TCU football will unveil new Nike Pro Combat uniforms vs. Utah

November 9, 4:14 PMTCU Horned Frogs ExaminerStephen Francis

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TCU's new full uniform

Nike press release photo

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.