by Austin Tucker ’14

On August 22, 2011, the University of Maryland’s football team released their new look. Players such as quarterback Danny O’Brien displayed their four new jersey options, four new pant options and their two new helmet options. Under Armour, whose founder is a University of Maryland alum, is providing Maryland with their new uniforms as a gift to compete with Nike’s partnership with the University of Oregon. University of Maryland Coach Randy Edsal has allowed the team captains to decide what the team will wear for each game. With 16 different uniform options and two helmets, the captains will be able to choose different uniforms for every game of the season.

People’s opinions of the uniforms varied drastically. Some people loved the new uniforms and some people hated them. In addition to Maryland fans voicing their opinions, sports celebrities and journalists threw in their two cents. Miami Heat forward Lebron James tweeted, “OH GOSH! Maryland uniforms #Ewwwwww!” Pittsburg Steelers’ safety Ryan Clark tweeted, “Maryland’s uniforms are confusing at best!” Conversely, Kansas City Chief’s fullback Le’Ron McClain tweeted, “#UnderArmour taking over #Maryland new uniforms are nice … ” and Dan Steinberg of D.C. Sports Bog said, “they’re unique, and there’s a meaning there, and the kids seem to approve, so I can’t think of any reason to object.” The premiere of these new uniforms sent the university’s publicity soaring, with every sports writer and sports show mentioning the new uniforms.

The new uniforms were a much needed boost for Maryland athletics. With the new found publicity, University of Maryland Athletics may be able to attract some big time recruits, or convince local players to stay in state and join the team. The team released these new uniforms, displaying jerseys and pants in white, red, black and yellow, and two helmets. The Maryland flag tribute jerseys are brilliant. The bright colored designs grab the audience’s attention, and their ability to alternate their various uniforms attract viewers for their games. Their uniforms are vibrant from head to toe, with a bright, well designed helmet, red and white detailed shoulder pads, and bright Maryland flag cleats. Their red jerseys add a nice new spin on their uniforms, with them adding sleek new stripes and lettering. The new turtle shell helmet is another great addition to their uniforms, with a white base and small gray turtle shells covering the helmet. The addition of a new yellow jersey brings a new color to the team that has not been seen in the past. With all the different color choices and combinations, the team’s uniforms can be new and exciting at ever game they play. Overall, their new uniforms are a great change, modernizing their program and bringing it into the new era of sports uniforms. In the season opener, the team fought for a victory over Miami wearing their Maryland flag tribute uniforms. Since the opener they have worn black jerseys with black pants, yellow jerseys with black pants and a red jersey with black pants and come up with a 2-3 record. The addition of these new jerseys may have an impact on the teams playing and record. After all the team came up with a big win over Miami and a close game again West Virginia and Georgia.