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A Giant Among Equipment Directors

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Last Friday afternoon I made a quick trip out to Giants Stadium, where Jints equipment director Joe Skiba wanted to show me the new Schutt XP helmets he’d gotten in. That’s the XP on right (with a Schutt Air Advantage on the left, for comparison) here and here, with an interior comparison here.

Personally, though, I don’t get so excited about new helmet models — I get excited about details. Fortunately, Joe had plenty of cool details to show me. Among them:

• Here’s a closer look at the raised, rubberized logo that appears on the nose bumper plate of the Giants’ non-Riddell helmets. (The Riddell helmets get a flat Riddell wordmark decal, but Skiba says these will be replaced by a 3-D rubberized version shortly.) Last year the “ny” was solid blue, except when the Giants wore their red alternate jerseys, when it was solid red; these year it’s blue outlined in red, and that will be reversed when the team wears its red alts.

• As you know, no company but Riddell is allowed to have its logo on an NFL helmet. The prohibition includes Oakley and Nike, who make the visors that many players wear. But Nike, true to irritating form, has found a spot where they could sneak in a swoosh: on the little clip that holds the visor in place. Not only that, but look what’s printed on the visor’s edge. Fuckers.

• See that clear plastic clip holding the lower portion of the facemask on a Riddell Revolution helmet? It’s called a side stabilizer, and as you can see, it’s usually screwed into the helmet. But Skiba showed me how Riddell has come up with a new screw-less fastening system that just snaps into place, so the stabilizer clip just pops right into position. So far, though, the Giants haven’t used this for regular game action.

• And here’s the ball the Giants and Dolphins will be using for next weekend’s game in London.

Skiba (who, incidentally, is in a very amusing state of denial about this) also introduced me to the team’s director of creative services, Doug Murphy. In addition to getting those rubberized nose bumper logos made, Doug also coordinates the team’s extensive photo archive. We agreed that I’d come back in the near future so he could show me some old pics — stay tuned.

Uni Watch News Ticker: As many of you know, Wisconsin is my favorite state. But even if you’re not a Badger State fan, you’ll still want to check out this page that David Sonny and the Rev. Nørb both alerted me to, where you can page through every Packers yearbook from 1960 through 1967. Loads of great pics and info — highly recommended. ”¦ Not truly uni-related, but still very cool (with thanks to Casey Lute). ”¦ Holy crap (blame Scott Turner). ”¦ Logo revisions aren’t just for sports teams. ”¦ Someone over on the Chris Creamer board noted that Yi Jianlian was wearing a jersey patch — presumably a 40th-anniversary mark — the other night. Not clear why Yi was wearing it but the other Bucks weren’t. ”¦ Doug Mooney found an early reference to tearaway jerseys in this Time magazine article from 1947, which includes the following: “No matter how far ahead they are, Michigan players always manage to look half undressed — their blue jerseys and yellow pants ripped and torn. [Coach Fritz] Crisler has a reason for that too: once he lost a game at Princeton when an opposing player grabbed his halfback by the sleeve and brought him down. Now Crisler uniforms his teams in flimsy zephyr cloth so rippable that [RB Tom] Harmon once used up 20 jerseys in one season.” ”¦ Also from the Time archives: This 1929 rundown of college football results, including the following: “Eight out of eleven Oregonians took off their jerseys, played with their bare arms sticking out of their pads.” ”¦ If you lost an eye while serving in Iraq, would you have your glass eye imprinted with your favorite team’s logo? Philip LaBonte did. ”¦ Reprinted from yesterday’s comments: Nice breakdown of basketball footwear history here.

 
  
 
Comments (161)

    Anyone notice the Jags’ helmets last night?

    During pre-game footage, the helmets looked hazy & dull and didnt reflect any light at all, but when the game started they were shiny black like normal.

    Game pics are easy to find, but i cant find any pre-game photos.

    My guesses

    1. They apply a coat of polish and then buff them off right before the game.

    2. They were wearing practice helmets.

    Anyone else see this?

    [quote comment=”159788″]Now Crisler uniforms his teams in flimsy zephyr cloth so rippable that [RB Tom] Harmon once used up 20 jerseys in one season.”[/quote]

    Tom Harmon of course is a former Heisman Trophy winner and father of former UCLA quarterback and actor Mark Harmon (St. Elsewhere, Summer School, NCIS)

    Sorry if this was discussed before, but I reading the New York Times this past Sunday, and link contained a photo with an amusing detail: holder Scott Player is wearing the standard template default #5 jersey.
    link

    At first I thought maybe he had requested the number, so he could be nice and anonymous with the Browns. But link.

    Now I’m thinking that the equipment manager obviously has a sense of humor.

    [quote comment=”159790″]A few comments on the Packers Yearbooks.

    1. link.

    2. link.[/quote]
    Isn’t that Paul Horning? Bart Starr wore number 15.

    If you are going to have a team logo on your glass eye, well ok, if that’s your thing. But the Detroit Lions? Celebrating decades of mediocrity as part of your face? At least you can change it, unlike a tattoo I guess.

    If Phillip LaBonte had preferred baseball, he could literally have had the Eye Of The Tigers.

    Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

    Crisler uniforms his teams in flimsy zephyr cloth so rippable that [RB Tom] Harmon once used up 20 jerseys in one season.

    And one of the reasons that football jerseys have become link is the “outlawing” of tear-away jerseys… about the time that link left the college ranks. I remember watching a game on TV where they showed a stack of #20 jerseys on the Texas bench; if memory serves, the “Tyler Rose” usually needed a new jersey every series!

    Interesting stuff on the new Schutt helmet. I think after Riddell released the Revolution, Schutt got worried and started pushing R&D to come up with new stuff, and now they have just gone nuts. In the past year they have come up with the Fusion, Ion, and Air XP. I think people will like the classic look of the Air XP, but isn’t the shell design on the Revolution and DNA designed to minimize glancing blows and prevent concussions? The shells, save for the angled earhole and crease across the back on the XP, are very similar to the older helmets.

    Speaking of football helmets….does anyone know of a resource that identifies all of the different type of NFL facemasks used today? During the last few seasons I’ve seen some crazy ones out there, including those worn by LDT (this season) and Demarcus Ware.

    [quote comment=”159793″]Anyone notice the Jags’ helmets last night?

    During pre-game footage, the helmets looked hazy & dull and didnt reflect any light at all, but when the game started they were shiny black like normal.

    Game pics are easy to find, but i cant find any pre-game photos.

    My guesses

    1. They apply a coat of polish and then buff them off right before the game.

    2. They were wearing practice helmets.

    Anyone else see this?[/quote]

    I work in a college Eq Room, and before every game we polish the helmets with a milky mixture that adds a little shine. We do it before the team even goes out for warm-ups, the Jags may do it just before the real game. Or, as you said, they could wear practice helmets during warmups and change into game helmets later.

    The tearaway jersey was just one of the many innovations Fritz Crisler created during his tenures at Princeton and Michigan. He also invented the modern goal posts, the winged helmet (of course), and pretty much wrote the book on NCAA recruiting.

    I had the opportunity to hear Bob Chappuis, the player profiled by the Time article, speak last week. He’s 84 now, and boy does he have some great stories.

    I enjoy Uni Watch but the Nike-bashing is getting tiresome and stupid. NO other company comes close to Nike. Uni watch will *not* be getting any of my money any time soon.

    In calamitous Soccer kit news; Nike just bought Umbro!! *ugh*

    From the BBC.co.uk site – “Umbro, the maker of the England football team’s kit, has agreed to be bought by US sportswear giant Nike in a deal worth £285m ($580m).
    Nike said the deal would allow it to “significantly expand” its presence in “a key growth category” for the firm. As well as providing kit for the England team, Umbro also supplies the kit for six Premier League clubs. The Football Association said Nike had assured it that the FA’s relationship with Umbro would be protected. Manchester-based Umbro said last month that sales of England tops had been “disappointing”, and analysts are concerned that sales could suffer if England fail to qualify for next year’s European Championship. ”

    Slainte’
    Mike

    link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.

    And here’s the ball the Giants and Dolphins will be using for next weekend’s game in London.

