An interesting rumor has popped up on the Denver Broncos subreddit that says a Denver Broncos uniform change is in the works. According to the poster, Nike wants to make the Broncos "the Oregon of the NFL," and orange need not be the primary color. According to the rumor , Nike has been greenlit for a new color scheme altogether.
One of my very good friends and fraternity brothers works for a company called Hydrographics Inc. HGI works in conjunction with many sports outfitters (especially Nike) and is the leading company in helmet design in this nation. ... I called up my buddy and asked him if there was any truth to the rumors. Here's what he had to say:
Yes, (Broncos) are getting new uniforms
This has been in the making since Nike took over
Until this past Sunday's events, Orange was to be the primary
Orange is no longer the primary as of Monday morning and Nike has been green lit to test a new color scheme
The Uniforms have a deadline of the 2015 Draft
This is the longest uniform project Nike has ever undertaken, and just like in 97 the Broncos will be given a template completely unique to them, not even Oregon will have this template for a couple years
A new logo is in the works
Phil Knight wants the Broncos to become the Oregon of the NFL. The team holds a special place in his heart as the first football team to let Nike have complete control over a design.
Here's why it might be true
After losing another Super Bowl in terrible fashion in orange uniforms, it wouldn't surprise me if Pat Bowlen and John Elway knee-jerk reacted out of orange as the primary color. The Broncos have a long, unfortunate history in Super Bowls wearing orange, and Bowlen can be a bit impulsive.
My point is: this would be surprising, but not out of the realm of possibility.
Second, there is a company called Hydro Graphics Inc., and they do list Nike as their top client on their website. For what that's worth.
Third, it's been 16 years since the Broncos unveiled their current uniform, and given the state of Nike and their uniform work in college football of late, this feels like a natural next step. The Broncos were the first to give Nike the green light nearly two decades ago, and a host of subsequent NFL logo and uniform changes followed. Given that Nike is now manufacturing NFL jerseys again, the timing is just sort of perfect. It wouldn't surprise me if the Broncos were first in line again.
Here's why it's probably not true
First, the reddit poster is a Seahawks fan. Right there his intent is put into question.
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Second, it's reddit. Right there the legitimacy is put into question.
Third, if true, this information is definitely going to be under some sort of confidentiality agreement between Nike and HGI. People who are "in the know" on these types of changes are "in the know" because they "know" not to tell their friends about it. They will get fired.
Fourth, marketing-wise, the Broncos had a lot of success in social media with their #UnitedInOrange campaign. This doesn't feel too united.
Fifth, sales-wise, the Broncos and Nike are doing just fine in orange. Peyton Manning has been the NFL's top selling jersey his entire Broncos career. The Broncos boasted four or five of the NFL's ten top-selling jersys in the month of January.
At the end of the day, money talks, and there's no immediate ROI on a uniform change.
Sixth, I asked the Broncos, to be thorough. A Broncos spokesperson said they do not have any comment "as there is nothing to the rumor." Uni-Watch also called the rumors "very unconfirmed."
Conclusion: Not buying it
I'm not buying it. I'm not eliminating it totally - it's still possible - but I think this will die off in the world of "I read it on an Internet message board." What do you think, and what would be your reactions to a new logo and new non-orange uniform design?