tomlin – Steelers – $16 million
=3. Jim Harbaugh – Chargers – $16 million - Sean McVay – Rams – $15 million
- Kyle Shanahan – 49ers – $14 million
- John Harbaugh – Ravens – $12 million
=8. Dan Campbell – Lions – $11 million
=8. Sean McDermott – Bills – $11 million - Mike MacDonald – Seahawks – $10 million
While the superstition surrounding jersey colors adds an intriguing layer to the Super Bowl narrative, it also highlights the passion and fervor that fans bring to the game. As the Chiefs prepare to don their white jerseys, the question remains: will history repeat itself, or will the unexpected take center stage once again?