    Sprint looks like they had an input on the file…compare to their link

    I like the Nike bashing. Will I still buy Nike stuff? Sure. Just like I will still shop at Wal-Mart. It’s just enjoyable to poke fun at “The Man” once in a while.

    I have no proof of this at all–it’s just merely a guess. But maybe Yi’s Milwaukee teammates are still wearing last year’s uniforms which obviously wouldn’t have the 40th anniversary patch.

    Since Yi wasn’t with the Bucks last season, they would have had to create his uniform this summer, which might explain why it has a patch and his teammates’ uniforms don’t.

    Hey. Dude’s got a Lions logo in his eye. 4-2! Woo!

    When I clicked that link I figured itd be another team. That was a nice surprise.

    [quote comment=”159799″]Sorry if this was discussed before, but I reading the New York Times this past Sunday, and link contained a photo with an amusing detail: holder Scott Player is wearing the standard template default #5 jersey.
    link

    At first I thought maybe he had requested the number, so he could be nice and anonymous with the Browns. But link.

    Now I’m thinking that the equipment manager obviously has a sense of humor.[/quote]

    Uh, Brady Quinn already wears #10 for the Browns. Player couldn’t get it.

    Looks like I-AA Elon University is wearing jerseys from two different companies this year. All the coaches are wearing link and players are wearing link but still wearing link. Elon is new with Nike this year, so maybe Nike only provided new road jerseys this year and they’ll do new home jerseys next year.

    [quote comment=”159799″]Sorry if this was discussed before, but I reading the New York Times this past Sunday, and link contained a photo with an amusing detail: holder Scott Player is wearing the standard template default #5 jersey.
    link

    At first I thought maybe he had requested the number, so he could be nice and anonymous with the Browns. But link.

    Now I’m thinking that the equipment manager obviously has a sense of humor.[/quote]

    What’s funny about him wearing #5? Am I missing something?

    [quote comment=”159799″]Sorry if this was discussed before, but I reading the New York Times this past Sunday, and link contained a photo with an amusing detail: holder Scott Player is wearing the standard template default #5 jersey.
    link

    At first I thought maybe he had requested the number, so he could be nice and anonymous with the Browns. But link.

    Now I’m thinking that the equipment manager obviously has a sense of humor.[/quote]

    Why is the number funny for a football player to wear?

    [quote comment=”159848″]Too bad the Icelanders didn’t go in this direction for their link[/quote]
    The shoulder patch on the sweater sort of looks like a lit cigarette.

    Is there a place to get a blank template for jerseys? My summer league baseball team is looking to get new jerseys for next year, with a new color scheme (better than our current forest green and gray) and I want to try to design something. Any help would be awesome!

    [quote comment=”159788″]Happy Mole Day, everybody!!![/quote]

    Ok, Either you are a chemist, or you were in Mrs Steponovich’s class at BBHS…whom i hated

    [quote comment=”159793″]Anyone notice the Jags’ helmets last night?

    During pre-game footage, the helmets looked hazy & dull and didnt reflect any light at all, but when the game started they were shiny black like normal.

    Game pics are easy to find, but i cant find any pre-game photos.

    Yeah I saw that last night too and wondered about it. Though you could argue that that was about the way the Jags played last night too…in a HAZE

    I know this subject probably wasn’t broached in the interview with Skiba a couple of weeks ago, but what do you figure an NFL equipment manager makes per year?

    [quote comment=”159855″][quote comment=”159788″]Happy Mole Day, everybody!!![/quote]

    Ok, Either you are a chemist, or you were in Mrs Steponovich’s class at BBHS…whom i hated[/quote]

    “Ben? Victor Hugo. Nice to meet you.” – Fletch

    I wonder if Paul will let me get 10^23 as the number on my next membership card…

    [quote comment=”159843″]Looks like I-AA Elon University is wearing jerseys from two different companies this year. All the coaches are wearing link and players are wearing link but still wearing link. Elon is new with Nike this year, so maybe Nike only provided new road jerseys this year and they’ll do new home jerseys next year.[/quote]

    UNLV does the same thing. no pictures though

    I’m not sure how many of you guys care, but we just had a beautiful shuttle launch. This mission will be a culmination of about a years’ work for me.

    Few things on the Giants helmets, I find it strangely fascinating the screw used to fasten the cage and rubberized logo has Schutt inscribed on it. Speaking of rubberized logos, did you get your hands on a couple for auction??, those are sweet..And the ball that’s being used, priceless.

    [quote comment=”159845″][quote comment=”159799″]Sorry if this was discussed before, but I reading the New York Times this past Sunday, and link contained a photo with an amusing detail: holder Scott Player is wearing the standard template default #5 jersey.
    link

    At first I thought maybe he had requested the number, so he could be nice and anonymous with the Browns. But link.

    Now I’m thinking that the equipment manager obviously has a sense of humor.[/quote]

    What’s funny about him wearing #5? Am I missing something?[/quote]

    “PLAYER 5” is the standard default for templates, as seen in the leaked link uniforms. It tickled my fancy to see somebody wearing that particular combination on the field.

    [quote comment=”159875″]I’m not sure how many of you guys care, but we just had a beautiful shuttle launch. This mission will be a culmination of about a years’ work for me.[/quote]

    congrats man! i guess you guys are kinda like major sports coaches… no praise for success and great work, all the blame when things go wrong…

    [quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]

    I’d be surprised if Nike kills off Umbro. Adidas after all did buy Reebok not too long ago, and Reebok still kicking.
    BUT, this is Nike we’re talking about…so I could see them killing Umbro off very soon. Euro 08 is this summer, so they’d have to hurry to replace national team kits, but league kits could wait until this summer to be replaced.

    Awesome pics and interview w/ Skiba, especially for us Giants fans/equipment enthusiasts. I noticed Pierce and Shockey wearing new helmets during the SF game, Schutt’s w/ angled earholes, so this explains it well. Ask Skiba, if you will, why Eli ditched the Revolution after ’05 (I heard it was b/c it rode down over his eyes when he got hit) and why Toomer and Jacobs no longer wear the Ion. I bet neither goes back, b/c each have had big games since switching back to more traditional styles.
    Jake, I bet you’re thinking of Chris Canty, not DeMarcus Ware. But you did get me thinking:
    At some point, is the League going to need to begin to regulate facemask styles? I mean, if guys like Canty, LDT and previously Darrell Russell of the Raiders can pick these outlandish styles, who’s to say, for instance, somebody couldn’t wear a facemask with jagged barbs on it? I’m being admittedly over the top with that example, but I’m surprised, with the minutae regulated by the League, that they don’t mandate a list of approved facemask styles (i.e. NJOP, etc.) and say anything not on the list will get you fined. Also, I’m surprised they allow kickers to have their masks sawn down, because it would seem the edge could be a cut hazard. I’m just sayin… Any thoughts?

    [quote comment=”159880″][quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]

    I’d be surprised if Nike kills off Umbro. Adidas after all did buy Reebok not too long ago, and Reebok still kicking.
    BUT, this is Nike we’re talking about…so I could see them killing Umbro off very soon. Euro 08 is this summer, so they’d have to hurry to replace national team kits, but league kits could wait until this summer to be replaced.[/quote]

    i doubt it. they havent killed off the cole haan, converse, and hurley brands, and the kept bauer as well. in fact its to their benefit to keep the brands in tact.

    [quote comment=”159875″]I’m not sure how many of you guys care, but we just had a beautiful shuttle launch. This mission will be a culmination of about a years’ work for me.[/quote]

    I saw it on tv. Congrats. Crazy stuff you guys are doing there. I also like the fact that you are on UniWatch so soon after.

    Holy crap (blame Scott Turner).

    AAAAAH!! Must wash eyes! “Holy crap” doesn’t even begin to cover link Normally, I’m the most laid-back guy ever, but I’d have no choice but to kick the ass of anyone who voluntarily wore something like that. I’d probably preface it with “sorry, but this is for your own good” or something, but still. Jeebus.

    Also, if anybody is interested in trading, I have a brand new SB XXXVII (Raiders v. Bucs) game ball and China Bowl (game that never happened this preseason once the NYG/MIA game was announced) ball and always love Giants memorabilia.

