Nov. 10, 2009
BEAVERTON, Ore. - On Saturday, November 14, the TCU football team will take the field wearing the Nike Pro Combat uniform, a new system of dress and the lightest football uniform Nike has ever created. TCU will be one of ten elite football programs to debut the Nike Pro Combat Uniform this month before they are officially introduced at the start of the 2010 season.
Fans can purchase NIKE Pro Combat T-Shirts at the TCU Bookstore as well as inside Amon G. Carter Stadium.
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.
Superior Lightweight Innovation
The Nike Pro Combat uniform, with a jersey made of four-way stretch twill, is 25 percent lighter than current designs (795 grams vs. 1,061 grams). The four-way stretch twill in the jersey does not hold sweat or water and as a result the new uniforms are even lighter than the current designs when wet. The pants are made with four-way stretch lycra.
Designed from the inside out, the Nike Pro Combat uniform begins with the Nike Pro Combat padded base layer. Strategically placed padding zones in the Nike Pro Combat Deflex shorts cover the thighs, hips, and tailbone. The padding zones are comprised of dual-density foam cells that absorb, deflect and disperse the impact of on-field collisions. A foam grid intersects the cells to maximize impact absorption and increase flexibility. A hard plastic shield covers the thigh padding where impact frequently occurs.
The Nike Pro Combat Deflex shorts are made with Nike Dri-FIT technical fabric to provide superior moisture wicking, helping to keep players dry and cool.
With the padding incorporated into the base layer, players gain greater mobility over traditional padding and the outer uniform becomes a lightweight, breathable shell with a sleek, explosive look.
"Players need their uniforms to be as light as possible so they can play the game at top speed," said Kris Aman, Global VP and General Manager for Nike Athletic Training which includes football. "The Nike Pro Combat uniform is a modern system of dress that is dramatically lighter while providing durability and protection."
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. Nike opted for a titanium D-ring, which is extremely durable and 66 percent lighter than the standard steel belt enclosure.
Engineered high-tenacity yarn inspired by Nike Flywire is incorporated into the high impact shoulder area.
Completing this true system of dress for football is the new Nike Zoom Vapor Fly cleat which Nike customized for TCU featuring the Horned Frog team colors, team logo, and chrome-plated outsole. This incredibly lightweight cleat at just 10 ounces is available in 2010. It features Zoom Air cushioning in the heel and Flywire engineering in the medial and lateral quarter panels.
Inspiration to Succeed
Nike designers immersed themselves in TCU Horned Frog history and lore to bring inspirational cues to the look and direction of the Nike Pro Combat uniforms.
The entire system of dress features aesthetic elements inspired by the Horned Frogs' fearless attitude and promising future. Nike was even able to digitally sublimate a horned frog skin print on the new TCU uniform pants and helmets.
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.
