As a school with a history and tradition tied to a company with great pride in performance, Oregon has always worked to honor that history and the remarkable rise of a shared culture steeped in the values of never giving less than your best.
For the Oregon State this week the Ducks will wear a special uniform, one that honors the contributions of Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman to the university and the athletic program.
They'll wear black, partly because Mr. Knight always does.
This week Oregon football released a video, head coach Dan Lanning and hometown hero, linebacker Bryce Boettcher going out to the Jaqua ranch to film a tribute to Knight, Bowerman and the founding of Nike.
Honoring a legacy at the place it all started. #ShoeDuck pic.twitter.com/Nkr2IYPzRL
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) September 14, 2025
"The Shoe Duck" honors the moment legendary track coach Bowerman and Mr. Knight formed their historic partnership, the handshake agreement that founded the company in 1964.
It's a white helmet with silver wings. gold trim around the numerals. "Just do it" is embossed on the back of the helmet.
2025-Game 4 pic.twitter.com/YHC56rYWZs
— Oregon Uniforms (@OregonDucks__) September 14, 2025
The two men guided Nike through its infancy and Bowerman's passion for supporting athletes with better designs to enhance performance formed the soul of the company. The spirit of that, as well as the incredible financial support, has guided Oregon's rise to excellence, not just in football but as a university, a school that won eight conference championships in their first year in the Big Ten.
As always, the Ducks will strive to look cool and play hard. The most fitting tribute of all would be to win a national championship this season.