    I work in an optometry office that sells Nike Vision products, and all of their lenses have that wordmark, along with other descriptors, such as “Nike Max Polarized”, “Nike Max Vision”, etc. In terms of brand-cramming, the Nike frames are the least gaudy items Nike sells. Small swooshes, and very seldom do they say “Nike” on the outside.

    Never noticed this before but South Carolina State has 2 different NCAA decals on the back of their helmet! Overkill!

    link

    [quote comment=”159887″]Holy crap (blame Scott Turner).

    AAAAAH!! Must wash eyes! “Holy crap” doesn’t even begin to cover link Normally, I’m the most laid-back guy ever, but I’d have no choice but to kick the ass of anyone who voluntarily wore something like that. I’d probably preface it with “sorry, but this is for your own good” or something, but still. Jeebus.[/quote]

    Dammit! My computer won’t load the images on that page (firewall?). No fair, I want to have to wash my eyes too!

    [quote comment=”159869″][quote comment=”159855″][quote comment=”159788″]Happy Mole Day, everybody!!![/quote]

    Ok, Either you are a chemist, or you were in Mrs Steponovich’s class at BBHS…whom i hated[/quote]

    “Ben? Victor Hugo. Nice to meet you.” – Fletch

    I wonder if Paul will let me get 10^23 as the number on my next membership card…[/quote]

    Lady:

    [quote comment=”159898″][quote comment=”159869″][quote comment=”159855″][quote comment=”159788″]Happy Mole Day, everybody!!![/quote]

    Ok, Either you are a chemist, or you were in Mrs Steponovich’s class at BBHS…whom i hated[/quote]

    “Ben? Victor Hugo. Nice to meet you.” – Fletch

    I wonder if Paul will let me get 10^23 as the number on my next membership card…[/quote]

    Fudge…

    Lady: Who Are You
    Fletch: Rita’s Boss
    Lady: Who’s Rita
    Fletch: My Secratary

    [quote comment=”159813″]I enjoy Uni Watch but the Nike-bashing is getting tiresome and stupid. NO other company comes close to Nike. Uni watch will *not* be getting any of my money any time soon.[/quote]

    As I’m sure everyone can imagine, I’m gonna lose a LOT of sleep over that announcement.

    [quote comment=”159897″][quote comment=”159887″]Holy crap (blame Scott Turner).

    AAAAAH!! Must wash eyes! “Holy crap” doesn’t even begin to cover link Normally, I’m the most laid-back guy ever, but I’d have no choice but to kick the ass of anyone who voluntarily wore something like that. I’d probably preface it with “sorry, but this is for your own good” or something, but still. Jeebus.[/quote]

    Dammit! My computer won’t load the images on that page (firewall?). No fair, I want to have to wash my eyes too![/quote]

    i’ll bet some kid knew his dad was a lifelong niners fan. so he saved all year for christmas to have enough money to buy the (probably) over priced nfl pro line sweater having no idea his dad would wear it only on that christmas day, and only to try it on in front of the family.

    [quote comment=”159879″][quote comment=”159875″]I’m not sure how many of you guys care, but we just had a beautiful shuttle launch. This mission will be a culmination of about a years’ work for me.[/quote]

    congrats man! i guess you guys are kinda like major sports coaches… no praise for success and great work, all the blame when things go wrong…[/quote]

    Part of me wants to make an Aggie joke about working on a shuttle mission but I’m sure you’ve heard it all before. Instead I’ll just offer my congratulations.

    [quote comment=”159882″]Awesome pics and interview w/ Skiba, especially for us Giants fans/equipment enthusiasts. I noticed Pierce and Shockey wearing new helmets during the SF game, Schutt’s w/ angled earholes, so this explains it well. Ask Skiba, if you will, why Eli ditched the Revolution after ’05 (I heard it was b/c it rode down over his eyes when he got hit) and why Toomer and Jacobs no longer wear the Ion. I bet neither goes back, b/c each have had big games since switching back to more traditional styles.
    Jake, I bet you’re thinking of Chris Canty, not DeMarcus Ware. But you did get me thinking:
    At some point, is the League going to need to begin to regulate facemask styles? I mean, if guys like Canty, LDT and previously Darrell Russell of the Raiders can pick these outlandish styles, who’s to say, for instance, somebody couldn’t wear a facemask with jagged barbs on it? I’m being admittedly over the top with that example, but I’m surprised, with the minutae regulated by the League, that they don’t mandate a list of approved facemask styles (i.e. NJOP, etc.) and say anything not on the list will get you fined. Also, I’m surprised they allow kickers to have their masks sawn down, because it would seem the edge could be a cut hazard. I’m just sayin… Any thoughts?[/quote]

    You’re right. It is Canty!

    [quote comment=”159875″]I’m not sure how many of you guys care, but we just had a beautiful shuttle launch. This mission will be a culmination of about a years’ work for me.[/quote]

    Do you work out of KSC or JSC, BC?

    [quote comment=”159909″][quote comment=”159875″]I’m not sure how many of you guys care, but we just had a beautiful shuttle launch. This mission will be a culmination of about a years’ work for me.[/quote]

    Do you work out of KSC or JSC, BC?[/quote]
    JSC

    [quote comment=”159882″]Ask Skiba, if you will, why Eli ditched the Revolution after ’05 (I heard it was b/c it rode down over his eyes when he got hit) and why Toomer and Jacobs no longer wear the Ion.[/quote]

    Not sure about Eli or Jacobs, but Toomer stopped wearing the Ion because he couldn’t get an Ion-compatible version of his preferred facemask, in titanium. The titanium masks are lighter, and Toomer felt the mask he was using with the Ion was too heavy, especially late in games, when the weight began to become very noticeable to him. Skiba says they hope to get a titanium Ion mask for him later in the season.

    [quote comment=”159885″][quote comment=”159880″][quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]

    I’d be surprised if Nike kills off Umbro. Adidas after all did buy Reebok not too long ago, and Reebok still kicking.
    BUT, this is Nike we’re talking about…so I could see them killing Umbro off very soon. Euro 08 is this summer, so they’d have to hurry to replace national team kits, but league kits could wait until this summer to be replaced.[/quote]

    i doubt it. they havent killed off the cole haan, converse, and hurley brands, and the kept bauer as well. in fact its to their benefit to keep the brands in tact.[/quote]

    I thought I just read an article a few weeks ago saying Nike/Bauer is going out of business. Can’t find it now but Nike/Bauer is dead.

    [quote comment=”159900″][quote comment=”159813″]I enjoy Uni Watch but the Nike-bashing is getting tiresome and stupid. NO other company comes close to Nike. Uni watch will *not* be getting any of my money any time soon.[/quote]

    As I’m sure everyone can imagine, I’m gonna lose a LOT of sleep over that announcement.[/quote]

    Not to mention all of the money that guy apparently spends on the site. Wow! I hope you don’t go out of business.

    [quote comment=”159910″][quote comment=”159909″][quote comment=”159875″]I’m not sure how many of you guys care, but we just had a beautiful shuttle launch. This mission will be a culmination of about a years’ work for me.[/quote]

    Do you work out of KSC or JSC, BC?[/quote]
    JSC[/quote]

    Oh? My uncle actually works out of JSC.. He doesnt work directly for NASA, but for, i think, USA is the company?

    Anyway congrats on the successful launch!

    [quote comment=”159875″]I’m not sure how many of you guys care, but we just had a beautiful shuttle launch. This mission will be a culmination of about a years’ work for me.[/quote]

    Congratulations.

    I wish I could have been back home in New Smyrna Beach to witness the silent spectacle… followed five minutes later by the freight train that roars right through you.

    Anyone who ever has a chance to witness a launch, do yourself a favor. It is unlike anything you have ever seen.

    And if they still do night launches, to see the night turn into day is mind blowing.

    Ummm… and how about them spacesuits, eh?!

    [quote comment=”159911″][quote comment=”159882″]Ask Skiba, if you will, why Eli ditched the Revolution after ’05 (I heard it was b/c it rode down over his eyes when he got hit) and why Toomer and Jacobs no longer wear the Ion.[/quote]

    Not sure about Eli or Jacobs, but Toomer stopped wearing the Ion because he couldn’t get an Ion-compatible version of his preferred facemask, in titanium. The titanium masks are lighter, and Toomer felt the mask he was using with the Ion was too heavy, especially late in games, when the weight began to become very noticeable to him. Skiba says they hope to get a titanium Ion mask for him later in the season.[/quote]

    Not to be nit-picky, but does a lighter face mask really effect late game performance? “Coach, I would have had that last catch if I could have kept my head up, but this damn mask is weighing me down!” I now have another reason to hate Toomer…the number one reason, of course, being that his name reminds me of cancer.

