TCU on Friday unveiled its "new specialty uniforms by Nike" for this Saturday's Cowboys Classic against LSU at AT&T Stadium, and the uniforms are "as black as night and have dozens of variations," according to Stefan Stevenson of the FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM. The uniforms are the "fifth iteration from Nike," which also designed specialty TCU uniforms from '09-11. Coach Gary Patterson said, “Nike brought it to us and from the first step it was a go. Perfect design. We wanted something a little bit different, but (that) still highlights purple.” Patterson had "no reservations about moving the iconic TCU logo to the back of the helmet." But he said that there is "still a chance that a Horned Frog logo could make it on the helmet" before Saturday's opener. Patterson: “Maybe a little one. We’re never going to forget the Frogs.” Stevenson noted the phrase "Fear The Frog" is embroidered on the back of the jersey's neckline, and both the "gloves and the Nike Alpha Pro TD chrome-plated cleats are accented with red." Patterson said, "Remember, it’s an audience of 16 to 22-year olds is what we’re looking for as far as recruiting and what catches kids’ eyes" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 8/24).
DUCK TALES: In Portland, Allan Brettman reported a "delayed process" to select new Univ. of Oregon licensee apparel partners "has no target date for completion." UO Dir of Marketing & Brand Management Matt Dyste said that a committee is "considering about 20 applications to secure either a five- or 10-year partnership with the university to produce Oregon Ducks-branded T-shirts, hoodies and other apparel as well as headwear." He added that more proposals were submitted "than the university anticipated when it issued a request for proposal earlier this year." Among the "biggest changes was the requirement that prospective licensees guarantee the university at least $500,000 a year in royalties." The apparel deal under consideration is "separate from the exclusive off- and on-field apparel deal Nike has with the Ducks athletic department" (OREGONLIVE.com, 8/23).
