Oregon Spring Game: Uniforms Honor Those That Serve

Free football tomorrow at Autzen Stadium with the Oregon Spring Game and one thing we won’t have to wait for, which some of us in the media seem to care about in some instances more than the game during the regular season, are the uniforms. The Ducks tomorrow will wear special unis honoring those that serve our country.

Check out the ‘Titanuim Carbon’ the Ducks will wear for the Spring Game

Press Release from the U of O:

EUGENE, Ore. — The University of Oregon will take the field on Saturday for their annual Spring Football Game, once again wearing uniforms that honor the men and women who serve our country.

GoDucks.com

For the past four years, Nike and the University of Oregon have partnered to create a custom designed uniform worn for the team’s final Spring scrimmage. This year, both the home and away uniforms have unique stories including new nameplates, insignias and patches that tell stories of support and honor. Following the scrimmage, Oregon football players will present their specially-made jerseys to approximately 100 uniformed men and women representing all branches of the military.

Nike’s co-founder and University of Oregon Coach Bill Bowerman’s time in the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army provided inspiration for the white away football uniform design. Bowerman’s division wore an all-white uniform and was trained for mountain terrain and arctic conditions.

The olive home uniform design was inspired by legendary Oregonian Art Miller’s lifetime of military service in the 41st Division of the US Army. Miller played linebacker for the Ducks as a freshman in 1939 before joining the National Guard and being called to active service. Miller served the country for a little more than 29 years and eventually retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was honored in a pregame ceremony along with other former Oregon football players who served in the military prior to the Ducks’ Sept. 18, 2010 game vs. Portland State.

The new “titanium carbon” finish on the home uniform helmet features a unique fade from yellow to anthracite in order to elevate the iconic Duck wing pattern on each side.

“This is a proud moment for University of Oregon Football program and Nike to give back to the community” said Todd Van Horne, Global VP and Creative Director for Nike Football. “We are proud to honor both Art Miller and Bill Bowerman with these new uniform designs in order to honor Oregon’s men and women of service.”

“Words cannot express our gratitude to the men and women who serve our country and this is why we will continue to salute our armed services as part of our Spring Game,” Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich said. “Obviously we are extremely fortunate that Nike has chosen to play a major role with their innovative uniforms designed for this special day.”

The Oregon Ducks uniform is a complete Nike system-of-dress where the baselayer, padding, jersey and pant work in concert in order to provide the ultimate in lightweight speed and protection. Lightweight padding is integrated directly into the crucial “hit zones” in the baselayer. Innovations include Nike Chain Maille Mesh technology  incorporated into the back and under the arms for exceptional ventilation and durability. Nike Flywire technology is integrated into the neckline to reduce weight and provide lockdown fit over pads, increasing sleeve articulation for better range of motion, and integrating new four-way stretch fabrication to provide a streamlined shrink-wrap fit. 

Nike Pro Combat Deflex padding eliminates bulk and allows for optimal low-profile lightweight impact protection specifically throughout the crucial “hit zone” between the knees and shoulders. It is also integrated in the hip and knee areas of the pant for crucial impact protection that stays in place.

Oregon’s Spring Game is Saturday at 11am at Autzen Stadium. Admission is Free with the Request of 3 canned food items for local Eugene Shelter Food For Lane County.

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