    [quote comment=”159869″][quote comment=”159855″][quote comment=”159788″]Happy Mole Day, everybody!!![/quote]

    Ok, Either you are a chemist, or you were in Mrs Steponovich’s class at BBHS…whom i hated[/quote]

    “Ben? Victor Hugo. Nice to meet you.” – Fletch

    I wonder if Paul will let me get 10^23 as the number on my next membership card…[/quote]

    Technically, you’d need 6.28 x 10^23

    [quote comment=”159882″]Awesome pics and interview w/ Skiba, especially for us Giants fans/equipment enthusiasts. I noticed Pierce and Shockey wearing new helmets during the SF game, Schutt’s w/ angled earholes, so this explains it well. Ask Skiba, if you will, why Eli ditched the Revolution after ’05 (I heard it was b/c it rode down over his eyes when he got hit) and why Toomer and Jacobs no longer wear the Ion. I bet neither goes back, b/c each have had big games since switching back to more traditional styles.
    Jake, I bet you’re thinking of Chris Canty, not DeMarcus Ware. But you did get me thinking:
    At some point, is the League going to need to begin to regulate facemask styles? I mean, if guys like Canty, LDT and previously Darrell Russell of the Raiders can pick these outlandish styles, who’s to say, for instance, somebody couldn’t wear a facemask with jagged barbs on it? I’m being admittedly over the top with that example, but I’m surprised, with the minutae regulated by the League, that they don’t mandate a list of approved facemask styles (i.e. NJOP, etc.) and say anything not on the list will get you fined. Also, I’m surprised they allow kickers to have their masks sawn down, because it would seem the edge could be a cut hazard. I’m just sayin… Any thoughts?[/quote]

    Good point. LDT’s already looks like it is on its way to be used for stabbing/maiming purposes. Canty’s, on the other hand, looks as if he spent hours in the shop welding on extra bars. I’ve never even seen that one in an equipment store. Why not have standard rules/procedures?

    On the opposite side of the spectrum is Ted Ginn. Why wear a link? If it weren’t for the clear visor, I’d try to punch him in the face at every chance I got as a defender. At least at OSU he wore link one for a short while.

    Last night Quinn Gray, Jacksonville’s back-up QB, came into the first half of last nights game wearing a tinted link , but came out after the half link.

    Also, two observations from over the weekend, Todd Sauerbrun of the Broncos utilizes hockey style sock link.
    Also, I do not think I have ever seen a team that places the team nickname in the helmet stripe, until I saw highlights from the Minnesota vs link game on Saturday (it says Bison, a little hard to see in the picture, but it is the best i could find).

    [quote comment=”159922″]Not to be nit-picky, but does a lighter face mask really effect late game performance?[/quote]Yes.

    Mole Day=My Birthday!

    I love all the Giants talk here, we should make Skiba a regular contributer here at UniWatch.

    Just a thought about the new Schutt Helmet, to me the Ion was just a crazy prototype, and the new XP is the refined product that will be the new helmet, they seem very similar without all of the extremes of the ION. To me it just seems like the progression seems like that is where the XP got its inspiration.

    [quote comment=”159914″][quote comment=”159885″][quote comment=”159880″][quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]

    I’d be surprised if Nike kills off Umbro. Adidas after all did buy Reebok not too long ago, and Reebok still kicking.
    BUT, this is Nike we’re talking about…so I could see them killing Umbro off very soon. Euro 08 is this summer, so they’d have to hurry to replace national team kits, but league kits could wait until this summer to be replaced.[/quote]

    i doubt it. they havent killed off the cole haan, converse, and hurley brands, and the kept bauer as well. in fact its to their benefit to keep the brands in tact.[/quote]

    I thought I just read an article a few weeks ago saying Nike/Bauer is going out of business. Can’t find it now but Nike/Bauer is dead.[/quote]
    Nike IS selling off the Bauer hockey line; it’s one of, if not THE, least moneymaking line in the Nike stable. I do subscribe to the notion that, much like Converse, Nike will keep Umbro up and running. However, don’t be surprised to see the England national team adorned with the swoosh come 2010. It’s been no secret that Nike is trying to become the world #1 in terms of soccer/football.

    Two things about last night’s Jags/Colts game.

    1. A little hosiery malfunction for Reggie Wayne in the 2nd quarter just before halftime. I didn’t notice if it was fixed after halftime, but I would have to assume so.

    2. When Quinn Gray came in in the first half for a series or two, he had a dark visor, but when he came out after halftime he was visorless. Unfortunately for the Jags, the newly added vision did not help him see the filed any better.

    Couldn’t track down any pictures of this, hopefully someone can help me out with this.

    [quote comment=”159929″]6.02 x 10^23[/quote]
    You’re right.. my chemistry is a little rusty

    [quote comment=”159875″]I’m not sure how many of you guys care, but we just had a beautiful shuttle launch. This mission will be a culmination of about a years’ work for me.[/quote]
    B Crisp..I’m down in Palm Bay, saw the launch…beautiful as usual. Congrats.

    [quote comment=”159933″]I do subscribe to the notion that, much like Converse, Nike will keep Umbro up and running. However, don’t be surprised to see the England national team adorned with the swoosh come 2010. It’s been no secret that Nike is trying to become the world #1 in terms of soccer/football.[/quote]

    With the quality of their recent designs, I actually hope this happens.

    Better than Adidas.

    i may be wrong but im sure the reason chris canty of the cowboys wears a weird facemask is because a few years ago he had a serious eye injury…and thats prolly why he wears the eyeshield

    [quote comment=”159937″]So it’s safe to assume the Giants will be wearing their road white/red jerseys in London?[/quote]

    Dolphins are the home team, but why would they wear aqua?

    [quote comment=”159900″][quote comment=”159813″]I enjoy Uni Watch but the Nike-bashing is getting tiresome and stupid. NO other company comes close to Nike. Uni watch will *not* be getting any of my money any time soon.[/quote]

    As I’m sure everyone can imagine, I’m gonna lose a LOT of sleep over that announcement.[/quote]

    LOL….oh man…that response just cracked me up Good one Paul.

    [quote comment=”159900″][quote comment=”159813″]I enjoy Uni Watch but the Nike-bashing is getting tiresome and stupid. NO other company comes close to Nike. Uni watch will *not* be getting any of my money any time soon.[/quote]

    As I’m sure everyone can imagine, I’m gonna lose a LOT of sleep over that announcement.[/quote]

    I don’t know, I think it is getting old. We all know you hate Nike and you hate purple. It’s kind of like we know that Ann Coulter hates liberals. Maybe it’s time for both of you to move on.

    And the comment about money, well, look, you’re running a site that asks for memberships. You’ve done a great job building that roster, but you might have to realize that some people probably didn’t and won’t buy a membership because of these types of things.

    Just my two cents, great site and I have some photos I’ll be sending you in the not too distant future.

    [quote comment=”159796″][quote comment=”159788″]Now Crisler uniforms his teams in flimsy zephyr cloth so rippable that [RB Tom] Harmon once used up 20 jerseys in one season.”[/quote]

    Tom Harmon of course is a former Heisman Trophy winner and father of former UCLA quarterback and actor Mark Harmon (St. Elsewhere, Summer School, NCIS)[/quote]

    More important is he is the father of Kelly Harmon! (the Tic Tac girl)

    [quote comment=”159943″][quote comment=”159900″][quote comment=”159813″]I enjoy Uni Watch but the Nike-bashing is getting tiresome and stupid. NO other company comes close to Nike. Uni watch will *not* be getting any of my money any time soon.[/quote]

    As I’m sure everyone can imagine, I’m gonna lose a LOT of sleep over that announcement.[/quote]

    I don’t know, I think it is getting old. We all know you hate Nike and you hate purple. It’s kind of like we know that Ann Coulter hates liberals. Maybe it’s time for both of you to move on.

