Back in black: B.C. Lions announce one-time-only return of popular gun-metal third jersey

The B.C. Lions may not have star quarterback Nathan Rourke back on the field for their final home game of the 2022 regular season, but something even more popular with fans will be returning.

On Friday, the team announced that their gun-metal grey third jerseys will be returning for a one-time-only appearance against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday night. The jerseys will then be auctioned off starting December 1, with proceeds going to the Greater Vancouver and Surrey Food Banks as part of the Purolator Tackle Hunger program.

Considered by many to be one of the best uniforms in CFL history, the look first debuted in 2013 as part of the Lions’ 60th anniversary season. They have not been worn in eight years, despite many calling for a permanent shift to the jersey.

The uniform has been slightly updated since its last appearance but maintains its gun-metal grey colour scheme and black numbering with orange highlights. The Lions’ vintage paw logo has been replaced on the shoulder by the roaring mountain lion logo of the team’s Quarterback Club, while all black helmets will continue to feature the team’s indigenized logo.

The special jersey will be worn in honour of Fan Appreciation Night, as the Lions (10-5) take on the Bombers (14-2) at 10:00 p.m. EDT at BC Place.