Back to the College Football Uniforms
Florida Atlantic’s decision to end a six-year agreement with Nike in 2011 was surprising to most, but it appears to be paying off — at least from a uniform standpoint — on the gridiron.
Prior to their first season in Conference USA, the Owls recently revealed a new helmet shell, logo and uniform style for the 2013 campaign courtesy of the three stripes brand complete with “wing” graphics on each jersey sleeve. Close to Oregon’s Nike look, Florida Atlantic’s wings are just above the bicep instead of on the tops of shoulders.
Also making its debut is a navy blue helmet with an alternate “attacking owl” logo instead of the team’s usual winged “FAU” wordmark. The new logo is only on one side with player numeral decals on the other in white. This isn’t the first time however the Owls have tried bringing attention to their program in the apparel realm.
After going 12 years in white or blue jerseys with red accents on gamedays, Florida Atlantic unveiled a solid red home alternate top in 2012. During the Nike years, the Owls donned triple-striped jerseys and pants with an “FAU” wordmark above blocked numerals below the crest. Though simplistic, the design was what head coach Howard Schnellenberger requested at the time.
The contrasting triple-stripe is back on Adidas’ gameday uniforms but does not stretch from hip to knee. The Owls currently have more than 10 uniform combinations and for a more accurate representation, Florida Atlantic’s color scheme closely resembles Arizona’s shades of red, navy and white. The program’s helmet has been white since its first season in 2001 but switched facemask color from red to white in 2012.