    And the comment about money, well, look, you’re running a site that asks for memberships. You’ve done a great job building that roster, but you might have to realize that some people probably didn’t and won’t buy a membership because of these types of things.

    Just my two cents, great site and I have some photos I’ll be sending you in the not too distant future.[/quote]

    That, or you have a lucrative NIKE contract that forces you to say such things.

    Won’t buy a membership because Paul hates purple and chooses to point out Nike’s blatent logo usage where it effects the integrety of the uniform?…THAT is kind of what the site is about, isn’t it? Hey I understand what you are saying Kek, but most people just scroll past the subjects or comments that are not interesting to them, and move on to what they do like. I for one have no interest in Soccer uni’s and such…but I have to tell you I have learned a great deal about them from reading some of the comments here from the people who are interested in them. You don’t have to pay a dime to use this site..but I choose to because it gives me real pleasure on a daily basis….So I hope you WILL send in some pictures and contribute what you enjoy…we all will appreciate it as we do Pauls opinions and dislikes..

    [quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]
    Here’s hoping that Nike doesn’t do to soccer what they did to hockey.

    Agreed….the Nike thing is completely played out Paul….still love the page though…..

    [quote comment=”159960″]Agreed….the Nike thing is completely played out Paul….still love the page though…..[/quote]

    Okay, I’m going to be the Uni Watch Apologetic here. I did purchase a membership, but I also attended a college with a sports team that uses primarily purple as a color. I continue to wear purple to support them.

    But here’s my thoughts on the subject of the Nike branding on helmets. the Swoosh branded on the visor clip=a sneakily innovative way to brand your products. I’ll let it slide. But printing an entire website URL on your product?? Unnecessary and hideous.

    [quote comment=”159958″][quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]
    Here’s hoping that Nike doesn’t do to soccer what they did to hockey.[/quote]
    Is it safe to say that Rbk defeated Nike in the realm of hockey?

    If so, is this unprecedented? Has the Swoosh ever been driven out of a sport like this?

    I’m surprised no one has mentioned this yet, but Nike isn’t alone in their placing their logo on the visor holders. As far back as I can remember, Oakley has had their “O” logo on the holders also. You can sorta see it in this link, but just look around at other photos and it’s their.

    [quote comment=”159960″]Agreed….the Nike thing is completely played out Paul….still love the page though…..[/quote]
    Of course, anyone can say what they want. That is the beauty of a blog like this. But when I read comments like this one, it sounds to me something like “Hey CNN, the whole politics thing is so played out…” You know what you’re getting when you come to this site: great info about sports uniforms and link bashing. No big deal.

    Paul/Vince:

    Is there a way to have poster’s URIs open in a seperate window like the image links do? I like to check out other people’s websites, but sometimes I forget to right-click and open in new a tab. If possible, I think it would be nice. Thanks for the great site.

    [quote comment=”159974″]Paul/Vince:

    Is there a way to have poster’s URIs open in a seperate window like the image links do? I like to check out other people’s websites, but sometimes I forget to right-click and open in new a tab. If possible, I think it would be nice. Thanks for the great site.[/quote]

    shoot, im just waiting for avatars!

    [quote comment=”159977″][quote comment=”159974″]Paul/Vince:

    Is there a way to have poster’s URIs open in a seperate window like the image links do? I like to check out other people’s websites, but sometimes I forget to right-click and open in new a tab. If possible, I think it would be nice. Thanks for the great site.[/quote]

    shoot, im just waiting for avatars![/quote]

    Never. Please, Paul.

    I’m surprised no one has mentioned this yet, but Nike isn’t alone in their placing their logo on the visor holders. As far back as I can remember, Oakley has had their “O” logo on the holders also. You can sorta see it in this picture, but just look around at other photos and it’s their.

    Everyone puts their logos on everything these days. I am sure if there were swooshes on those Schutt facemask bolts we’d be groaning at that too. I think what separates Nike from the rest is that they tend to over do it, especially in a sport where players wear a lot of equipment. When a player puts everything on, he is sprinkled head to toe with swooshes (of course Nike would like to sell all those little bits and pieces of gear to every amateur player out there).

    Thay have also come up with some of the most ridiculously ugly uniform designs.

    [quote comment=”159875″]I’m not sure how many of you guys care, but we just had a beautiful shuttle launch. This mission will be a culmination of about a years’ work for me.[/quote]

    Saw it live on CNN.com between classes. The Space Shuttle is a beautiful machine. I’ve been a fan since I woke up real early one morning in 5th grade to watch COLUMBIA fly for the first time. That’s great that you get to work so closely with such an amazing program.

    Hey, since you’re at NASA and are on the Uni Watch board, I’ve got some questions for you about the shuttles’ markings. Most of these are about COLUMBIA, although I don’t want to open an old wound so if you don’t want to talk about it I’ll understand.

    The COLUMBIA shared the same markings as the experimental shuttle ENTERPRISE, specifically the U.S. flag on the left wing, “USA” on the right wing, and the orbiter’s name on the forward end of the payload bay doors. However, when CHALLENGER was completed, the markings were changed to “USA” and the flag on the left wing, the NASA “neon” logo and the orbiter’s name on the right wing, and the orbiter’s name inscribed on the forward fuselage flanking the flight deck windows. DISCOVERY, ATLANTIS and later ENDEAVOUR all shared these markings.

    Later, the markings were changed again; the NASA “meatball” logo on the left wing, with the U.S. flag and the orbiter’s name on the right wing. The NASA “neon” logo was also removed from the aft end of the payload bay doors. COLUMBIA was re-marked this way as well to match the other three orbiters.

    Now, questions:

    – Why the difference in markings between CHALLENGER et seq. and COLUMBIA?

    – Why did NASA wait 20 years, until 2001/2002 (prior to what sadly became its next-to-last flight) to change COLUMBIA’s markings to match the others? (I know the wing markings remained the same until then, but I think the name was moved to the forward fuselage at some point in between; if I’m right, when did that happen?)

    – Why were the wing markings of ENTERPRISE changed in the 1980s to match those of the later orbiters, but COLUMBIA’s were not? And why was ENTERPRISE’s name not moved to the forward fuselage to also match the others? (ENTERPRISE, on display at the Smithsonian, still has its name on the payload bay doors as it originally did. Yet in the opening credits of the TV show “STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE,” there is a brief shot of the craft with its name on the forward fuselage. Was this real, i.e., did it have the name inscribed there at some point, or was the shot altered?)

    Thanks, congrats, and GO DISCOVERY.

    That, or you have a lucrative NIKE contract that forces you to say such things.[/quote]

    Hardly. Just because I feel the Nike bashing is getting old doesn’t necessarily mean I am defending them as a company. Personally, I think they’ve gotten into some product lines and sports that they’ve had no business getting into.

    It’s not that I disagree with Paul all that much, just think it’s played a little.

    Is this what it comes down to when you disagree about this topic, that you are accused of being a Nike employee? That’s pretty pathetic. I don’t even work in the same industry as Nike, so you might want to think before you make that kind of assumption.

    [quote comment=”159952″]Won’t buy a membership because Paul hates purple and chooses to point out Nike’s blatent logo usage where it effects the integrety of the uniform?…THAT is kind of what the site is about, isn’t it? Hey I understand what you are saying Kek, but most people just scroll past the subjects or comments that are not interesting to them, and move on to what they do like. I for one have no interest in Soccer uni’s and such…but I have to tell you I have learned a great deal about them from reading some of the comments here from the people who are interested in them. You don’t have to pay a dime to use this site..but I choose to because it gives me real pleasure on a daily basis….So I hope you WILL send in some pictures and contribute what you enjoy…we all will appreciate it as we do Pauls opinions and dislikes..[/quote]Don’t worry I’ll send them in. I’ve contributed before (the Steelers HOF exhibit recently). And I didn’t say I wouldn’t purchase a membership because of this, just that it might turn others off. Believe me, I know from running a few websites of my own, you can do whatever you want, but you can run the risk of alienating your customers (i.e. readers). It’s a fine line sometimes.

