Typically, around the start of training camp, there is a lot of excitement about the upcoming season in New England, regardless of what happened the previous year. That is very apparent this offseason, primarily due to the arrival of Mike Vrabel as the new head coach and the optimism surrounding Drake Maye's second year.
Despite recording back-to-back losing records in 2023 and 2024, the moves the new regime has made over the last few months have led many analysts to believe that there is a chance the Patriots could be a playoff contender, which is a stark contrast to their recent performances.
It's an exciting development that wasn't expected, no matter who Robert Kraft chose to succeed Jerod Mayo.
Making matters even more exciting is the return of the beloved throwback uniforms, which fans can't get enough of, adding even more intrigue to an already highly anticipated season. There is a chance a new uniform is introduced next season, too, as the NFL is reportedly allowing the use of an additional helmet. But until then, we now know when the Patriots will wear their infamous red throwbacks this fall.
The Patriots are set to wear their throwback uniforms against two storied rivals
The Patriots announced the games in which the team will wear their throwback uniforms this season, sharing just two dates on the calendar for the return of the red jerseys.
We will get our first look at their return in Week 3 against the Steelers, and again in Week 13 on Monday Night Football against the Giants.
Throwback bouts 🚨 pic.twitter.com/6bB7coemnz
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) July 22, 2025
It's fair to say that they couldn't have chosen better opponents to wear one of their best uniform combinations this season.
Their history against the Giants and Steelers is well-documented, even if it's been several years since either team was considered a true rival. Because the Patriots are receiving such high praise for what they could potentially accomplish this year, perhaps they could reignite those old rivalries with familiar foes, as they hopefully get back on track to relevancy as soon as this fall.
It would be even more fitting with Vrabel and OC Josh McDaniels back in the building, as they were part of some of those more memorable games, and maybe we'll add some more in these two matchups.