The Buffalo Bills revealed on Tuesday that they will don their celebrated red helmets for a single game during the 2025 NFL season, marking a special farewell to Highmark Stadium before relocating to a new venue in 2026. The team is slated to sport the red helmets in Week 18 when they face the New York Jets, commemorating the last regular-season contest at their current home field.
History and Significance of the Red Helmets
The red helmets, paired with white facemasks, were a hallmark of the Bills from 1987 until 2001 after an earlier period with white helmets that stretched from 1962 to 1983. From 1984 to 1986, Buffalo also wore red helmets but with blue facemasks before settling on the more iconic red-and-white configuration. This design coincided with the franchise’s most triumphant era.
During the red-and-white helmet years, particularly from 1988 to 1999, the Bills achieved a record of 124 wins and 68 losses along with six division championships and ten playoff appearances. This period included four consecutive Super Bowl appearances between 1990 and 1993, a unique achievement in NFL history despite the Bills falling short in each final.
The success of those teams was fueled by several Hall of Fame players such as quarterback Jim Kelly, running back Thurman Thomas, wide receivers Andre Reed and James Lofton, defensive end Bruce Smith, and head coach Marv Levy — all of whom played significant roles in defining the franchise’s legacy during that time.
Current Era Led by Josh Allen Mirrors Past Success
Though the Bills have not returned to a Super Bowl since the 1993 campaign, their current squad is experiencing a period of sustained excellence reminiscent of the early 1990s. With Josh Allen, the reigning NFL MVP, at the helm, Buffalo has secured playoff berths for six consecutive seasons and claimed five straight AFC East titles. The return of the red helmets symbolizes a nod to this tradition of success.
Additional Throwback Uniforms Highlight 2025 Season
Aside from the red helmets slated for their final 2025 game at Highmark Stadium, the Bills will also wear their vintage “Standing Buffalo” uniforms twice during the season. These throwback outfits draw inspiration from the team’s 1962 to 1973 attire, featuring white helmets adorned with a red buffalo silhouette and uniforms showcasing the team’s classic red, white, and blue palette.
The “Standing Buffalo” design was first revived as an alternate uniform in 2005 and appeared periodically until 2021. In 2025, the Bills will sport these uniforms on the road against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5 and at home versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.
Significance of the Helmets and the Upcoming Transition
Bringing back the red helmets for the final game at Highmark Stadium holds symbolic weight, honoring a storied chapter in Buffalo Bills history while also bridging the gap to an exciting future with their new stadium opening in 2026. The choice to celebrate this transition by resurrecting a visual icon associated with one of the franchise’s greatest eras speaks to the team’s respect for its legacy and ambition moving forward.