Back to the College Football Uniforms
Since the turn of the century, the only real noise Nike has made with Pittsburgh football was its Pro Combat uniform in 2010 that reflected the university’s “tradition, culture and character.”
One of 10 swoosh elite schools chosen, the Panthers’ all-navy look included gold numerals and accents with a stencil stripe on a navy helmet to resemble steel beams — a direct correlation to Pittsburgh’s steel industry. Current combinations include white or navy tops with white, navy or gold pants.
The program’s “PITT” wordmark is so tiny across the Panthers’ current jerseys, it can often be confused with a swoosh or Big East graphic. Nike’s decision to drop the large font “PITT” and wide shoulder stripes in recent years for the minute wordmark and sleeve numerals has damaged the look of the Panthers’ gameday uniform.
Pittsburgh has worn its current gold helmets with a navy block “Pitt” wordmark since 2005. Prior to that from 1997-04, gold helmets with a “Panther head” graphic were worn. Before signing its current long-term deal with Nike, the swoosh outfitted the Panthers in the early 2000s (during Larry Fitzgerald’s reign) with drop-shadowed numerals and a full-length “Pittsburgh” wordmark across tops.
Pittsburgh Athletic Director Steve Pederson saw to it when hired in 1997 that the Panthers revamp their look with an emphasis on the full “Pittsburgh” name versus “Pitt.” Adidas kept the look during its first season with the Panthers after Nike’s contract ended in 2004, but the swoosh, upon its return, dropped it for good a few years later.
Now, Fans and prestigious alums have made a push for the Panthers to return to their royal blue script “Pitt” logo worn on yellow shells during the glory days of Panther football from 1973-96.
