LSU will depart from its typical white football jerseys and yellow pants against Tulane on Saturday, instead donning purple jerseys and white pants.
The uniform change is part of a Nike promotion benefitting Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. The purple jerseys will feature a pelican emblem, designed to represent a phoenix rising from the ashes, on the shoulder of the jerseys. The phoenix symbolizes New Orleans’ rebirth from Katrina’s devastation.
Senior wide receiver Josh McManus, a New Orleans’ native, said he was pleased when LSU coach Les Miles told him about the promotion. McManus’ Gentilly area home was flooded “past the ceiling fans” with approximately 9 feet of water. His family has since moved to the West Bank.
“People may not know what it’s like to be affected,” McManus said. “We’re two years down the road, and they’re still FEMA trailers and people without homes.”
McManus said he is excited to wear the new jersey design, especially after watching other collegiate teams experiment with innovative uniforms.
“We like to switch it up from the traditional white,” he said.
Proceeds from the jersey promotion will go toward Nike’s “Let Me Play New Orleans” program. The initiative includes the company’s “Reuse-A-Shoe program,” which recycles old sneakers into new athletic playing surfaces. Fans are encouraged to bring shoes to Saturday’s game. The shoes will be used for rebuilding four New Orleans Recreation Department courts.
Equipment manager Greg Stringfellow met with Nike officials in Beaverton, Ore., in April to discuss uniform plans.
“Nike established it, kind of came to us with the idea, and put the whole thing out there for us,” he said Monday. “We kind of tweaked it … and ended up with what we’re going to wear Saturday.”
Nike has also released LSU and Tulane fan apparel featuring the pelican logo. One dollar from each product will go to the Greater New Orleans Foundation, which recently launched its “Rebuild New Orleans Fund” to aid those affected by Katrina.
Jennifer Madden, general merchandise manager of the LSU Bookstore, said the store received the Katrina-relief products about a month ago and has sold about 30 percent of the merchandise.
Madden said the men’s polo is “by far” the best seller, as 52 shirts have been sold at $50 each.
Men’s and women’s jerseys are also available for $80 and $60, respectively.
Stringfellow said there is no set expectation of how much money will be raised.
“We’re hoping that people actually go out and buy the [apparel] because that’s only going to help the people in New Orleans. That is their only chance at getting these items. All of this is pretty neat-looking stuff.”
Sophomore wide receiver Chris Mitchell, a Marrero native whose home was flooded with 4 feet of Katrina water, said he was pleased to hear about the relief program.
“It was kind of surprising to see the new jerseys,” said Mitchell, who especially likes the pelican logo. “I’m used to seeing the same jerseys.”
Senior defensive end Glenn Dorsey had a humorous take on the possible benefits of wearing a dark jersey.
“They look pretty sweet,” he said. “I hope I look a little slimmer in it. I know they’re going to be nice.”
—-Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]