Back to the College Football Uniforms
Baylor’s Nike redesign came prior to the 2011 season, an upgrade that included visible Flywire on the shoulder for “added strength and stability” on gamedays. Baylor’s interlocking “BU” logo on the shoulders was replaced with white and green numbers outlined in gold. Contrasting slashes on pants were made to resemble bear claws.
Nike’s alternate uniforms included matte green shells, white shells and the gold helmet/gray facemask the Bears have worn since 2008. A black jersey and pants combination was integrated into the variety of looks in 2012. Baylor wore white helmets for the first time in nearly 40 years in 2009 and upgraded the shell with a digital camo decal for a game against Buffalo the following season.
Baylor’s current interlocking “BU” has been worn on helmets every season since 1969. A decade prior to the logo making its debut, the Bears preferred numerals on gold shells. They’ve never worn the alternate “Bear” decal on helmets. Baylor debuted a green helmet in 2005 and moved to the more aesthetically pleasing matte finish during bowl games in 2011 and 2012.
Like Under Armour’s deal with Cam Newton, Adidas used a previous deal with Baylor and superior marketing power to wrap up a contract with former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III prior to his rookie season with the Washington Redskins in 2012. RGIII is now the face of the three stripes football brand. Interestingly enough, Adidas is the apparel provider for Baylor’s basketball team, but the Bears prefer the swoosh on the gridiron.
Nike upgraded Baylor to “Tier 1″ status in Jan. 2013, meaning the Bears take precedent in advanced technology over other Nike-sponsored schools. Head coach Art Briles says another uniform revamping will begin in the 2013 season, an ode to what Nike has done with Oregon perhaps. One eye-popping addition is an all-gold helmet, flashy for sure.
