Back to the College Football Uniforms
Michigan, Notre Dame and Alabama are some of the few teams in college football that feature iconic, very little flash uniforms and Nike isn’t planning on changing its Southeastern Conference and national goldmine looming in Tuscaloosa anytime soon.
Adidas has Michigan and Notre Dame, but neither school has captured – or appeared in — as many national championships as the Crimson Tide have in recent years. Alabama’s crimson and white is classic and clean, a no-nonsense approach to on-field apparel for a program with a storied tradition.
White-shelled helmets with crimson numbers were used a few times during the 1960s and in the 1983 and 1984 seasons, but rarely has Alabama donned a bright lid. Since 1960, Alabama’s go-to helmet has been crimson with a white player’s number decal adorning the side.
The Crimson Tide signed a seven-year extension with Nike in 2010, making it the most lucrative Nike deal in college sports. Alabama is sporting the swoosh at least until 2018. Valued at $30 million in cash, Alabama surpassed previous Nike leader North Carolina on a deal that pays out $3.75 million annually.
America’s infatuation with “uniform swag” hit a boiling point during the BCS title game three years ago after Alabama’s Mark Ingram put his hands together after a touchdown to form the Crimson Tide “A” with his gloves. Alabama’s varying cleat choices that season – white and black – were subtle, yet appreciated alterations.
Even a program that rarely strays from tradition joined the Pro Combat Hypercool realm during the 2013 BCS Championship Game, but fans probably didn’t notice a difference. Alabama’s jerseys were thinner with breathable fabrication added on the back and under the arms. The lightweight material from Nike is supposed to improve thermoregulation keeping players cool during action.
Cutting-edge and away for the norm in upcoming seasons would be the addition of crimson pants or a black alternate uniform, even a white helmet. But don’t plan on it. Nick Saban preaches uniformity – no pun intended – and tradition.
