The Bronco Onesie (Bill Romanowski)

Bill Romanowski was one of the most colorful players in team history. While there are many stories regarding his preparation and play, our focus will be on the extreme measures he took with his game jersey.

1996 Bill Romanowski Game Worn Broncos Jersey

1996 Bill Romanowski Game Worn Broncos Jersey

To say Romo’s game jersey was ‘modified’ would be an extreme understatement.  For this example, we will focus on his 1996 game jersey that was so heavily modified with so many additional pieces that it looks like the Frankenstein of jerseys crossed with a gigantic baby onesie!

The changes made to this jersey, starting from top to bottom:

• The sleeves were removed and replaced with the same elastic material sewn into the sides of the jersey.  This allowed the shoulder to be form fitting over the shoulder pads.

• Under the arms, a rectangular piece of fabric was sewn in that had eyelets sewn into it.  This allowed for shoelaces to be threaded under the shoulder pad and tied to the jersey.

1996 Bill Romanowski Game Worn Broncos Jersey

1996 Bill Romanowski Game Worn Broncos Jersey

• A ‘crotch strap’ was added to the bottom half of the jersey.  This was a common addition to jerseys in the 1960s and allowed for the jersey to be tied down.

1996 Bill Romanowski Game Worn Broncos Jersey

1996 Bill Romanowski Game Worn Broncos Jersey

All of these modifications were done with the sole intent of making Romo’s jersey more difficult to grab, allowing him to shed blockers easier.

Tom Jacobsen