The University of Oklahoma Sooners football team is set to make a powerful statement this Saturday when they take the field against Kansas. For this highly anticipated game, the Sooners will debut their striking new alternate uniform, aptly named the “Unity” uniform. This special design, a collaborative effort spearheaded by OU student-athletes, goes beyond aesthetics, embodying a profound message of togetherness and the importance of building strong relationships for a better society. Furthermore, these Ou Sooners Football Uniforms serve as a poignant tribute to Prentice Gautt, a pivotal figure in Sooners history as the program’s first Black scholarship football player.
This “Unity” uniform project has been in development since 2020, reflecting a long-term commitment to these values. The anthracite color scheme dominates the jersey, pants, and helmet, providing a sleek and modern base. Crimson accents and lettering, iconic to the Sooners brand, add a classic touch. Meaningful words are woven into the design: “TOGETHER” is subtly placed on the collar, while “UNITY” is boldly displayed on the back nameplate. A distinctive outline of the state of Oklahoma, integrated within a triple-stripe design on both sleeves, further grounds the uniform in its local pride and heritage. The Kansas game this summer was specifically chosen as the platform to launch these significant alternate ou sooners football uniforms for the 2022 season.
The concept and design of the “Unity” uniform were significantly shaped by a group of engaged OU student-athletes. Football players Pat Fields, Jeremiah Hall, Creed Humphrey, Caleb Kelly, and Chanse Sylvie were instrumental in this creative process. Their vision extended beyond just a single uniform; they initially proposed creating “Unity” uniforms across all of OU’s varsity sports.
Caleb Kelly, a former OU linebacker and now Director for the football team’s SOUL Mission program, articulated the motivation behind the design. “We wanted to make a statement that was way broader, something that stood out more than just a practice jersey,” Kelly explained. “When we’re all together wearing that ‘Sooners,’ we’re all one. We wanted to make sure we exemplified unity in our uniform.” This collaborative spirit and desire for a visual representation of unity are central to the essence of these ou sooners football uniforms.
Alt text: Close-up detail of the OU Sooners “Unity” football uniform jersey, showcasing anthracite fabric, crimson lettering, and the “TOGETHER” inscription on the collar.
A key aspect of the “Unity” uniform is its dedication to honoring Prentice Gautt. Hailing from Oklahoma City, Gautt broke barriers when he arrived at OU in 1956. He became a standout running back under legendary coach Bud Wilkinson from 1957 to 1959. Gautt’s athletic prowess was matched by his academic achievements; he was a two-time All-Big Eight Conference selection and an Academic All-American in 1958. He earned his undergraduate degree from OU in 1960 and later a doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri. His football career continued professionally with the Cleveland Browns and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Alt text: Black and white historical photo of Prentice Gautt, the first Black scholarship football player at OU, in his Oklahoma Sooners football uniform from the late 1950s.
Beyond his playing days, Gautt’s commitment to student-athletes continued. He joined the Big Eight Conference as assistant commissioner in 1979, eventually becoming associate commissioner of the Big 12 Conference. He was a pioneer in advocating for student-athlete well-being, creating the Big 12’s life skills program to support athletes in their transition beyond sports. His induction into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame further solidified his lasting impact.
Sandra Gautt, Prentice Gautt’s widow, and their son Roger Gautt were recognized on the field during Saturday’s game, adding a deeply personal and meaningful dimension to the uniform debut and tribute. This public acknowledgment served as a powerful reminder of Gautt’s legacy and the values the “Unity” ou sooners football uniforms represent.
“We wanted to honor Prentice for being the first African American scholarship football player here,” Kelly emphasized. “He stood for unity, he stood for doing things the right way. He stood for making sure that you handled academics and football. He was one of the founding fathers who made Oklahoma football what it is and gave all the African American players who have come through OU that opportunity.” These ou sooners football uniforms are more than just apparel; they are a symbol of progress, inclusivity, and respect for those who paved the way.
OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione lauded the student-athletes’ initiative. “I have so much respect for our current and former student-athletes for their leadership during this process and for how they really wanted to — and continue to want to — make a difference by bringing people together within our university and beyond,” Castiglione stated. He further acknowledged Gautt’s broader influence: “Additionally, I was able to witness firsthand Dr. Prentice Gautt become the leading voice in championing student-athlete welfare across the country with his magnificent leadership in that space. His impact as a young pioneer at OU and as a visionary for student-athlete development and success later in his life blazed a trail that will positively impact lives forever. He left an amazing legacy for all of us to follow.”
The “Unity” uniform initiative extends beyond the football field. OU’s other varsity sports teams are also scheduled to wear “Unity” uniforms throughout the academic year, amplifying the message of togetherness and honoring Gautt’s legacy across the entire athletics program. These ou sooners football uniforms and the broader “Unity” campaign serve as a powerful reminder of the values of unity, respect, and the enduring impact of pioneers like Prentice Gautt on the University of Oklahoma and beyond.
