According to Nike rep Loren Hoppes, between body weight and a fully padded uniform, the average football player must carry around between 300-400 lbs during game, possibly more by the fourth quarter if the uniform retains a lot of sweat and water.
That is why, said Hoppes, the primary focus in designing Nike's new line of uniforms was to take excess weight out of the uniforms and pads to give players maximum mobility.
"What you're going to see here today is the lightest weight uniform in the history of football. It's the lightest uniform Nike's ever designed. It's 37% lighter than the current uniform today," said Hoppes in his opening statements for the debut ceremony.
The uniforms, called the Nike Pro Combat, unveiled in Squires Plaza at Virginia Tech to a crowd of eager Hokies, will only be available to 10 teams this season before they are officially debuted for the 2010 season.
Two to three teams will receive their new Pro Combat uniforms every Monday until all 10 uniforms are debuted.
There to present the Virginia Tech uniform were a mixture of current and former Hokies, all eager to take part in the exciting moment for Virginia Tech football, as well as the Virginia Tech cheerleaders and Hi-Techs to warm up the crowd.
Bill Roth, the voice of the Hokies, headed the ceremonies, introducing head coach Frank Beamer, former Virginia Tech and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman, and former Virginia Tech defensive end and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Smith.
"It's a special feeling to walk on this campus, it's a special feeling being back in Blacksburg," said Smith.
"I spent the majority of my career with Nike, and I was always appreciative of our relationship with Nike. It made me feel good, it made me look good, and as a result I played good."
After several minutes discussing tactics and strategies with the former Hokie greats, Beamer finally opened the large black box said to be holding the uniforms, and out walked Cody Grimm and Tyrod Taylor, both sporting their new white Nike Pro Combats from head to toe.
"The whole goal here is to manage moisture and 'shrink-wrap' the players," said Hoppes during his breakdown of the different aspects of the Pro Combat.
Everything from the shoulder pads to the 10 oz Nike Jet Flywear Cleats were carefully designed to make the uniforms as light as possible.
"So much is predicated on trying to stay light. You see guys not wearing thigh pads and things, so the fact that they're built in is a very good idea," said Freeman.
A deflex material on the shorts allows for lighter weight and protection, the four-way twill on the jersey and the pant keep moisture out, a side panel of mesh on the pant allow breathability, and new material on the shoulder pads provides greater protection without weighing down the player.
However, the aesthetics of the uniform were also given great thought.
A "Beamerball" speed stripe on the uniform hails the program's turnovers by special teams, a redesigned helmet to match the uniforms, and the numbers on the uniforms fade from orange to maroon, which is exclusive to the Virginia Tech uniforms.
Additionally, Virginia Tech's motto "Ut Prosim" can be found on the back of the shorts, while "Beamerball" is inscribed on the inside of the collar of the shirt.
"These uniforms are state of the art. I just wish we had some outfits like this when we were around," said Smith.
"They feel a lot lighter. To me, it's a noticeable difference," said Hokies signal caller Tyrod Taylor of the new uniforms.
The theme of the unveiling, "Good Guys Wear White," echoed the crisp white uniforms, and the idea that Virginia Tech looks to counter Maryland's blackout theme for the game on Saturday.
As an addition to the unveiling, an online auction of a uniform will take place, the proceeds of which will go to Herma's Readers, a non-profit organization that promotes literacy in Virginia.
A minimum bid of $500 can be made on the uniform top, pants, or helmet on www.hokiesports.com/auction.
The auction begins Tuesday, Nov. 17 and ends Monday, Nov. 23.
The Hokies will wear the new Pro Combat uniforms for the first time as they take on the Maryland Terps at College Park on Saturday at 1 p.m.
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