The University of Houston (UH) Cougars football program is set to move forward with its alternate light blue uniforms for the 2024 season, directly challenging a cease-and-desist order from the National Football League (NFL). This decision highlights a developing conflict over the use of uniform colors and designs in college football.
Despite the NFL’s legal pressure, which argues the light blue uniforms are too similar to those historically worn by the Houston Oilers, UH Athletic Director Chris Pezman confirmed the university’s resolve. In a statement to the Houston Chronicle, Pezman emphasized the university’s strong legal position, describing their decision as a “layup” rather than a “reach.” This confidence follows an initial decision to potentially shelve the uniforms after the NFL raised objections following their debut in the Cougars’ 2023 season opener.
UH Football Uniforms: Close-up of a Houston Cougars helmet and shoulder pad in light blue, the alternate uniform color causing controversy with the NFL.
University officials communicated with the NFL in a letter last month, stating their intent to proceed with the alternate uniforms after a thorough review of their legal options. Pezman indicated they were allowing the NFL “two or three weeks” to respond to their position, as of late Tuesday, without having received any further communication.
According to Pezman, the current design of the Uh Football Uniforms incorporates modifications, including adjustments to the striping and a slightly altered shade of blue compared to the Columbia blue famously used by the Oilers in the late 1970s. He also noted that several other universities, such as Mississippi and Louisiana Tech, successfully utilize similar light blue colors in their athletic uniforms, suggesting a precedent for the color’s use in college sports.
The light blue uniforms have garnered significant positive feedback. Pezman described the overall reaction as “overwhelming,” indicating strong support from fans and the university community for the alternate design.
While the specific game for the debut of the uh football uniforms in the upcoming season, UH’s first in the Big 12 Conference, remains unannounced, the university has already extended the use of light blue to other sports programs. The women’s soccer and golf teams have sported their own light blue uniform variations, and there are considerations to broaden this color scheme to encompass all university athletic teams, signaling a strong commitment to this alternate color palette.
