When you look good, you feel good. Full stop. There’s no denying the core sentiment behind that age-old adage. But when it comes to the world of professional sports, you still have to perform. No exceptions. Whether your last name is Brady, Jordan, or Gretzky, when it comes to being in the arena, no one’s cutting you slack just because they like the cut of your jib.
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Fortunately for the San Francisco 49ers, their jerseys this week channel the unbridled NFL greatness of former comrades-in-arms Steve Young and Jerry Rice, so talking the talk AND walking the walk naturally go hand in hand. With that in mind, here’s a look at everything you need to know about the throwback red uniforms the San Francisco 49ers will wear when they face the Chicago Bears December 28 on Sunday Night Football on NBC and Peacock.
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What are the San Francisco 49ers throwback red uniforms?
First unveiled ahead of the 2021 season as part of the organization’s 75th anniversary, the throwback red uniforms the 49ers will wear against the Chicago Bears on SNF this week are a classically designed tribute to San Francisco’s historic 1994 team, which defeated the then–San Diego Chargers 49–26 to win Super Bowl XXIX.
San Fran’s ’94 red throwback uniforms feature three-stripe sleeves, drop shadow jersey numbers, red and black pant stripes, and helmets with a vintage oval decal on the side, along with a “saloon font” front bumper, per the organization. The red edition of the jersey joins the celebrated ’94 white throwback uniform which returned to formal NFL competition in 2018.
Stepping confidently out of Joe Montana’s shadow for Super Bowl XXIX, Steve Young shredded the San Diego Chargers’ secondary with surgical precision, notching a record six touchdowns – three of which were hauled in by Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. Going 24-36 for 325 yards, a 134.8 passer rating, and nearly 50 yards rushing, Young’s performance didn’t just earn him the Super Bowl MVP – its personification of gridiron greatness forever enshrined him as an NFL legend.
When do the San Francisco 49ers play the Chicago Bears on SNF?
Head coach Kyle Shanahan will have his troops ready for battle when the San Francisco 49ers host Caleb Wilson and the Chicago Bears for Sunday Night Football on December 28. Kickoff is slated for 8:20 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Fans can watch the live television broadcast on NBC or streaming on Peacock.
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With Wilson’s Bears surging to the top of the NFC North, Brock Purdy and company will have their work cut out for them in their Week 17 matchup – one whose results could dramatically impact where both Super Bowl hopefuls shake out for the playoffs. There’s a lot at stake, especially for the Niners, who sit squarely in the middle of the hunt for the NFC West title, but they need Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams to stumble for that scenario to manifest. Similarly, we could foreseeably witness head coach Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears clinch the NFC North – perhaps even the division – by the time this juggernaut of a matchup finishes. No matter who you’re rooting for, it’s a primetime game that promises to be thrilling to the end.