TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State University, the Pat Tillman Foundation, and adidas today unveiled the Sun Devils’ new PT-42 Primeknit alternate football uniforms. Designed in collaboration with Sun Devil Athletics, Marie Tillman and the Pat Tillman Foundation, the special edition uniform pays tribute to the U.S. military and its debut will kick off Arizona State University’s week-long ‘Salute to Service.’ The Sun Devils will don the PT-42 uniforms on Thursday, October 29th when they take on the Oregon Ducks at Sun Devil Stadium at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN.
In 2002, Pat Tillman, an Arizona State University alumni and safety for the Arizona Cardinals, proudly put his professional football career on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army with his brother, Kevin. During his career as a linebacker at ASU, Tillman helped lead the team to the 1997 Rose Bowl after an undefeated season, earned three consecutive selections to the Pac-10 All-Academic Football Team, was named a first-team Academic All-American, and received an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship for academic and athletic excellence.
On April 22, 2004, Pat lost his life while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in eastern Afghanistan.
Inspired by Pat Tillman, the PT-42 uniform was designed to replicate the uniforms that Tillman and the 1996 team wore for their 1997 Rose Bowl appearance, while also paying homage to his military service as a U.S. Army Ranger. From the recreated font of the “Arizona State” moniker on the chest, to the PT-42 badge on the collar, to the period-specific Sparky logos and look of the helmet, adidas designers worked closely with Sun Devil Athletics, Marie Tillman Shenton and the Pat Tillman Foundation to deliver the perfect blend of a classic look with a tribute to the military and Tillman.
“Pat Tillman Foundation and Arizona State University have a proud history of supporting our nation’s veterans and military spouses,” said Marie Tillman Shenton, President and Co-Founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation. “This special tribute honors Pat’s example as an athlete, scholar and soldier, while raising awareness and academic support for the Tillman Scholars who are carrying on his legacy. We’re grateful to Coach Graham, the players and adidas for empowering these leaders as they continue their service to our country.”
Created to honor Pat’s legacy of leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships–building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others. Since 2004, the foundation has invested over $12 million in academic support and named over 400 Tillman Scholars at 108 universities nationwide, including Arizona State University – an official University Partner.
“We are incredibly humbled and honored to have to opportunity to partner with Marie Tillman, the Pat Tillman Foundation, and adidas to create these uniforms that pay homage to Pat and the service of all of our active and retired military members,” Sun Devil Football head coach Todd Graham said. “We preach the value of passion and character to our players and no one embodies those qualities more than Pat Tillman. I’m proud as a Sun Devil football coach but I’m also proud as an American that we can suit up and pay tribute to the hero that was Pat.”
Further paying homage to Tillman, Sun Devil Athletics and adidas worked in tandem with the NCAA to receive special permission to have Tillman’s name emblazoned on back of every ASU player’s jersey for the game. Designed to inspire the team, the front of the TECHFIT baselayer features a photo-realistic image of Pat leading the players onto the field – the same picture featured in the Tillman Tunnel at Sun Devil Stadium.
Additionally, the back of baselayer features a quote from Tillman, “Passion makes life interesting, ignites our soul, fuels our love, carries our friendships, stimulates our intellect and pushes our limits.”
The tribute to the military continues with a camouflage TECHFIT baselayer, socks and adizero 5-Star 4.0 gloves that incorporate the green, tan and black colors of U.S. Army uniforms. Prominently featuring the PT-42 logo, the adizero 5-Star 4.0 gloves feature 4-way stretch mesh for compression fit and GripTack 2.0 for consistent control in all weather conditions.
To complete the look, the Sun Devils will debut the new U.S. Army Rangers inspired Dark Ops 2016 adizero 5-Star 5.0 x KEVLAR® and 2016 Freak x KEVLAR® cleats, constructed from a durable, flexible canvas – similar to military accessories and footwear. Embroidered stripes pay tribute to the embroidered details found on elite forces uniforms, and reinforced KEVLAR® stitching provides durability and strength. The 5-STAR FRAME, featuring a KEVLAR® reinforced plate, is the optimum blend of lightweight, strength and traction.
Starting today, a special edition PT-42 retail product line inspired by the uniform tribute will go on sale at university bookstores and online with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Pat Tillman Foundation. Visit shop.thesundevils.com or PTFShop.com to view the entire retail collection including a replica throwback ASU Tillman jersey and t-shirts inspired by the uniform baselayer.
For more information and images of ASU’s new PT-42 football uniforms, please visithttp://news.adidas.com/US and follow the conversation on Twitter and Instagram via @FootballASU,@TheSunDevils, @adidasFballUS, @PatTillmanFnd and https://www.facebook.com/adidasfootballus#teamadidasASU #PitchforkSalute #DarkOps #PlayWithHonor.
About The Pat Tillman Foundation
In 2002, Pat Tillman proudly put his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in April 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Created to honor Pat’s legacy of leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships–building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others. For more information on the Pat Tillman Foundation and the impact of the Tillman Scholars, visit www.PatTillmanFoundation.org.
About DuPont Kevlar
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