The Los Angeles Rams debuted their new uniforms, dubbed “Midnight Mode,” for the NFL’s “rivalries” initiative, and quarterback Matthew Stafford’s first look in the digs has raised eyebrows.
It is the first time in franchise history that the Rams will have all-black uniforms or even feature he color in their set.
“Some divisional matchups will mean just a little bit more this season as Nike and the league revealed eight new uniforms for the inaugural NFL ‘Rivalries’ cohort Thursday,” ESPN’s Anthony Gharib wrote on August 28. “Teams from the AFC East and NFC West will don special uniforms during a single home game against a division rival. The threads’ designs are “rooted extensively in the legacies and inspirations true to each team” and are meant to celebrate the storied rivalries.
“Elements of each uniform are unique to the city and team.”
“The unveiling of the first eight Rivalries club uniforms and fan gear marks a significant moment for the NFL, Nike and Fanatics, as creativity and innovation merge together to deliver a new take on what it means to be a rival,” NFL vice president of club marketing Taryn Hutt said, per Gharib.
The Rams shared various posts, a press release, and a hype video on X showing off their new look. It will debut on the field in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers.
“Champions aren’t made under the lights—they’re forged in the dark,” the Rams’ release said. “This midnight palette captures LA’s true spirit: the grind that nobody sees, the work that earns the spotlight, the relentless pursuit that defines our city and our team.”
That could be a significant game for Stafford and the Rams for many reasons.
The Rams are back on track with Stafford returning to the practice field in time for the regular season. However, his back injury remains a threat to recur at any time.
Jimmy Garoppolo Predicted to Start for Rams in Place of Matthew Stafford
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 and Jimmy Garoppolo #11 of the Los Angeles Rams before the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano offered a “bold prediction” that would bode well for Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo. The insider advised “don’t be surprised” if he starts for the Rams in Stafford’s place.
It would mean the Rams have to do without Stafford, though.
Since his arrival, Stafford has missed 11 games. Nine of those were due to injuries, including a spinal contusion that cut his 2022 campaign after nine starts. The good news is Rams head coach Sean McVay is confident in Garoppolo if something happens to Stafford.
The bad news is what the implications of the Rams starting Garoppolo could be for the 16-year veteran, Stafford.
“Stafford is 37 years old and has dealt with back issues in the past. (To his credit, he has found ways to play through them.) My understanding is that this isn’t something the Rams expect to sideline Stafford for a long period of time or affect his play early in the season, but that it is something that will need to be monitored and managed throughout the season,” Graziano wrote on August 27.
“There could come a week when Stafford feels he can’t play through it. And that’s where you could see backup Garoppolo — who started one game last season — having to step in and keep things humming.”
Notably, Garoppolo also garnered attention on social media for his pictures in the Rams’ “Midnight Mode” unis. He could very well be the one who sports it on game day.
Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions on 65.8% completion.
He is in the first year of a two-year, $84 million contract. He remains key to the Rams’ postseason and Super Bowl aspirations.
“I expect Stafford to tough this out and make it through the season; this Rams team has him convinced he can win another Super Bowl before he’s done,” Graziano wrote. “But it might not always be the smoothest process.”
Rams Have Backup QB Plan
GettyDresser Winn #4, Matthew Stafford #9, Stetson Bennett#13, and Jimmy Garoppolo #11 of the Los Angeles Rams take the field before facing the Houston Texans.
Garoppolo is a two-time Super Bowl champion, albeit as a backup. However, he led the 49ers to the 2019 Super Bowl. He was also at the helm for San Francisco when Stafford led the Rams past the 49ers to earn LA’s Super Bowl berth.
The 33-year-old Garoppolo, who turns 34 in November, has a 15,828-96-52 line on 67.4% completion in his career.
He is also 43-21 as a starting QB in the NFL.
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Garoppolo took over for Stafford in practice while Stafford was sidelined. But the Rams started third-string QB and 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett in two of their three preseason games. Former undrafted free agent Dresser Winn got the nod in the finale.
Long-term, the Rams have some questions to answer. Stafford is 37, while Winn, the youngest of the group, turns 27 in November. Neither he nor Bennett has regular-season experience.
For 2025, though, the Rams appear comfortable with their plan for Stafford and behind him.
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