Oregon Ducks football is set to make a powerful statement beyond the gridiron with the debut of their new “Heroes” uniforms. Spearheaded by Head Coach Dan Lanning, these unique uniforms are deeply personal, designed to champion cancer awareness and honor those impacted by the disease. Fans eager to see the University Of Oregon New Football Uniforms in action can mark their calendars for October 4th, when the Ducks will face off against Michigan State, sporting this meaningful new look for the first time.
A Personal Touch: The Lanning Family’s Design Influence
More than just sportswear, the “Heroes” uniform is a heartfelt tribute, described by Quinn Van Horne, senior designer at Van Horne Brands, as “her love letter to her heroes.” The “her” in question is Sauphia Lanning, Coach Lanning’s wife, who bravely battled and overcame bone cancer, completing her treatment in 2017. This uniform is Sauphia’s way of expressing profound gratitude to the individuals who played a crucial role in her recovery, the true heroes in her life.
The design process for the University of Oregon new football uniforms was a family affair. Dan and Sauphia Lanning, along with their three sons, each contributed personal touches, making this uniform deeply symbolic. The foundation of the design is a yellow base color, a poignant nod to Sauphia’s fight against osteosarcoma. However, the helmet, cleats, gloves, and sleeve patches incorporate a vibrant multi-color panel, a visual representation of solidarity with individuals battling all forms of cancer.
Decoding the Design: Elements of the “Heroes” Uniform
The helmet design prominently features the iconic Oregon “O” logo, ingeniously intertwined with a yellow ribbon – a concept sketched by Sauphia herself. This powerful symbol of support is not only displayed on the helmet but also as a sleeve patch, an inclusion championed by the Lannings’ middle son, Kniles.
Their eldest son, Caden, suggested the incorporation of an ice cream cone motif. This sweet symbol, which will be featured on merchandise supporting cancer research, represents the uplifting treat the Lannings shared after Sauphia’s treatment sessions, a small joy in challenging times.
Youngest son Titan’s contribution is the multi-color panel featured on the cleats, ensuring representation for a wide spectrum of cancer battles. Coach Dan Lanning himself brought a scientific element to the design, incorporating the molecular structure of the “red devil” chemotherapy treatment. This powerful image serves as a background on the gloves and sleeves worn by the players and will also appear on select retail items, adding another layer of depth to the University of Oregon new football uniforms.
“I’m really glad the boys and Dan got to be a part of it all,” Sauphia shared, emphasizing the personal significance of the design. “They were definitely my driving force in getting better and healing. I’m just so glad they were able to put their touch on it.”
“Stomp Out Cancer”: A Uniform with a Cause
This “Heroes” uniform marks the fifth iteration of Oregon’s impactful “Stomp Out Cancer” uniform series, a tradition that underscores the program’s commitment to social responsibility. The genesis of this particular design began shortly after Dan Lanning’s arrival in 2022. UO Director of Athletics Rob Mullens proposed leveraging the uniform platform to share Sauphia’s inspiring story of resilience.
During Oregon’s Holiday Bowl trip that year, Sauphia sketched the “O” logo intertwined with a ribbon, solidifying a key visual element. Around the same time, a chance encounter with a fan sporting a tattoo of the “red devil” molecular structure sparked the idea to incorporate it into the “Heroes” design. The following spring, the creative process truly took off when Todd Van Horne, chief creator of Van Horne Brands, his son Quinn, and the Lannings convened for a collaborative design meeting.
In this meeting, the Lanning sons were given free rein to sketch their ideas, resulting in the deeply personal touches that define the University of Oregon new football uniforms set to debut on Friday. Sauphia, reflecting on the design journey, expressed her heartfelt appreciation: “This is beyond what I would have envisioned for this whole series… We’re just really honored and grateful for you guys, and we’re looking forward to it — I can’t wait to see it all really come to life, and everyone really represented.”
Sauphia’s initial “O” and ribbon sketch included the phrase “Take Flight + Fight.” She purposefully chose a plus sign (+) to mirror the cross symbol, an internationally recognized emblem for healthcare providers. Reflecting this, one sleeve of the uniform features a “Flight + Fight” patch, while the other proudly displays a “Stomp Out Cancer” patch alongside the image of a bell – a symbol of triumph rung by cancer survivors to mark the completion of their treatment. “That represents triumph for her,” Todd Van Horne explained.
Further enriching the jersey design are wings and diamond plating details on the shoulders. Quinn Van Horne elaborated, “with the diamond plating representing that gritty, tough fight, and then the wings on top representing flight,” encapsulating the spirit of resilience and hope.
Much of the distinctive imagery from the University of Oregon new football uniforms will be available on merchandise for fans. Significantly, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the University of Oregon’s Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, directly supporting cancer research. This philanthropic aspect is central to Sauphia Lanning’s vision, aiming to give back to the “heroes” who dedicate themselves to fighting cancer.
“The medical staff was a big role in helping us get where we are,” she emphasized. “They were there the entire time, and so I do see them as heroes and I’m so glad (the designers) honored that and put that in there. I think that’s incredible.”
In conclusion, the University of Oregon “Heroes” football uniforms are more than just a change in game-day attire. They are a powerful embodiment of personal resilience, family collaboration, and a commitment to supporting vital cancer research. When the Ducks take the field on October 4th, they will be wearing a uniform imbued with profound meaning, carrying a message of hope and gratitude that resonates far beyond the football field.
