Rod Wood believes "fans are going to like" new Lions rivalry uniforms coming in 2026

The Detroit Lions' current uniform set is just about picture-perfect, but soon, another fresh look will join the rotation.

Coming in 2026 will be the Lions' new "Rivalries" uniform.

In 2025, the NFL launched a new wave of uniforms as a part of their "Rivalries" program with Nike, similar to Major League Baseball's "City Connects." The first wave of these came during the 2025 season and encompassed teams from the NFC West and AFC East. A second wave, which includes the Lions and the rest of the NFC North, was announced in 2025 for the 2026 season, along with the AFC South.

Speaking with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Lions team president Rod Wood spoke about the new "Rivalries" uniform, along with a variety of other topics, including the need to upgrade the pass rush.

Wood says that he's seen the new uniforms and that "I think fans are going to like it," adding that it's "pretty cool." Wood continues by saying, "It connects to our uniform, but it’s, like you saw some of the ones last year, it’ll add little wrinkle to things."

Wood would not elaborate on what the new design entails, saying he'd likely "get kicked out of the league" if he did. Although he quipped, "Actually, what are they going to do to me now?" in reference to his upcoming retirement, which will occur before the 2026 season kicks off.

Given the popularity of the "blueberries" at home, it's possible the team could put a spin on that with a different all-blue look. There's also the possibility that the all-grays could return in some fashion after they didn't return in the latest uniform refresh in 2024. The blue helmets the team later wore with those all-grays were used for only one season, and could maybe see a comeback.

It'll be a little while before the Lions' "Rivalries" uniforms are revealed. Last year, the first wave wasn't unveiled until July. Expect a similar timeline here.

When and where will the Lions debut their "Rivalries" uniform?

The "Rivalries" uniform will only be used for one home game of the 2026 season against a division rival. The uniforms will also be used during the following two seasons before, presumably, a new iteration is created to continue the program if deemed successful.

As for who the Lions will use them against, Wood says that he'd "like to see (the) schedule" first to maximize the marketability of the new uniforms.

"It has to be a home game and it has to be against a division rival, so that limits you to a maximum of three choices. But let’s say we’re playing Monday night against the Packers, that might be a cool time to wear it. Or Thursday after Thanksgiving. That might be cool."

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One thing to expect is that the Lions will be wearing them in Detroit. The Lions are the designated home team for their game in Munich, Germany, which could be against one of those three division rivals. Wood said on the matter, "I don’t want to say we’re wearing it against Chicago and now we’re in Germany."

Birkett notes that the Lions have protected two home games that the NFL can't use for the Munich game -- the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. However, Wood says he has "a hard time" believing the Germany opponent will be the Bears, but that it "could be" them.

The full NFL schedule typically releases in May. If the NFL keeps up with the pattern set by last year, which game the Lions will use their new uniforms in will be announced in August.