Tradition Meets Today: Football Introduces New Uniforms, Helmets

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MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Traditional. Bold. Strong. These words describe the new Central Michigan Football uniforms introduced by coach Matt Drinkall and his staff on Wednesday evening.

Tradition meets modern in an minimalist design. The new Central Michigan football uniform embodies profound respect for the enduring partnership with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and pays homage to the storied championship teams and legendary players of the past. The Chippewas, an Anishinaabe nation, inspire generations, reflecting a deep commitment to community and heritage. These uniforms fuse their timeless values with a traditional and strong look. The minimalist design merges Chippewa values of balance, humility, and respect. This uniform is a blend of classic and modern, a design that bridges past and present. Traditional. Bold. Strong.

RESPECT IN THE DESIGN

The uniforms are a deliberate set of respect, avoiding stereotypes and embracing authenticity. Unlike past practices that used Native American imagery insensitivity, Central Michigan eliminated logos and drum beats in 1989, focusing instead on education and partnership. The minimalist design reflects the Chippewas’ values of humility and resilience. This uniform is a commitment to carry the Chippewa name with integrity, acknowledging the Tribe’s sovereignty and cultural pride.

SYMBOLIC ELEMENTS

Maroon: earth & soil

Gold: fire & sun

White: peace & partnership

THE HELMET

Color: The helmet is a deep maroon. It is symbolic of the earth and soil, a vital element in Chippewa culture representing life and connection to nature.

Stripes: The three stripes are symbolic of the “Council of Three Fires,” a long-standing Anishinaabe alliance of the Chippewa, Ottah, and Potawatomi North American Native tribes. The gold stripe in the center represents the Chippewa.

Logo; The main logo will showcase the iconic “Action C,” of one of the most recognizable brands in all of sports. The “Action C” is a traditional classic, embodying timeless pride and heritage with its sturdy, no-nonsense presentation.

Front Bumper: “1974” celebrates the year of the 1974 National Championship team.

Back Bumpers: Recognizing two coaching legends: ‘Kramer’ and ‘Deromedi’ pay homage to Roy Kramer, who tallied 83 victories and never had a losing season, and Herb Deromedi, Central Michigan’s winningest coach. Both are College Football Hall of Famers with Kramer/Deromedi Field named in their honor in 2022.

Face Mask: The gold face mask matches Central Michigan’s secondary color and is symbolic of the element of fire, reinforcing the “Council of Three Fires” symbolism.

THE JERSEY

The Central Michigan football jerseys embody a timeless legacy. The simple, yet striking design serves as a powerful reminder of resiliency and pride on every field they compete on. Simple, yet striking design symbolizes strength and tradition.

Gold-trimmed numbers reflect a fiery spirit, while the simple, classic design serves as a timeless emblem of boldness and humility.

THE PANTS

The pant stripes are symbolic of the partnership between Central Michigan and the Chippewa. The stripes represent a path or journey, reflecting the Chippewas’ journey as a people and their partnership with Central Michigan.

Gold pants will be worn on occasion for big games and rivalry games, signifying the gold standard on execution it requires to win.