    [quote comment=”159987″]
    Is this what it comes down to when you disagree about this topic, that you are accused of being a Nike employee? That’s pretty pathetic. I don’t even work in the same industry as Nike, so you might want to think before you make that kind of assumption.[/quote]
    It would appear that Nike employees don’t have a sense of humor.

    [quote comment=”159987″]That, or you have a lucrative NIKE contract that forces you to say such things.[/quote]

    Hardly. Just because I feel the Nike bashing is getting old doesn’t necessarily mean I am defending them as a company. Personally, I think they’ve gotten into some product lines and sports that they’ve had no business getting into.

    It’s not that I disagree with Paul all that much, just think it’s played a little.

    Is this what it comes down to when you disagree about this topic, that you are accused of being a Nike employee? That’s pretty pathetic. I don’t even work in the same industry as Nike, so you might want to think before you make that kind of assumption.[/quote]

    I was joking. Some people tend to do that from time to time (especially in comments). Also, my lucrative ADIDAS contract forces me to take all the jabs I can.

    [quote comment=”159971″][quote comment=”159960″]Agreed….the Nike thing is completely played out Paul….still love the page though…..[/quote]
    Of course, anyone can say what they want. That is the beauty of a blog like this. But when I read comments like this one, it sounds to me something like “Hey CNN, the whole politics thing is so played out…” You know what you’re getting when you come to this site: great info about sports uniforms and link bashing. No big deal.[/quote]

    Great comment, Joe. Really… no one says you have to agree with Paul. Just grin and bear it knowing that Paul has a problem with mass-swoosh-marketing. :o)

    [quote comment=”159880″][quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]

    I’d be surprised if Nike kills off Umbro. Adidas after all did buy Reebok not too long ago, and Reebok still kicking.
    BUT, this is Nike we’re talking about…so I could see them killing Umbro off very soon. Euro 08 is this summer, so they’d have to hurry to replace national team kits, but league kits could wait until this summer to be replaced.[/quote]

    No way Nike kills the Umbro brand. If they did, that allows the English FA (and I’m sure others as well) to void their contract and allows them to negotiate a new kit deal. In fact, it’s been suggested that Nike bought Umbro to have access to eventually switch them over and to use Nike-contracted players (Rooney, etc) to promote the Umbro-branded England kits, which they were not permitted to do prior to the merger.

    [quote comment=”160000″][quote comment=”159880″][quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]

    I’d be surprised if Nike kills off Umbro. Adidas after all did buy Reebok not too long ago, and Reebok still kicking.
    BUT, this is Nike we’re talking about…so I could see them killing Umbro off very soon. Euro 08 is this summer, so they’d have to hurry to replace national team kits, but league kits could wait until this summer to be replaced.[/quote]

    No way Nike kills the Umbro brand. If they did, that allows the English FA (and I’m sure others as well) to void their contract and allows them to negotiate a new kit deal. In fact, it’s been suggested that Nike bought Umbro to have access to eventually switch them over and to use Nike-contracted players (Rooney, etc) to promote the Umbro-branded England kits, which they were not permitted to do prior to the merger.[/quote]
    Is it just me, or does a potential Nike-replacing-Umbro episode have a bit of Jeff Burton and Cingular/AT&T aftertaste?

    [quote comment=”160007″]in doing some photo searching i found what may be the first recorded image of a non-white monochromatic college football uniform.
    jim brown 1956.
    link

    More importantly why does one helmet have a black stripe and the other ohave a white stripe?

    To Kek, best reponse I’ve seen on this site about the continued Nike logo creep mentions. To the point, and yet very respectful IMO. I could not say it better.

    With that aside, really cool getting to see the rubber plate. Never realized that they were raised like that.

    [quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]

    Agree, Nike soccer jerseys are fine — now if Adidas had bought Umbro, that would be a calamity.
    I can’t tell you how sick I am of those three stripes. They ruin the look of so many great jerseys (Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, all of MLS, and on and on).

    Forgot to mention, kind of chuckled seeing the Jersey Joe ad with the white Rockies World Series jersey. Not too likely we’ll be seeing it.

    [quote comment=”159998″][quote comment=”159971″][quote comment=”159960″]Agreed….the Nike thing is completely played out Paul….still love the page though…..[/quote]
    Of course, anyone can say what they want. That is the beauty of a blog like this. But when I read comments like this one, it sounds to me something like “Hey CNN, the whole politics thing is so played out…” You know what you’re getting when you come to this site: great info about sports uniforms and link bashing. No big deal.[/quote]

    Great comment, Joe. Really… no one says you have to agree with Paul. Just grin and bear it knowing that Paul has a problem with mass-swoosh-marketing. :o)[/quote]
    Wouldn’t it be boring is Paul loved everything about every company, and even every color? I don’t see what the big deal is that he has a few gripes with a company or a color. Who cares? Do you like everything Reebok, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Russell and all other companies put out? I highly doubt it. Just like what Teebz said, grin and bear it, and don’t make it that big of a deal, because in the whole scheme of things it isn’t that big of a deal.

    Now, back to some uni-related things…I am going to Las Vegas tomorrow, and on Saturday I am going to play a 4 team parlay for college football solely based on football uniforms. Any advice from anyone on what teams I should pick? I think I have my lineup set, but I want to get a few comments from the uni faithful.

    [quote comment=”160014″]Forgot to mention, kind of chuckled seeing the Jersey Joe ad with the white Rockies World Series jersey. Not too likely we’ll be seeing it.[/quote]
    Well we will if they lose a game.

    Canty had a detached retina in college… he has the special mask to protect from anymore damage…

    [quote comment=”160003″][quote comment=”160000″][quote comment=”159880″][quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]

    I’d be surprised if Nike kills off Umbro. Adidas after all did buy Reebok not too long ago, and Reebok still kicking.
    BUT, this is Nike we’re talking about…so I could see them killing Umbro off very soon. Euro 08 is this summer, so they’d have to hurry to replace national team kits, but league kits could wait until this summer to be replaced.[/quote]

    No way Nike kills the Umbro brand. If they did, that allows the English FA (and I’m sure others as well) to void their contract and allows them to negotiate a new kit deal. In fact, it’s been suggested that Nike bought Umbro to have access to eventually switch them over and to use Nike-contracted players (Rooney, etc) to promote the Umbro-branded England kits, which they were not permitted to do prior to the merger.[/quote]
    Is it just me, or does a potential Nike-replacing-Umbro episode have a bit of Jeff Burton and Cingular/AT&T aftertaste?[/quote]

    I’d rather have the Swoosh on soccer uniforms than AT&T banning me from their internets if I speak ill of them.

    [quote comment=”159932″]Mole Day=My Birthday!

    I love all the Giants talk here, we should make Skiba a regular contributer here at UniWatch.

    Just a thought about the new Schutt Helmet, to me the Ion was just a crazy prototype, and the new XP is the refined product that will be the new helmet, they seem very similar without all of the extremes of the ION. To me it just seems like the progression seems like that is where the XP got its inspiration.[/quote]

    Schutt has both the ION, the DNA, and the XP on their website, and you are right, they do look very similiar.

    On Schutts website, Schutt says that the XP is for players that want a more traditional looking helmet with the Skydex padding system.

    The ION will probally be popular with younger players, and that new shock absorbing facemask system, on the Ion, may just be worth something.
    My guess is that the DNA gets scrapped.

    [quote comment=”160017″][quote comment=”159998″][quote comment=”159971″][quote comment=”159960″]Agreed….the Nike thing is completely played out Paul….still love the page though…..[/quote]
    Of course, anyone can say what they want. That is the beauty of a blog like this. But when I read comments like this one, it sounds to me something like “Hey CNN, the whole politics thing is so played out…” You know what you’re getting when you come to this site: great info about sports uniforms and link bashing. No big deal.[/quote]

    Great comment, Joe. Really… no one says you have to agree with Paul. Just grin and bear it knowing that Paul has a problem with mass-swoosh-marketing. :o)[/quote]
    Wouldn’t it be boring is Paul loved everything about every company, and even every color? I don’t see what the big deal is that he has a few gripes with a company or a color. Who cares? Do you like everything Reebok, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Russell and all other companies put out? I highly doubt it. Just like what Teebz said, grin and bear it, and don’t make it that big of a deal, because in the whole scheme of things it isn’t that big of a deal.

