NFL 1964 Rule Changes: Roster Expansions and Uniform Shifts
The 1964 NFL season marked a period of transition for the league, introducing adjustments that impacted both the strategic depth of teams and the visual identity of the game. From expanding the number of players available on game day to relaxing strict dress codes, these changes reflected an evolving approach to professional football management.
Expanding the Active Roster
In a significant move to increase player availability and depth, NFL club owners voted to raise the active roster limit—the number of players eligible to play in a game—from 37 to 40. At the time, this represented the largest roster increase in the history of the league. This expanded standard provided coaches with more flexibility in substitutions and injury management, remaining the league benchmark until the 1974 season.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Evolution of Uniform Regulations
Since 1957, the NFL had maintained a strict uniform policy: the home team was required to wear colored jerseys, while the visiting team wore white. However, the 1964 season introduced a pivotal shift, granting home teams the option to wear their white jerseys if they chose.
Several teams immediately adopted this option. The Browns, Cardinals, Colts, Cowboys, Rams, Redskins, and Vikings all wore white at home during the 1964 campaign. The Steelers also utilized white jerseys for a single home game against the Rams.
Long-term Impact on Team Traditions
While the rule change was open to all, teams reacted differently over the following decades. Some reverted to colored jerseys quickly, while others established lifelong traditions. The Redskins and Vikings returned to dark home jerseys by 1965, though Washington would not return to white at home until 1981, and Minnesota waited until 2022.
The Dallas Cowboys became the most notable example of this rule change. Aside from a mandatory use of blue jerseys as the home team in Super Bowl V, the Cowboys have continuously worn white at home since 1964, only sporadically wearing blue or throwback jerseys at home since 2001.
Other teams transitioned back to colors at different intervals: the Cardinals and Colts returned to their primary colors in 1966, the Rams in 1972, and the Browns only once between 1964 and 1975. The Steelers wore white for most home games from 1966 to 1969, but have not worn white as the home team in Pittsburgh since the opening of Three Rivers Stadium in 1970, with the exception of Super Bowl XL in 2005.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Roster Increase: The active roster limit grew from 37 to 40 players in 1964.
- Roster Duration: The 40-player limit remained in effect until 1974.
- Uniform Shift: Home teams were given the option to wear white jerseys starting in 1964.
- Cowboys Tradition: Dallas has largely worn white at home continuously since the 1964 rule change.
- Steelers Exception: Pittsburgh has not worn white at home since 1970, except for Super Bowl XL.
Summary of 1964 Uniform Adoptions
| Team | Home White Usage in 1964 | Return to Colored Home Jerseys |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | Yes | Maintained tradition (mostly) |
| Washington Redskins | Yes | 1965 |
| Minnesota Vikings | Yes | 1965 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | Yes | 1966 |
| Baltimore Colts | Yes | 1966 |
| Los Angeles Rams | Yes | 1972 |
| Cleveland Browns | Yes | Sporadic until 1975 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | One game (vs Rams) | 1970 (at Three Rivers Stadium) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the active roster limit change in 1964?
The NFL increased the active roster limit from 37 to 40 players, which was the largest increase in league history at that time.
How long did the 40-player roster limit last?
The 40-player active roster standard remained in place until the 1974 season.
What was the previous rule regarding home team jerseys?
From 1957 until 1964, the league required the home team to wear colored jerseys and the visiting team to wear white.
Which team is most famous for wearing white at home following this rule?
The Dallas Cowboys are the most prominent example, having worn white at home almost continuously since the rule change, with only sporadic exceptions since 2001.
When did the Steelers stop wearing white at home?
The Steelers stopped wearing white as the home team in Pittsburgh when Three Rivers Stadium opened in 1970, though they wore white as the home team for Super Bowl XL in 2005.