Bret Bielema calls Illini NFL 'trend setters' after Green Bay Packers throwback uniform release

The Green Bay Packers unveiled their throwback uniforms for the 2025 season on Thursday morning and it’s a familiar look. If you’re a fan of Illinois at the college level, you’ve probably seen the concept before.

That’s because, according to Illinois coach Bret Bielema, the Packers hit up the Fighting Illini for tips on the jersey combo. In particular, the throwback helmet is pretty close to a like-for-like replica of the ones Illinois wore recently.

On3 made the comparison on social media. Bielema was quick to chime in.

“They interviewed [Jake Rosch] (best EQ guy in the country) last year and took a few ideas from the #famILLy,” Bielema wrote. “Always good to be a trend setter in the #NFL.”

You can view the resemblance in the throwback uniforms below. It’s pretty uncanny.

The Packers' new uniform looks familiar🤔 @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/jVpzBahfb7

— On3 (@On3sports) July 24, 2025

The legendary NFL franchise is certainly taking it back to its roots. The throwback uniforms are inspired by their unis from back in 1923, which goes back to nearly the beginning of Green Bay’s history as a franchise.

“Returning to our roots,” the Packers captioned their reveal. A second post read, “Engineered for legends in the making.”

Green Bay is going into its 105th season as a team, having been around since 1921, spending one season originally as part of the American Professional Football Association (APFA) in 1921 before the league was renamed as the National Football League from 1922 on. Over that century, the Packers are 810-604-38 with 13 championships won, including four in their five appearances in the Super Bowl in I, II, XXXI, and most recently with XLV in 2010.

The new throwback uniforms are a nice nod to some of that history, as well as a cool look that challenges what a throwback can be. The helmets, of course, will be the main attraction.

But the full look is pretty exceptional for the Green Bay Packers. And apparently, Illinois is partially to thank.