Penn State Football To Remove Names From Jerseys For Upcoming 2015-16 Season
Penn State football is returning to its staple “Black Shoes and Basic Blues” mantra this season, as the team announced Thursday morning it will be removing names from the back of its iconic jerseys.
The team will return to the classic look to pay homage to the legends that took the field of past teams and “return to the tradition that represented Penn State for 125 years.” Here’s what James Franklin had to say in a statement:
“For 125 years Penn State proudly followed a very simple idea: “Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Names. All Game. In 2012, for the first time in the program’s history, names adorned the back of the jersey to forever identify the men who stayed loyal, sacrificed & chose to play for this institution during the most difficult of times. The 2012 team, permanently recognized in Beaver Stadium, will hold an enduring place in our program’s history. Their commitment will never be forgotten. However, it’s time we bring back the tradition that represented Penn State for 125 years. We are a strong family, playing for one goal, one university and there is only one name that truly matters, Penn State. We Are.”
Players voiced their opinions on the decision to remove names, including offensive lineman Angelo Mangiro, and wide receiver Matt Zanellato — both of whom played at Penn State in 2011, the last time jerseys did not feature last names.
I am truly honored to play for Penn State and wear the Blue and White. In 2011, my first season in Happy (cont) http://t.co/PmbqQQej5K
— Angelo Mangiro (@angelomangiro66) July 16, 2015
#WeAreBack #BlackShoesBasicBlues #NoNamesAllGame #Tradition #TheLastSix pic.twitter.com/bow561105f — Matt Zanellato #80 (@mzanellato) July 16, 2015
The move to return Penn State’s look to that of its golden years should be received well by Penn State fans everywhere.
UPDATE: This chill-inducing video released by Penn State football explains why the team is bringing back a tradition.
“The most recognizable uniform in the country.” #AllGame #PSUnrivaled http://t.co/tlEcreVArB
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) July 16, 2015
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