Back to the College Football Uniforms
Nike takes care of its service academies on the gridiron.
In recent years, Nike has outfitted the Black Knights with all-camouflage uniforms, nifty Pro Combats and shoulder-striped throwbacks. Army’s current matte gold helmet, perfected by HydroGraphics in 2012, is set off by a single black stripe down the middle. The Black Knights’ former glossy, logo-less gold lids were nice, but these are intimidating.
Nike added a subtle map of the famous WWII “Battle of the Bulge” within Army’s baselayer and jersey numerals for the 2012 Navy game in what became a swoosh fashion show in front of a nationally-televised audience. The previous season against the Midshipmen, Army proudly displayed “West Point” across its nameplate on a Pro Combat style uniform that featured Deflex padding that eliminates bulk in “crucial impact” areas.
Traditionally, Army has donned a black, gold and white uniform on gameday. At home, black tops with gold pants are the usual combination with white tops favored on the road. Since 1983, Army has worn gold helmets with a black stripe without a logo for every season except one.
In 2008, the Black Knights parted from tradition and added black numerals to gold shells. Two years later, Army brought out its first black helmet in nearly 30 years against Air Force.
