If you walk through Laramie, Wyoming, on a Saturday, you’ll see it everywhere. It’s a specific, almost jarring shade of brown and a bright, sun-soaked gold. Usually, it has the number 17 stitched on the front. To most of the country, that's just a jersey. But in the high desert of the Mountain West, the Josh Allen college jersey is basically a holy relic.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild to think about now. Back in 2015, nobody wanted Josh Allen. He sent emails to every coach in the country, begging for a shot. Only Wyoming said yes. Fast forward to late 2025, and that same kid returned to War Memorial Stadium—not as a desperate recruit, but as the reigning NFL MVP—to watch his number 17 get retired.
He's the first player in Wyoming football history to ever have his jersey retired. Think about that for a second. In over a century of "Pokes" football, the kid from Firebaugh, California, is the one who finally closed the book on his number.
Why Everyone Wants a Piece of the 17
You've probably noticed that finding an authentic Josh Allen college jersey is a bit of a scavenger hunt these days. It isn’t just Bills fans trying to be "retro." There’s a genuine pride in what that jersey represents: the underdog story to end all underdog stories.
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When Allen was in Laramie, he wasn't the polished superstar you see on Sundays. He was a raw, chaotic gunslinger who would jump over defenders one play and throw a 60-yard rocket the next. It was "must-watch" TV. Fans who bought the jersey back then were essentially buying stock in a guy the rest of the world hadn't heard of yet.
Now, collectors are paying a premium for the real deal. A signed Josh Allen Wyoming jersey can easily go for over $1,000 on the memorabilia market. Even the high-quality replicas from brands like Original Retro Brand or Fanatics will run you $130, and they sell out almost as fast as they’re restocked.
The Aesthetic: Brown and Gold?
Let’s be real. Wyoming’s colors are... unique. Most teams go with "safe" colors like blue or red. Wyoming went with brown and gold, inspired by the state's wildflowers and soil. It’s an acquired taste, but in the context of a football jersey, it’s one of the most recognizable looks in the NCAA.
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- The Brown: It’s deep, earthy, and meant to represent the ruggedness of the state.
- The Gold: This is where the pop comes from. It looks incredible under the lights at "The War" (War Memorial Stadium).
- The Font: Wyoming uses a very specific, blocky Western font for the numbers that fits the whole "Cowboy" vibe perfectly.
The Historic Retirement in 2025
On November 22, 2025, things came full circle. Josh Allen stood at midfield during halftime of the Nevada game. The Western Thunder Marching Band literally formed a giant number 17 on the field.
It was a cold night—typical Wyoming weather—but the stadium was packed. Allen, being the local legend he is, didn’t give a boring, corporate speech. He actually ended it by saying, “It will always suck to be a CSU Ram,” referring to Wyoming’s bitter rivals, Colorado State. The crowd went absolutely mental.
That night solidified the Josh Allen college jersey as a permanent part of Wyoming's landscape. A massive #17 was unveiled on the west side of the stadium, and from that point on, no Cowboy will ever wear that number again.
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Spotting a Fake vs. The Real Deal
If you’re looking to buy one, you have to be careful. The market is flooded with cheap knockoffs that get the colors wrong. The "brown" on a fake often looks more like a weird purple or a faded grey.
- Check the Branding: Real Wyoming jerseys from Allen’s era were Nike. Newer "legacy" replicas are often made by Retro Brand or Fanatics. If the tag says some random brand you’ve never heard of, it's a fake.
- Stitched vs. Screen-Print: The jerseys Allen actually wore had stitched tackle twill numbers. Most fans buy the screen-printed versions because they’re cheaper ($119–$130), but if you’re a serious collector, you want the heavy stitching.
- The Patch: Look for the Mountain West logo on the chest. Authentic replicas from his playing days will always have that conference branding.
The "MVP" Impact on Laramie
It’s hard to overstate how much one guy changed the economy of a small college town. A study once estimated that Allen’s time at Wyoming brought over $46 million in exposure value to the university. Basically, he put the school on the map.
You see people from Buffalo, New York, flying into Cheyenne and driving up to Laramie just to see where he played. They all buy a Josh Allen college jersey before they leave. It’s become a bridge between Western New York and the state of Wyoming. It’s a weird, beautiful connection that shouldn't make sense, but it does.
How to Get Your Hands on One Now
If you want an official Josh Allen college jersey in 2026, your best bet is hitting the official University of Wyoming store or Fanatics. They typically carry the "Original Retro Brand" version which is high-quality and officially licensed.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check Inventory Regularly: These jerseys aren't always in stock. If you see one in your size, buy it immediately. They don't sit on shelves.
- Verify Authenticity: If you're buying from eBay, always ask for a photo of the "jock tag" at the bottom of the jersey to ensure it's an official collegiate product.
- Visit Laramie: If you're a true fan, go to the Brown and Gold Outlet in Laramie. They often have exclusive gear and variations you can't find online.
- Frame It: If you manage to get a stitched version, get it framed. With Allen's career trajectory, that Wyoming 17 is only going up in value.
The Josh Allen college jersey is more than just a piece of sports apparel. It’s a reminder that a zero-star recruit from a cantaloupe farm can become the best player in the world. It’s about grit, staying power, and a whole lot of brown and gold pride.