The Thanksgiving holiday was jam packed with sporting event after sporting event. There were a ton of design related issues to think about over the last four days, but one stands out as the subject that needs discussion today.
What in the world were the Florida Gators wearing in their game against Florida State? Research tells me that they were wearing Nike's new Pro Combat uniform. It is apparently Nike's new "System of Dress" for football and the Gators were one of the first few teams to don this new look.
The Florida Gators traditionally wear one of the cleanest, best designed uniforms in college football. Their orange and royal blue colors work well together and the uniform design is easily recognized.
The uniforms that the team wore this weekend were a bit shocking to the eyes. I understand Nike wanting to advance technology with this revolutionary uniform material, but did they have to completely change the look of the team in such a drastic and unexplainable way? Were those feathers on the shoulders?
About the only element that made any sense was the helmet. The helmet was a tribute to an old throwback style that the team used many years ago, with a modern "F" font. I can understand the thinking behind it, but I still think it was too far from the current one.
You know I like the fusion of retro and modern, so I'll give the helmet a pass. The uniforms on the other hand? Maybe it was just the shock of a completely new look for a team who is so familiar, but I don't think I am digging what the Gators were wearing on the field.
Hopefully this is just an experiment and not a permanent change.
feathers indeed. maybe they change mascot to blue jays.
Posted by: russell | December 02, 2009 at 11:56 PM
I can't believe I just read this "The Florida Gators traditionally wear one of the cleanest, best designed uniforms in college football. Their orange and royal blue colors work well together". Yikes! Florida's uni is a trainwreck! The whole thing sucks! They don't use the blue and orange together as a unit at all. The Gators script on the helmet is a joke. The gator logo on the jersey and hip is complete cheeseball and laughable. The creamsicle cleats are enough to make you throw up. The whole uni is bushleague. The old 60's uni was how this football team can gain respect back.
The NIKE machine only made one of the worst unis in football even worse with their "system of dress" design.
Posted by: Hoolie67 | December 03, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Florida Gators, one of the all-time greatest college mascots.
Only thing good I can ever say about UF.
As a former University of Miami season ticket-holder, we will never forget the 'Gator Flop',
When Steve Spurrier was a Heismann candidate, his UF team was destroying an inferior UM squad. Miami had the ball down at the one near the end of the game. The Gator defensive line 'flopped' to allow the Hurricanes to score easily so the offense could get the ball back. Spurrier continued to pad his passing stats, throwing until the end.
No Heismann, though.
Classless and unforgivable,
Posted by: Daniel J Leonard | December 07, 2009 at 08:58 PM