“Black Shoe, Basic Blues, No Names, All Game.”

A key cog in this tradition is no more, as it was announced this afternoon on the Penn State Athletics website that football uniforms will- for the first time- feature names on the back in the fall.

In addition to names, a blue ribbon will also be placed on jerseys to show support for all victims of child abuse. With regard to the uniforms, Bill O’Brien reportedly talked with members of the team– arriving at the mutual decision to make the change.

Back in January at his introductory press conference, O’Brien paid tribute to the classic, plain blue and white uniforms and said that no changes would be made, yet acknowledged just a few weeks ago that he reserved the right to change his mind on this issue.

Much has changed since January, and this decision will help to recognize the loyalty the eighty plus players who remained with the Penn State program in wake of these sanctions.

“We want our fans to know and recognize these young men. They have stuck together during tough times, and I commend them for the leadership they have shown. Moving forward, I’m deeply committed to honoring Penn State’s traditions, while building a bright future for our football program,” O’Brien told GoPSUSports.

As uniforms at other universities have continued to evolve, the Nittany Lions have always been known for their simple design void of individual names. It’s easy to overreact to this decision, but also important to remember that this decision was discussed with input from football leaders of the football team.

Come September 1st, Penn State will run out of the tunnel for a season opener with a different coach for the first time since 1966. Their jerseys will bear names for the time ever.

A new era is indeed upon us.