    Now, back to some uni-related things…I am going to Las Vegas tomorrow, and on Saturday I am going to play a 4 team parlay for college football solely based on football uniforms. Any advice from anyone on what teams I should pick? I think I have my lineup set, but I want to get a few comments from the uni faithful.[/quote]
    The Nike thing is just old….lots of other stuff that sucks…worse…….freshen it up…

    Someone asked a couple of days ago whether or not any team besides the Giants had two different color captain’s patches (blue for home, red for road and alts). The consensus seemed to be that no other team would because of the major contrast in the color scheme for the Giants home, road, and alt jerseys. However, I have found another team: the Bengals.

    link

    link

    link

    Some might say that this doesn’t count because the orange patch is only worn on the alt jersey, and not on the white and alt like the Giants, but I understood the question to be whether or not a team simply had two different colored patches.

    [quote comment=”159990″]You can sponsor the USC Song Girls!

    haha

    link

    The intersection of UniWatch readers and TMQ readers has been identified. Prepare for assimilation.

    [quote comment=”159987″]That, or you have a lucrative NIKE contract that forces you to say such things.[/quote]

    Hardly. Just because I feel the Nike bashing is getting old doesn’t necessarily mean I am defending them as a company. Personally, I think they’ve gotten into some product lines and sports that they’ve had no business getting into.

    It’s not that I disagree with Paul all that much, just think it’s played a little.

    Is this what it comes down to when you disagree about this topic, that you are accused of being a Nike employee? That’s pretty pathetic. I don’t even work in the same industry as Nike, so you might want to think before you make that kind of assumption.[/quote]

    Really guys? Someone jokingly saying you work for Nike is now an accusation? Wow.

    I support our troops..and I am sorry the fellow lost an eye….but a LIONS LOGO on your fake EYEBALL?
    uh………whoa.

    [quote comment=”159793″]Anyone notice the Jags’ helmets last night?

    During pre-game footage, the helmets looked hazy & dull and didnt reflect any light at all, but when the game started they were shiny black like normal.

    Game pics are easy to find, but i cant find any pre-game photos.

    My guesses

    1. They apply a coat of polish and then buff them off right before the game.

    2. They were wearing practice helmets.

    Anyone else see this?[/quote]

    Yes, I noticed that and thought for a minute that the Jags were going for a new look. But when I looked closer, I put it off as maybe some condensation had formed on the helmet.
    Many of the broadcasters had mentioned how warm and muggy it was that night and maybe the players had just come out of the air-conditioned locker room?

    i also noticed bob sanders in pre game last night had his socks down – college style… but of course had them pulled all the way up during the game to avoid the UniCops

    I also noticed a player this Sunday (think it was Brandon Marshall – DEN WR) with the least amount of white sock Ive seen in a long time – ULTRA LOW whites… I’ll try to find a pic…

    [quote comment=”160041″]Blackwater stealing Clemson’s logo?

    link

    I would go more with Cincinnate BearCats over Clemson.

    [quote comment=”160019″][quote comment=”160014″]Forgot to mention, kind of chuckled seeing the Jersey Joe ad with the white Rockies World Series jersey. Not too likely we’ll be seeing it.[/quote]
    Well we will if they lose a game.[/quote]

    Unless they keep wearing the black vest for home games.

    [quote comment=”160012″][quote comment=”159819″]link. For all the knocks Nike takes, their futbol jerseys are generally nicer than the rest. Still, it’s sad to lose one of the major brands.[/quote]

    Agree, Nike soccer jerseys are fine — now if Adidas had bought Umbro, that would be a calamity.
    I can’t tell you how sick I am of those three stripes. They ruin the look of so many great jerseys (Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, all of MLS, and on and on).[/quote]
    I have no problem with 3 stripes down teh side or shorts/pants/ arm ect. Its more of a design element, its when its just a small logo that it screams out “Look at me!” 3 stripes running down the leg seam just looks like a design and not a logo.

    [quote comment=”160031″]Someone asked a couple of days ago whether or not any team besides the Giants had two different color captain’s patches (blue for home, red for road and alts). The consensus seemed to be that no other team would because of the major contrast in the color scheme for the Giants home, road, and alt jerseys. However, I have found another team: the Bengals.

    link

    link

    link

    Some might say that this doesn’t count because the orange patch is only worn on the alt jersey, and not on the white and alt like the Giants, but I understood the question to be whether or not a team simply had two different colored patches.[/quote]

    The question was two different patches between the Road and Home jerseys.

    [quote comment=”160049″][quote comment=”160041″]Blackwater stealing Clemson’s logo?

    link
    no, it does not have the cut in it.[/quote]

    It’s not even the same kind of paw.

    [quote comment=”159960″]Agreed….the Nike thing is completely played out Paul….still love the page though…..[/quote]

    I’ll acknowledge that I can sometimes go overboard with the anti-Nike thing. But this was a legitimate news item — they’re sneaking their logo onto a helmet, which is SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED by NFL regulations. And yes, as someone else pointed out, Oakley visors carry the Oakley “O” logo, but that logo has to be covered up by NFL equipment managers (further details on that are available link).

    In short: This wasn’t a gratuitous pot-shot or something that’s “all played out” — it was news. Yes, it also happens to fit in with something I’ve been saying forever (i.e., that Nike would brand the entire planet with a swoosh if they could get away with it), but that doesn’t change its newsworthiness. And you can bet I still would’ve written about it if a different company had been involved.

    Lester Carlin, Virginia Tech’s equipment manager, was on the link last night. He made several uni-related comments while on the air:

    * On Thursday night, Virginia Tech will wear the mismatched Nike undersleeves again for players that want long sleeves (no miscolored jersey sleeves though, thank goodness). They will also wear maroon tops/ maroon pants.
    * Early in Carlin’s career VT wore panty hose to stay warm for a night game.
    * Devensive end Chris Ellis has a tradition of throwing his gloves into the stands after every home game.

    the word around the burning couch (instead of ‘around the campfire’) is that WVU is going to go Gold on Gold with the traditional blue helmet to compliment the ‘Gold Rush’ in the stands for the upcoming Louisville game in Morgantown.

    Unnnnnnnnnnngh. Not good. Not good at ALL.

    Nevermind the fact that “Gold Rush” never works at Mountaineer field (since half the people in the stands seemingly refuse to ever take part), the more important problem is the idea of the new gold jerseys (unveiled this past Saturday as you well know) paired up with gold pants.

    New of this rumor made me throw up in my mouth a little…ok a lot. Horrible.

    [quote comment=”160057″][quote comment=”159960″]Agreed….the Nike thing is completely played out Paul….still love the page though…..[/quote]

    I’ll acknowledge that I can sometimes go overboard with the anti-Nike thing. But this was a legitimate news item — they’re sneaking their logo onto a helmet, which is SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED by NFL regulations. And yes, as someone else pointed out, Oakley visors carry the Oakley “O” logo, but that logo has to be covered up by NFL equipment managers (further details on that are available link).

    In short: This wasn’t a gratuitous pot-shot or something that’s “all played out” — it was news. Yes, it also happens to fit in with something I’ve been saying forever (i.e., that Nike would brand the entire planet with a swoosh if they could get away with it), but that doesn’t change its newsworthiness. And you can bet I still would’ve written about it if a different company had been involved.[/quote]
    This whole site is built on something a bit quirky: a passion for the details of sports uniforms. That being said, it blows me away how often a reader will get bent out of shape when someone else’s quirky take on a situation doesn’t match their own quirky take. We’re not discussing first principles here.

    Anyone notice? I’m watching the rangers/pens game. *At least* half of the rangers have the back flap of their jerseys either cut off or hemmed up. I can’t tell which. The front hem is hard to see but just before the commercal they showed a shot from the goal cam and it looked like whoever the ranger was had the front also straight across. I’m running my tivo on it now, but I wont have evidence until tomorrow if I have time.

    [quote comment=”160083″]I’ve never seen these ugly old bright blue Colorado uniforms (check out the facemasks):

    link[/quote]

    I don’t know… there are 2 kinds of ugly uniform categories for me.

    1) ugly uniforms that are plain ugly: Oregon’s diamond-plated

    2) ugly uniforms with character: old Tampa Bay Bucs

    I’ve never witnessed the light blue Colorado unis, but I think there could be something there.

