Oklahoma Sooners Unveil ‘Bring the Wood’ Alternate Football Uniforms, Honoring Tradition and Innovation in 2024
In the realm of college football, few programs boast a legacy as rich and storied as that of the Oklahoma Sooners. Founded in 1890, the Sooners have amassed an impressive array of accolades, including multiple national championships and a reputation for excellence. In 2014, the University of Oklahoma, in collaboration with Nike, introduced an alternate football uniform dubbed “Bring the Wood,” a design that pays homage to the team’s historical roots while embracing modern innovation.
The inception of the “Bring the Wood” uniform was rooted in a desire to blend tradition with contemporary aesthetics. The term “Bring the Wood” is a colloquialism in football, signifying a hard-hitting, physical style of play. For the Sooners, it encapsulated their commitment to toughness and resilience on the field. Nike’s design team sought to reflect this ethos through a uniform that incorporated elements reminiscent of Oklahoma’s pioneering past.
At the heart of the design is the incorporation of wood grain patterns. These patterns are not merely decorative; they symbolize the weathered texture of the Sooner Schooner, the iconic wagon that has become synonymous with the university’s spirit. The Schooner, a Conestoga-style wagon, was used by settlers during the 1889 Land Run to claim homesteads in the Oklahoma Territory. By embedding wood grain motifs into the uniform, the design team aimed to honor this piece of Oklahoma’s history and the resilience of its people.
The uniform’s color scheme further reinforces this connection to tradition. The primary colors are crimson and cream, reflecting the university’s official colors. The jerseys feature bold crimson hues, while the pants are cream-colored, creating a striking contrast that is both visually appealing and historically significant. This combination harkens back to the early days of the program, when such color schemes were prevalent.
One of the most distinctive features of the “Bring the Wood” uniform is the helmet. Nike introduced a white helmet design that pays tribute to the era of legendary coach Bud Wilkinson, under whose leadership the Sooners won national championships in 1950, 1955, and 1956. The helmet features an enlarged interlocking “OU” logo above each earhole, with a matte finish that gives it a vintage appearance. Additionally, the inner neckline of the jersey is embroidered with “47 Straight,” commemorating the record-setting 47-game winning streak achieved by Wilkinson’s teams.
The uniform also incorporates modern technological advancements. Nike’s use of shrink-wrap fit, meshed ventilation, stretch-woven fabrics, and Chain Maille Mesh technology ensures that the players not only look good but also perform at their best. These innovations provide enhanced comfort and mobility, allowing athletes to execute their plays with precision and agility.
Since its debut, the “Bring the Wood” uniform has been worn on several occasions, each time generating excitement among fans and players alike. The uniform’s introduction was met with enthusiasm, as it represented a fusion of past and present, honoring the team’s rich history while embracing the future. Players expressed pride in donning a uniform that connected them to the legacy of the program and the state of Oklahoma.
The impact of the “Bring the Wood” uniform extends beyond aesthetics. It serves as a powerful recruiting tool, showcasing the program’s commitment to innovation and tradition. Prospective players are drawn to the idea of being part of a team that values its history while striving for excellence in the present. The uniform embodies the spirit of the Sooners: bold, resilient, and ever-evolving.
In conclusion, the “Bring the Wood” alternate football uniform is more than just a change in attire; it is a statement of identity. It reflects the Oklahoma Sooners’ dedication to honoring their past while embracing the future. Through thoughtful design and innovative technology, the uniform encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a Sooner: a blend of tradition, toughness, and forward-thinking. As the team continues to build upon its storied legacy, the “Bring the Wood” uniform stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Oklahoma football.
