James Conner sat during a break in the video shoot, where movie magic was eventually going to take the running back from a soundstage into a swirling sandstorm.

He had just seen for the first time the Cardinals' new uniforms for the NFL/Nike Rivalry series, and he was in awe.

"Desert vibe, the sand, everything plays into it," Conner said. "The copper, the details, I just think it’s awesome. The perfect fit."

For more than a year, the Cardinals let the world know a storm was coming. That will ultimately be on display Sept. 25, when the team hosts the Seattle Seahawks on "Thursday Night Football" at State Farm Stadium as their Rivalry game – the first played this season by any team.

They will do it in a uniform mirroring the harshness of the desert heat, the shards of sand in a storm, the tan, red and copper that echo both the Desert Cardinal and the commerce that helped built the state. The state flag returns to the jersey through an outline of Arizona. The helmet is a sandblasted matte, with a 3D birdhead logo featuring a copper beak.

[Rivalries jerseys and related Rivalries apparel will be available Sept. 10 at the Cardinals Team Shop at State Farm Stadium, at shop.azcardinals.com online as well as SCHEELS stores and Scheels.com. To be kept up to date with all Rivalries apparel information, sign up with the First To Know list here.]

"We are thrilled to be part of the new Rivalries program and thank the NFL and Nike for including us in this inaugural group," owner Michael Bidwill said. "The design elements of the Cardinals Rivalries uniforms reflect the strength and toughness required to thrive in the desert and celebrate the passion and perseverance that define us.

"Coincidentally, a couple of days ago so many people saw the power, speed and ferocity of the Arizona sandstorm that is such an integral part of our Rivalries uniform design and a fitting metaphor for our identity as a team and a region. When we wear these uniforms for the first time against the Seahawks at State Farm Stadium, I hope Cardinals fans see them as a true embodiment of our team, our fan base and the spirit of Arizona that we proudly represent."

Each NFC West team, as well as the AFC East teams, will take part in the Rivalries program this season. Each team picks a single home game against a division rival, with the home team wearing a unique uniform with designs Nike said were "brought to life by pulling inspiration from the history of each market and the aspects of the community that only that team's city embodies."

The Cardinals and the other seven teams will wear those uniforms in a Rivalry game for the next three seasons. Teams from the AFC South and NFC North will debut their uniforms in 2026, the NFC East and AFC West teams in 2027, and teams from the AFC North and NFC South in 2028.

"I told (equipment manager Jeff Schwimmer) that these were the best jerseys we've got," quarterback Kyler Murray said. "Probably the best jerseys I've seen us wear. I like our (current) uniforms, but I think these turned out well, especially with the ultimate shock that these were happening. I guess I was out of the loop, but they turned out perfect."

Murray and Conner were among a handful of players to take part in the video and photo shoot of the new look this offseason, sworn to secrecy until now. The reaction was universal – "I feel like this is something the Valley wanted and everyone will love it," linebacker Zaven Collins said – as was the embrace of the idea.

The incoming storm? Cool. Forged by desert heat? These guys had spent plenty of practice time in wilting temperatures. Built to last? This is a team that has been created just for that, a culture that will endure just like denizens have done during record-breaking days of at least 110 degrees.

"Everything has been changing (with the franchise) and it's been awesome to be a part of it," Conner said. "I was thinking back to all the teams I've been a part of so far in Arizona. Things change, but every time something changed, it was a change for the better.

"It's a great time to be a part of the Arizona Cardinals organization. I know what it's going to turn into."

For Rivalries, it's turned into a sandstorm look, the "tough red" and copper, all to remind the Seahawks and anyone else what Arizona is about.

"Unless the jersey is ugly, everyone loves a new jersey. That's how I feel," Murray said. "Swag is a big thing in today's day and age as far as sports go, being able to express yourself in multiple ways.

"I'm a big fan of it. We look great all the time, but it gives us another look to look good in. And it's for the NFL Rivals deal, which I think is going to be super cool for the fans to experience."