Change? Maybe. Drastic change? No. Will teams show off a different jersey design every game? Probably not. One thing is certain, there will be change, but how much change is still left unanswered until Nike, Inc unveils its NFL apparel in April.
We’ve all seen them, the flamboyant, over the top collegiate uniforms that Nike has unveiled, but this type of design may not transfer well to the NFL. Those collegiate uniforms were designed to appeal to future recruits and the NFL isn’t recruiting players. People’s perceptions about Nike’s designs stem from these collegiate uniforms. Some say, however, a team’s jersey can define their identity.
Nike Brand President Charlie Denson first reported in October 2011 that the company planned on “changing the NFL jersey dramatically.”
League spokesman Brian McCarthy later refuted that statement saying, “Logos are controlled by teams and the NFL. That will not change. Teams have to apply to the league to make changes to logos. But, we can anticipate new uniform technology.”
It should be known that while there will be minor changes, Nike can’t change everything. They have to stay within the regulations of the NFL and can only do what is agreed upon. We can expect subtle changes, but drastic uniforms like those of the Oregon Ducks won’t be showing up in the NFL anytime soon.
One team has been vocal about using Nike’s innovation and design to their advantage, while some others may only request minor tweaks. The Seattle Seahawks plan to make changes to their jersey design for the 2012 season.
As seen on the left, minor changes may occur including a darker helmet and feather trim.
Seahawks President Peter McLaughlin explained, “The logo is going to remain the same. We’re looking at all kinds of new designs, and new kinds of jerseys, and we’re talking about a throwback for sure. So there’s a lot of creative stuff in the works right now.”
It’s safe to expect that any major change occurring to NFL jerseys will only be technical aspects such as performance-driven or lighter materials.
Even Nike CEO Mark Parker said that the uniforms were going to be more technologically advanced and that they weren’t going to go crazy with the uniforms. “We’re actually going to have some fun, but respect the tradition of these teams at the same time.”
We have to remember, change is inevitable. This isn’t Nike’s first stint with the NFL, they designed many team’s uniforms in 1990. They even designed the Broncos’ current look that was introduced in 1997. Most NFL teams are going to stick with tradition and the flamboyant, over the top uniforms are going to remain at the collegiate level.
We’ll all just have to wait until April 1, in preparation for the 2012 NFL draft, to see Nike unveil their new designs as they officially takeover as the NFL’s provider of on-field apparel.
Inspired by these changes, Artist Wes Kull has reimaged team logos for all 32 teams adding his own spin. His website, Gridiron-League.com, features all 32 redesigned logos.
On his website Kull explains that many teams have updated their uniforms only to make them more camera-ready while sacrificing their team’s heritage and the character of the NFL. New colors were added only to appeal to a larger audience and to increase jersey sales. Some teams, however, haven’t sacrificed their tradition to appeal to the masses.
Logos, like the one seen to the right, were created by Kull to “pay tribute to each team’s history and geography in a period-specific aesthetic that glorifies the Vince Lombardi-era over the Cold-Activated-era. This is not an exercise in nostalgia but an interpretation of the league’s founding principles through the symbols that we, as football fans, identify with most.”
His hope is that while Nike takes over jersey design and creation they still preserve the remaining original team logos.
While there are still many unanswered questions, one thing is certain: Nike will be taking over for Reebok as the uniform supplier in 2012, and at least some change is inevitable.
Booooooo! Nike – please leave well enough alone. The Ducks look like clowns. Let’s not get all “Rollerball”. Not all tradition is bad.