Why Aren’t The Chargers Powder Blue Jerseys Permanent?

Claimed by NFL network as the best uniform of all time, why do the Chargers never look to make the famous powder blue jerseys the permanent attire? The dark blues are nice. The new gold accents added around the name lettering look crisp and clean. But fans, players, and coaches alike get excited to wear the alternative colors twice a year.

Here are the thoughts of a few players in regards to the meaning of powder blue.

“It symbolizes the historic moments here,”..”That’s the first thing that comes to mind for me. And it’s a sweet color, man. The color to me is amazing. So when you wear it, you represent the organization at the present time. But you also know that you’re playing for guys that have been here and paved the way for guys like myself and the future.. “Now, it’s about fashion, Guys will say, ‘That color is sweet. That’s for me.’ Yeah, it’s fashion. But just know the guys that came through here and grinded — Charlie Joiner, Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow Sr. — for them, wearing the powder blue was a big deal. So when you put them on, you’re wearing something. You’re wearing the Charger bolt.” – Antonio Gates

“I love it,” .. “Those are the best jerseys in the NFL, hands down. No question. I’m looking good out there — looking good, feeling good, playing good.” – Donald Butler

“Everybody likes a little change up with the alternate jersey just because you don’t see it that often” .. “When you put it on it feels good to have a fresh look and excite the fans a little bit changing up the appearance.  I think it’s fun to do.  It’s a good atmosphere, it’s fun for the fans and we enjoy it. It’s a rare occasion so we like to play well wearing them.  I remember watching LT wear this jersey, and he always played pretty well in the powder blue!” – Darrell Stuckey

“I always love the powder blue game,” .. “I used to go out and get my shoes painted to match, and now I have a pair of blues I’ll be wearing to go with them.   It’s always special to wear those jerseys, so I’m excited to be out there playing in them.  You always get fired up when you have them on.” – Malcom Floyd

“It’s a very big deal for me to get to wear them,” .. “Not everyone gets to wear them because we don’t wear them in the preseason.  You have to be on the team to actually wear them, so that means a lot to me.  I see why the fans love them because I do love them.” – Ladarius Green

I couldn’t agree with them more. The powder blue color seems to suddenly blend generations of Chargers history from Lance Alworth and John Hadl to LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates. There is a certain energy that pulsates within the stadium and throughout the fan base when they breakout the powder blues. Players, coaches, and fans alike seem to take on a level of pride and spirit when sporting their alternate colors. And some of the greatest Chargers moments and games in recent history have come in these uniforms. So here is the big question. Why doesn’t Chargers ownership and front office make the decision to sport the prestigious color full time? Regardless, one thing is for sure… They are in fact the greatest uniforms of all time!’

Oct 19, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) leads the huddle during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports