As if this game had not already received enough hype, the sold-out contest between TCU and Utah has been "juiced up" just a little more today.
The Horned Frogs will be one of only 10 teams in the nation to unveil Nike's new "Pro Combat" uniform when they take on the Utes in a pivotal Mountain West Conference battle. TCU and Virginia Tech will unveil their versions of the uniform this week and Florida State will unveil theirs next week. The remaining seven teams will exhibit their versions of the uniform by the end of the month.
Thanks to Nike's Public Relations Manager Cindy Hamilton, we have exclusive photos of the new TCU uniforms. Here are some details about the Frogs' new threads from a press release issued by Nike.
About the overall design:
Nike designed the Nike Pro Combat uniform to address the evolution of the game: today's players are stronger and faster and the collisions are more violent and explosive than ever before. Nike also worked with coaches and administrators at TCU to bring inspiration to the Pro Combat uniforms that the Horned Frogs will wear on November 14th.
The uniform's base layer (which can only be seen when a player removes his jersey or outer pants):
Strategically placed, larger ventilation pores move heat and moisture away from skin and draw in fresh air. The Dri-FIT fabric wicks away sweat and keeps athletes dry and comfortable. Dual-density foam cells at thighs and single-density foam cells at hips and tailbone provide superior impact protection.
The jersey:
Engineered high-tenacity yard inspired by Nike Flywire is incorporated into the high impact shoulder area for lightweight durability and three layers of twill became a single layer through the use of sublimation, resulting in lighter graphics. The jersey's four-way stretch woven twill does not hold moisture, is even lighter than current designs when wet and is overall 23 percent lighter than current designs.
The pants:
Nike scrutinized every detail of the Nike Pro Combat uniform with the goal of shedding as much weight as possible, right down to D-ring on the belt by opting for a titanium D-ring, which is extremely durable and 66 percent lighter than the standard steel belt enclosure. Nike also created a unique horned frog skin print for TCU’s Nike Pro Combat uniform pants.
The helmet:
The TCU helmet is covered in a horned frog skin print while the red lines up the center represent the blood that a horned frog will shoot from its eyes when under attack.
The gloves for backs and receivers:
Customized versions of the Nike Vapor Trail 2.0 gloves form the Horned Frog logo on the palms when the hands come together. Advanced high-grip palm material delivers tacky, lightweight and flexible grip that lasts.
The shoes:
Customized designs of the Nike Zoom Vapor Fly cleat have been created for the TCU Horned Frogs. Bladed heel cleats aid multi-directional traction. Secondary traction elements include sidewall shovels and bucktooth technology for strong toe-off traction. Zoom Air cushioning in the heel disperses pressure and returns energy and a single unit construction provides snug and secure fit.
Don't back down:
The team's "Don't Back Down" mantra is embroidered on the inner collar of every jersey, as well as the cuff of the Nike Vapor Trail 2.0 gloves and on the sock liner of the Nike Zoom Vapor Fly cleat. The red lines down the center of the helmet represent the blood that shoots from a horned frog's eyes when under attack. They also stand for the "bloodlines" of the brotherhood that unite the team.
Check out the slide show to see these details for yourself.
Comments
Not bad. The jersies are cool, but the pants are out there.
t, I would agree. The jerseys look nice, the texturing of the pants is a little off but the more I look at it (the uniform overall) the more it has grown on me. I do really like the helmet and the pattern on the inside of the gloves interests me. I like it but it's something that won't really be noticed by the fan at the game or on the telecast unless they do some kind of spotlight piece on it and focus in on it. It's a tad "Oregon-ish" but could still be a lot worse. Thanks for reading and thanks for the feedback!
I agree with the "Oregon-ish" comment. I think Nike is trying a bit too hard here. Do we really want our helmets and pants looking like horned frog's skin? Is FSU going to be running around in leather loin cloths?
Actually, the Florida State unis look pretty slick. They might be my favorite of the bunch so far, although a few minor tweaks would really make it stand out. I did get a sneak peek at the Texas one though and those are classy as well.
Well, I'm a big TCU fan (Fort Worth is my hometown) and I don't believe in changing a winner. However the uniforms do look cool. I especially like the two red stripes on the helmets to look like a horned frog spitting blood from it's eyes. Growing up here I've seen "horny toads" all my life. I wonder, though, after we've beaten Utah 42-3 will the "youtes" say "It was the uniforms that beat us?"
Not bad and we'll be out there this Saturday in section T.
Perkins, Fort Worth
My dream job would be Uniform Czar for the ObamaNation. I would outlaw these "Combat" duds. That being said, I prefer these over the old Purple Jerseys and Black Pants. I can't tell you how much I hated that look. What's wrong with Purple Jerseys, White Pants, the ACTUAL school colors?
David,
Utah wore their black unis for the first time against TCU a year ago so part of this may be a little bit of "now it's our turn to show off." But it's true that a win will mean everyone likes the unis but a loss means everyone will want to set them on fire.
Bonzer,
Thank you for the comments as well. I myself am a uniform "traditionalist" that likes the uniforms to fall in line somewhere between Texas and Penn State. (PSU is a bit too boring in my opinion but I think you get what I'm saying) I like the clean, simple look but as a Euless Trinity alum, I'm all for adding black to a uniform. I actually liked the black pants look for the Frogs when they added it. Maybe they added the black to "man things up," kind of like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did to run away from the "dreamsicle" look we re-lived Sunday. I do think the purple jersey with white pants look should stick around though but be used like Southlake Carroll uses their white and black pants for playoff time.
Yes TCu is going to beat my (utes) this year but it not be a blow out like many of you think... yes you guys are good but our D is good too which will let this game be closer than you all think... GO utes
TCU stands for The Crappy Uniforms
I didn't know horned frogs spit blood from their eyes.
Google the TCU Horned Frogs: Don't Back Down youtube video. San Diegans will love to LT reference...
its about time someone stepped up and uveiled new unis im so sick of seeing the oregon ducks unveil a new jersey every week. I wish oklahoma would unveil some new uni. go sooners
uteswoop, I do completely agree with you. The Utes are going to be just as fired up about this game as the Frogs will be. I'll give my prediction tomorrow on the outcome, which could be one of the best games in TCU history.
Air Biscuit, I like your username. It gave me a good laugh. The creative use of "TCU" did too.
Homeless Ute, I didn't either but I'm also not surprised. The Horned Frog is kind of the ninja of the reptile world. For you see, even though it's called a frog it's actually a lizard, very ninja-like and they eat other frogs. How cool is that?
San Diegan TCU FAN, that commercial is awesome and the L T reference is great. It makes me want to put on pads myself and try to tackle someone . . . emphasis on try.
anthony, hang tight man. My source at Nike tells me you might be in for a treat soon. Check with the Sooner Examiner for more information about that.
As always, thanks for reading everyone. It sounds cliche, but without you there is no me.
new uniforms are awsome!! tougher look, cool helmet!!
new uniform is awsome!! tougher look to them, helmet is cool!!
Wow! When I predicted 42-3 a few days ago I really, really didn't think it would be that. But I'll take 55-28. It wasn't even that close.
The Utes are good. That qback, number 3, is great. I hate the thought of facing him the next 3 years. Number 10, Sylvester, jawed too much. Just keep his mouth shut and play ball. He got knocked silly in the 1q so he can be forgiven. He did play good ball though.
I have a pic from row 8 on the 10 yard line but I can't figure out how to send it to you.
Go Utes.
Go Frogs.
Go MWC.
BTW, the Utes didn't play the number 4 team last night. They played the number ONE! No team could have beaten TCU last night, not Florida, not Alabama and certainly not Texas.
Sign at the game said "TCU is the real McCoy!"
Perkins, Fort Worth
those uniforms were b a... I hope TCU wins a national championship
hey where can i get some cleats like that cause my team is purple, black, and white and i wanted to get a pair of the new vapor carbon fly td cleats
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