For NFL fans, this year’s AFC Championship game box score might not have been a shootout in terms of offensive output. Granted, the game ended in a 10-7 score following a gruelling slugfest as the Patriots grinded their way towards this weekend’s Super Bowl. And sure, both teams were amongst the league’s most formidable defences, but the second half was more so dictated by heavy snowfalls and blistering wind chills than game planning. Naturally, it left a few fans frustrated by Mother Nature once again playing her hand in the outcome of the NFL’s crucial playoff moments. But since the league’s exception, weather has always been a key character in the script, from the atmosphere to the players themselves. And, for me, it’s a factor worth holding onto.
Year after year, professional sports stray further away from allowing the elements to play major roles in the game. More MLB teams are investing in domes, while select NFL franchises are following suit with indoor stadiums. Even the NHL’s beloved “Winter Classic” moved to Miami this year (a decision that felt borderline sacrilegious).
While I understand the argument from the standpoint of the on-field product, I can’t stomach missing the NFL’s iconic winter moments and, frankly, the outrageous ‘fits inspired by the cold. The Patriots-Broncos game served us a perfect example of what we might be sacrificing, with this NFL sideline official sporting a fur coat that would’ve left even Frank Lucas envious. So, ahead of the 2026 Super Bowl (taking place in sunny Santa Clara), I took a deep dive into some of my favourite NFL winter style moments from over the years, from sherpa-laden coaches to Super Bowl halftime performers.
1983: Houston Oilers Coach Bum Phillips
A few decades ago in Philadelphia, Houston Oilers head coach Bum Phillips sported his signature cowboy hat and favourite sherpa jacket to battle the blistering cold of December football. It was a look that Phillips deployed many times throughout his career and one he never failed to pull off. But would you expect anything else from an NFL coach named “Bum Phillips”? It just feels right, right?
2014: New York Jets Former Hall-of-Fame Quarterback Joe Namath
There are many reasons why legendary quarterback Joe Namath was known as “Broadway Joe” throughout his career. But above all, Namath was a showman of the highest order, something that didn’t retire alongside his on-field career. Ahead of the 2014 Super Bowl, Namath was asked to do the ceremonial coin toss. In true superstar fashion, he did it dressed in a truly ridiculous mink coat. He eventually had to cede the spotlight to the current players, but he made the most of his Super Bowl reunion.
2024: Usher’s Post-Super Bowl After Party
After one of the more memorable Super Bowl halftime shows in recent years, SHARP November cover star Usher pulled up to Cathédrale Las Vegas draped in a white fur robe. Of course, with the game being hosted in Las Vegas, he opted to hold off from including it in his performance (for health and safety reasons, it was for the best). But in true Usher fashion, the after-party ensemble looked as cool and comfortable at a Nevada restaurant as it would’ve in a snow-covered title game. Hopefully, we never have to say goodbye to the latter.
FEATURE PHOTO: MICHAEL STRAHAN (L) AND JOE NAMATH ATTEND THE PEPSI SUPER BOWL XLVIII PREGAME SHOW. PHOTO BY KEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGE VIA GETTY IMAGES.
