NIKE unveils new uniforms ahead of 114th Army/Navy game

Nov. 25 (UPI) -- In an effort to dress up the 114th annual Army/Navy game on Dec. 14 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., Nike has unveiled new uniforms for both teams.

The uniforms are designed to highlight the rich heritage of both schools and connect to historical figures within each military branch.

Army/Navy uniforms for their 114th meeting on Dec. 14 pic.twitter.com/kBq1TWhyyD

— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) November 25, 2013

According to Nike:

“Army’s striking white and grey uniform pays tribute to the enduring legacy of General Winfield Scott, nicknamed “Old Fuss and Feathers” for his insistence on maintaining proper military dress. Scott served as General in the U.S. military longer than any other. During the summer of 1814, in the heat of the War of 1812, General Scott led a company of soldiers to victory against the British -- the first U.S. victory on open ground. All West Point cadets still wear the same color grey as worn by General Scott on that day, which carries over to Army’s new football uniform pants and baselayer. The sleeves of the baselayer are decorated with elements of the West Point crest -- olive branches (representing peace) on one sleeve, and oak leaves (representing strength) on the other. The Army helmet carries a deep gold hue with a black stripe down the center.”

The back of Army's uniform for the Army-Navy Game presented by @USAA! To see Navy's, go to http://t.co/WGsRAgR790 pic.twitter.com/blpKnN4ee9

— Army Athletics (@ArmyAthletics) November 25, 2013

“Navy’s uniform design pays tribute to the dying command of Captain James Lawrence: “Don’t Give Up the Ship.” Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry flew a flag emblazoned with the statement during the decisive Battle of Lake Erie, one of the biggest naval battles of the War of 1812. Perry’s charge engrained a never-say-die attitude in the U.S. Navy and the sentiment remains to this day. Mimicking the burlap fabric of the ‘Don’t Give Up the Ship’ flag on display at the Naval Academy, Navy’s baselayer serves as poignant reminder of action-based tradition. The baselayer top also acts as the root for the uniform, which matches a navy jersey to white pants -- in step with the Navy’s dress uniform. A Naval officer’s cover serves as inspiration for the helmet design with a thick gold stripe representing the traditional gold braid.”

Navy's baselayer pays tribute to the dying command of Captain James Lawrence: “Don’t Give Up the Ship” pic.twitter.com/wqkgzVzJ1z

— Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) November 25, 2013

Since the academies first squared off in 1890, the long-running series stands at 57 Navy victories, 49 Army wins and seven ties. Navy won the 2012 meeting 17-13. The school also won the inaugural matchup 24-0.

[NIKE.com]