Artifact of the Month: Denver's Striped Sock

Examining some of the most unique items in the Chiefs Hall of Honor

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:49pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a football player wearing bright yellow and white striped socks, conceptually representing the bold visual identity of the early American Football League.The bold, colorful striped socks of the Denver Broncos' original 1960 uniform stand as a vibrant symbol of the AFL's early identity.Tucson Today

The Chiefs Hall of Honor contains artifacts that bring the team's and the American Football League's history to life, including a pair of yellow and white striped socks that were once part of the Denver Broncos' controversial 1960 uniform.

Why it matters

The AFL sought to make a bold statement with its uniform designs in its inaugural season, and the Broncos' mustard and brown color scheme with the distinctive striped socks was one of the most memorable and polarizing looks. While the team and its fans quickly abandoned the uniform, the socks were preserved as a reminder of the league's early days.

The details

The Broncos' 1960 uniforms were purchased secondhand from the defunct Copper Bowl all-star game in Tucson, Arizona, as the team was strapped for cash. The yellow and white striped socks were the most distinctive part of the uniform, which the players and fans hated. By 1962, the Broncos had adopted a new color scheme of orange, blue, and white, and the team even held a ceremonial burning of the old uniforms at midfield.

  • The Broncos wore the controversial uniforms in their inaugural 1960 season.
  • The team abandoned the uniforms by 1962 and adopted a new color scheme.

The players

Lamar Hunt

The founder of the American Football League, who wished for the Chiefs' Hall of Honor to pay tribute to the AFL's history.

Bob Moore

The author of the article examining artifacts in the Chiefs Hall of Honor.

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The takeaway

The striped socks from the Broncos' 1960 uniforms serve as a unique artifact that captures the bold, experimental spirit of the early American Football League, when teams sought to differentiate themselves through their uniform designs.