Packers unveil World War II-era throwbacks

Pulling on its history from the World War II era, the Green Bay Packers unveiled the third uniform they'll wear for the next five seasons during their annual shareholders meeting Tuesday.

It's a throwback to the team's uniform worn from 1937 to 1949, a period that included the Packers' 1939 and 1944 NFL title. The alternate jerseys include a gold yoke across the shoulder pads, as well as faded gold pants and Navy socks.

The uniforms will debut when the Packers host the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 18 at Lambeau Field.

"We had two championships during that period," Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy said. "Had some great, great players. Both Don Hutson and Tony Canadeo played during that time period. For me, we have such a great history and tradition. For us, I've always kind of viewed the third jersey, it makes sense to have a throwback rather than a neon, brightly colored yellow, something like that. I think it really kind of accentuates the unique history and tradition that we have."

Over the past five years, the team wore Acme Packers jerseys based on the 1929-30 uniforms. Speaking to almost 12,000 shareholders at Lambeau Field, Murphy made sure to mention the Packers were 5-0 since 2010 when wearing the ACME jerseys.

The gold-yoke alternates were last worn on the field in 1994, when the Packers celebrated their 75th anniversary. As in the past, Murphy said, there will be no change to the Packers' helmets when they wear their alternate jerseys.

"For a couple of years now," Murphy said, "the league (has said) you cannot change your helmet. So you can take decals off, but you can't wear a different helmet. So the helmet, I think, will be similar to the ones we wore with the ACME Packer jerseys."

Murphy said the NFL is also starting a new initiative called "color on color," with teams wearing jerseys that feature only one color. It's "purely voluntary" for teams this season, Murphy said, so the Packers will not wear a one-colored jersey in 2015.

Next season, Murphy said, it becomes mandatory.

"Kind of a different look," he said. "I think the idea is to kind of differentiate so that if you were watching the Thursday Night game, there's something unique about it."

League policies allow teams to wear alternate jerseys in two home games per season. Traditionally, the Packers have only worn them once per season.

Murphy said limited use helps ensure the third jerseys are special. He expects the gold-yoke alternates to be a success.

"I think our fans love it," he said. "Just as importantly, the players love it. It makes those games a little special."

-rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood