September 2, 2005

Longhorns to wear throwback jerseys, helmets

The Texas Longhorns football team will be sporting throwback helmets & uniforms in the season opener against Louisiana-Lafayette. The classic uniforms will honor the 1963 Texas Longhorns national championship team.

The idea was born during the off-season, partly from conversations involving Coach Mack Brown, legendary former coach Darrell Royal, and former player and longtime Longhorns supporter Rooster Andrews.

Designed by Nike, the throwback jerseys will have two white stripes on the sleeves with large, white block letters on a burnt orange background. Just like in 1963, neither "Texas" nor the players' names will appear on the uniforms.

The team also will wear white helmets, with individual uniform numbers above the Longhorn symbol located on each side of the helmet. The numbers first appeared on the helmet in 1957, and the Longhorn logo was introduced in 1961, at which time the number was moved to the back.

"We told Coach Royal there was a reason to honor all the past players and make sure they know how much we appreciate what they did to help make this such a special place,'' Brown said. "And the current players have a chance to say thanks to the other players who did not get a chance to wear names on the backs of their uniforms.''

The uniforms will be donated by Nike at no cost to the university. The university's souvenir shop, Longhorns LTD., will sell authentic & replica versions of the throwback jerseys.

Apparently Texas approached Oklahoma about having both teams wear throwbacks in honor of the 100th Red River game, but UT opted to wear the uniforms in the home opener.

Posted by Kevin Donahue