Over the last few years the University of Oregon Ducks have taken a lot of flack for their flashy uniforms and endless jersey-pants combinations. The University of Oregon partnered with Nike in 1997 in order to take advantage of brand recognition in hopes of boosting Oregon Ducks ticket sales but the Ducks also chose Nike as its official outfitter because Nike is known for its innovation and unique approach to sporting apparel.
One advantage of the University of Oregon Ducks jerseys is the light-weight water wicking material. With laminated designs that do not absorb moisture and a fabric that is designed to be light, the 2009 Oregon Ducks roster will be playing in uniforms that are 25% lighter than the 2006 Oregon Ducks jerseys, something players recognize makes them faster on the field.
Another cutting edge change to the Oregon Ducks apparel is the fact that instead of stuffing pads into pockets of the jerseys like most teams do, the Oregon Ducks uniforms have pads built directly into them. The Nike Corporation calls this design “Pro Combat” pads. The University of Oregon Ducks head coach Mike Bellotti who took over as athletic director on July 1st spoke about the uniforms in a recent press conference, “(the uniforms) are some of the best looking, fastest playing, most efficient uniforms ever made.”
While the Oregon Ducks may get crap about what they wear from critics and haters, the players seem to recognize that although the uniforms are great and have advantages ultimately it is about who is wearing the Ducks jersey that counts. Oregon Ducks Defensive End Will Tukuafu told reporters, “We pride ourselves on going out there and playing hard. It doesn’t matter what we’re wearing we’re going to go out and compete. It’s just a plus to have the best stuff out there.”
No matter what the Ducks wear, this season is sure to be an impressive one.
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