In a move fans had come to expect from Bill O'Brien and Penn State, the team's uniforms will be different this season. For the first time, the Nittany Lions jerseys will feature player names on their backs. Additionally, the jerseys will feature a blue ribbon, which represents support for the victims of child abuse.
The biggest departure from the uniform's historical styling will be the addition of names to the jersey backs. But just as the blue ribbon will stand to represent a something, the team's decision to add their names will stand as a reminder [emphasis mine]...
Players indicated the names on their jerseys also mean they will hold each other accountable to uphold the traditions of Penn State football, both on and off the field.
"We want our fans to know and recognize these young men," O'Brien said. "They have stuck together during tough times, and I commend them for the leadership they have shown. Moving forward, I'm deeply committed to honoring Penn State's traditions, while building a bright future for our football program."
It could be that I'm reading too deeply into that, but the second highlighted phrase sounds like a subtle shot across the bows of all those players and recruits who said goodbye to Penn State after the sanctions were handed down. I do like the accountability part, though. It's what sold me on this change, even though I was one to previously think adding names to the jerseys would never appeal to me.
O'Brien, speaking about the uni changes:
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