Announcement from Tennessee Vols will undoubtedly divide the fan base
The Tennessee Vols football program made an announcement on Thursday that will undoubtedly divide the fan base. Tennessee revealed that the program will bring back its smokey grey uniforms that were last used in 2017. According to a release from Tennessee, the Vols will wear smokey gray uniforms for a game in 2022 (which game […]
The Tennessee Vols football program made an announcement on Thursday that will undoubtedly divide the fan base.
Tennessee revealed that the program will bring back its smokey grey uniforms that were last used in 2017.
According to a release from Tennessee, the Vols will wear smokey gray uniforms for a game in 2022 (which game is to be determined). A new smokey grey design will debut in each of the following three seasons (2023, 2024, and 2025).
The "OG," Nike's original Smokey Grey uniform and helmet, return to kick off the initiative this season for a game to be determined. First worn in 2015, the two-toned grey jerseys feature orange numerals, while the grey pants sport an orange stripe down the side that finish with a checkerboard pattern. The helmets feature the familiar orange Power T, a mountain design in shades of grey and an orange stripe down the middle that culminates with a checkerboard pattern on the lower back of the helmet.
Tennessee owns a 3-1 record wearing Nike's Smokey Grey uniform, including a pair of 21-point comeback wins (2015 – vs. Georgia and 2016 – vs. Florida) and a 38-24 victory over Nebraska in the 2016 Music City Bowl that saw Derek Barnett break Reggie White's UT career sack record. The Volunteers will don the uniform for the first time since Sept. 30, 2017.
Tennessee Athletics in partnership with Nike will unveil a new Smokey Grey uniform design each season beginning in 2023 and continuing through at least 2025. The concepts will honor the past, celebrate the present and embrace the future of Tennessee football.
I know there are Tennessee fans who love the grey uniforms while others prefer a traditional orange and white uniform.
What's important to remember, though, is that this is about recruiting and the current players on the team. Ultimately, it's their experience. They're the ones wearing the uniforms while giving their all for 60 minutes. If they like the grey uniforms, that's really all that matters.
A year ago, the Vols wore alternate black uniforms on two occasions (against South Carolina and Georgia). For now, it appears the black uniforms will go back on the shelf in favor of the smokey greys.
Update:
According to Brent Hubbs of VolQuest.com, the black uniforms will be available this fall if the Vols decide to use them.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