    Of course, people also thought there would be something in Kordell Stewart, but that’s another discussion.

    Dont know if anybody has said antything about it yet but oregons helmets also have a raised rubber nose bumper as seen here:link. i know that this is and old helmet but i remember seenig the raised rubber nose bumper on the white ones too. also ive seen the oakley logo on thier visor clips exposed in a game before

    Regarding the Blackwater logo, didn’t Baylor have a bear paw logo on their shoulders (wear TV numbers would be?
    I’m thinking early 80’s.

    [quote comment=”160099″]Anyone notice? I’m watching the rangers/pens game. *At least* half of the rangers have the back flap of their jerseys either cut off or hemmed up. I can’t tell which. The front hem is hard to see but just before the commercal they showed a shot from the goal cam and it looked like whoever the ranger was had the front also straight across. I’m running my tivo on it now, but I wont have evidence until tomorrow if I have time.[/quote]
    A good rear shot, but can’t tell if thats just because of the action or if its hemmed: link

    And the front from the game prior: link

    [quote comment=”160032″][quote comment=”159990″]You can sponsor the USC Song Girls!

    haha

    link

    The intersection of UniWatch readers and TMQ readers has been identified. Prepare for assimilation.[/quote]

    Can’t we also synchronize our swatches too?

    [quote comment=”160169″][quote comment=”160032″][quote comment=”159990″]You can sponsor the USC Song Girls!

    haha

    link

    The intersection of UniWatch readers and TMQ readers has been identified. Prepare for assimilation.[/quote]

    Can’t we also synchronize our swatches too?[/quote]
    Give next week’s entry the title “Tuesday Morning Uni Watch” and be done with it. Or if anybody notices declining performance in spite of new and better uniforms, let that be “The Progress Paradox.”
    Thank you, I’m here all week!

    [quote comment=”160163″][quote comment=”160099″]Anyone notice? I’m watching the rangers/pens game. *At least* half of the rangers have the back flap of their jerseys either cut off or hemmed up. I can’t tell which. The front hem is hard to see but just before the commercal they showed a shot from the goal cam and it looked like whoever the ranger was had the front also straight across. I’m running my tivo on it now, but I wont have evidence until tomorrow if I have time.[/quote]
    A good rear shot, but can’t tell if thats just because of the action or if its hemmed: link

    And the front from the game prior: link[/quote]
    its not from the action, almost everyones was like the rear shot. It almost looks like you can see the folded under part acring up where its hemmed inside. I love this, I hate the rounded borroms and the rangers are doing their own little protest. Wonder how long until buttman comes down on this?

    Paul, I have a personal favor to ask you, or anyone that can help me out here. Not exactly uni related, or related to anything talked about recently, but…

    I need a few (or more than a few if I can get them) of Bears “home” games from 2002, when they played at U of Illinois while Soldier Field was being remodeled. I know Paul can help me out here, can anyone else? Thanks

    Elliott

    [quote comment=”160057″][quote comment=”159960″]Agreed….the Nike thing is completely played out Paul….still love the page though…..[/quote]

    I’ll acknowledge that I can sometimes go overboard with the anti-Nike thing. But this was a legitimate news item — they’re sneaking their logo onto a helmet, which is SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED by NFL regulations. And yes, as someone else pointed out, Oakley visors carry the Oakley “O” logo, but that logo has to be covered up by NFL equipment managers (further details on that are available link).

    In short: This wasn’t a gratuitous pot-shot or something that’s “all played out” — it was news. Yes, it also happens to fit in with something I’ve been saying forever (i.e., that Nike would brand the entire planet with a swoosh if they could get away with it), but that doesn’t change its newsworthiness. And you can bet I still would’ve written about it if a different company had been involved.[/quote]

    Technically, they are not on the helmet. They are the clips that hold the visor in place. Visors not being mandatory I see no problem with this. Hell, I’d love to see them in purple just to piss you off more ;-)

    I don’t have as much of a problem with the swoosh on the visor clip, its not like I could see it during game coverage or anything.

    Hey…

    Love all the G-Men & Joe Skiba talk…

    Some weeks back there was a discussion about something “revolutionary” that Joe Skiba was proposing to do when the Giants wear their red alternate jerseys. This came up when the comment was made about the fact that the red jerseys didn’t “match” the blue helmets. Is there any updates on that??? VERY INTERESTED & EAGER!!!

    [quote comment=”160258″]Ok, this is probably normal, but Oregon has their logo on their footballs?
    link

    AJ, every team has their logo on their footballs.

    Paul,
    Great article on Joe Skiba and the various helmets!!! Loved the details, like the various colored rubber bumper logos, etc. Also, I appreciate that the Giants use the grey masks (are you listening Jets equipment manager!?!) but if only the Giants could ditch the metallic blue (and red stripe) paint and go back to flat royal and red it would be even better.

    Paul,
    I don’t know if you noticed but the exterior rivets from the jaws pads are painted on the Air Advantage and they aren’t on the XP. I assume it is because the helmet is brand new, from the factory and it has not been reconditioned (repainted, etc.) as yet. It seems like almost every NFL and major college program now paint their helmets (exterior rivets included) regardless of the helmet shell impregnated color. To see an exposed jaw pad exterior rivet is rare. When impregnated colored helmets first emerged they were supposed to eliminate the maintenance of painting a helmet because of paint chipping off.

    [quote comment=”160261″][quote comment=”160258″]Ok, this is probably normal, but Oregon has their logo on their footballs?
    link

    AJ, every team has their logo on their footballs.[/quote]

    Thanks Rick, footballs are not something I normally pay attention to, I had never noticed before (and with it being Oregon, I thought maybe it could be just them.)

    [quote comment=”160282″]Paul,
    I don’t know if you noticed but the exterior rivets from the jaws pads are painted on the Air Advantage and they aren’t on the XP. I assume it is because the helmet is brand new, from the factory and it has not been reconditioned (repainted, etc.) as yet. It seems like almost every NFL and major college program now paint their helmets (exterior rivets included) regardless of the helmet shell impregnated color. To see an exposed jaw pad exterior rivet is rare. When impregnated colored helmets first emerged they were supposed to eliminate the maintenance of painting a helmet because of paint chipping off.[/quote]

    Yes, you’re right about almost every team painting their helmets now, which made me try to think of the ones that still used an unpainted helmet.
    The only two NFL teams I can think of are the Rams and Steelers

    [quote comment=”160124″]any pics of chris cantys facemask[/quote]

    Plenty of pics of Canty’s facemask on his website. Interesting that the extra bars on his facemask don’t seem like they are such that they’d offer more eye protection, since he wears a visor, and the extra bars are at/beneath nose lefvel.

    [quote comment=”160345″][quote comment=”160124″]any pics of chris cantys facemask[/quote]

    Sorry, I’m link deficient:
    link

    To prove how uniform-centric I am…some might say petty and fickle. When I was in high school being recruited to play football in college, I based my final decision not only on degrees offered, campus amenities, class size, proximity to New York City but on the school’s uniforms, cleat sponsors as well as helmet maunfacturers. If the school did not outfit the team with Schutt Air, I didn’t even consider them. To say, I care about the details in an understatement. Gladly I made a decision, put my four years in and now teach, of all subjects, Drawing and Design for Production wherein i am indoctrinating ninth grade students with the beauty of the fleu-de-bee, the Washington State University logo and everything Nike, Sorry! By the way my house and all the houses of my family members are your favorite color, a wonderful mixture of lavender and chardonnay.

    Happy Mole Day, everybody!!!

    Wow…I thought my H.S. Chemistry teacher was the only one who told us about Mole Day. For years, it has been a running joke between me and a few of my friends, where I would make sure to call or e-mail them every Mole Day. Avagadro rules!

    Is the Schutt XP the same type of helmet that Penn State uses? I’ve always found it odd the way theres an indent that wraps around the back of the helmet from the ear holes the Penn State helmets.

    Could you ask Mr. Skiba where he gets the raised rubber nose bumpers, I can’t find them anywhere and would like to look into getting them for the team i’m trying to start up. Also any advise you could give on our uni designs would be welcome. here’s the site for anyone else that might like to check it out link

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