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Redskins' New Look Of Old Gets A Look The Change Will Be For This Season Only
Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, February 7, 2002; Page D06
A few dozen men who make their living or used to make their living running head-first into one another gathered at Redskins Park yesterday to debate the finer points of fashion, from hues of burgundy to the aesthetic appeal of a spear with arrows. Their virtually unanimous verdict was that the Washington Redskins had made the right move in switching to retro-style uniforms next season -- similar to those worn by the team in the 1960s -- to commemorate the 70th season of the franchise. "I have paid attention to the history here," veteran cornerback Darrell Green said. "This is great. I think it's great for our fans." The Redskins said the new uniforms will be worn at all home games next season only, and then the club will return to its other uniform style. The Redskins' agreement with Reebok and the NFL dictates that the team must return to its contemporary style. Steve Spurrier, the former University of Florida coach, quickly dismissed suggestions that the new uniform resembles that of his former rival, Florida State. "We're burgundy," Spurrier said. "That other school is not burgundy . . . We're okay." The team also announced that former CNN anchorman Bernard Shaw will head a panel that will select the 70 greatest Redskins players. The panel will take input from a fans' vote and will announce its selections before a home game early next season, preceded by a Friday night charity dinner and public appearances by the players on Saturday. "This will be more love than labor," Shaw said. The Redskins spent about six months -- with help from the NFL's new supplier, Reebok -- designing the uniform and securing league approval. These changes usually provide a sales boost to teams from fans wanting to add the new jersey to their collection. The club plans to have the new merchandise widely available by May. The new uniform consists of a burgundy helmet with a spear-and-arrows logo, similar to that worn by the team between 1965 and 1969. The jersey is a deeper shade of burgundy than that worn by the club at home this past season, and the pants are gold. "I think for all the older Redskins that are here, this brings back a lot of memories," said former quarterback Sonny Jurgensen. "I never liked the change. I never liked those colors. It's good to see this particular color." More than a dozen former Redskins attended the news conference, including Jurgensen, Sam Huff, Bobby Mitchell, Charley Taylor, Larry Brown, Ron Saul, Brig Owens, Mark Moseley and Rick (Doc) Walker. "I was crazy about that helmet," Mitchell said. "I felt my greatest production came with that helmet, so it's special." Huff carried a photo of him and Jurgensen in Carlisle, Pa., in 1964, wearing the old-style uniforms. "It's not exactly the old uniform," Huff said. "It's the old new uniform. I think it's great. I'm looking forward to seeing who wears number 70." Current Redskins players praised the design, too. Wide receiver Rod Gardner and cornerback Fred Smoot played the roles of runway models during the unveiling, and wideout Michael Westbrook said: "I think it's cool." The Redskins' road uniforms won't change. Spurrier suggested the road white jerseys also could be worn when the Redskins face the Dallas Cowboys at home, although NFL rules stipulate that a team must designate its home uniform prior to the season. "We'll wear white when the Cowboys come in," Spurrier said. "They don't like wearing their dark jerseys. We're going to do everything we can to beat the Dallas Cowboys." Snyder said the uniform change had nothing to do with efforts by groups urging the Redskins to change their name.
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Redskins
Darrell Green, the oldest Redskin at 41, dons the uniform the team will wear for home games to celebrate its 70th NFL season.
(Courtesy of the Washington Redskins)
