The Oregon Ducks are renowned for their innovative and striking football uniforms, and the Rose Bowl has often been a stage for some of their most memorable looks. Kenny Farr, Oregon’s equipment director, has been a key figure behind the scenes for years, witnessing the evolution of the Ducks’ iconic style. In a recent interview, Farr shared fascinating insights into the world of Oregon Ducks uniforms, including the story behind the highly anticipated – but ultimately unrealized – 1994 Rose Bowl throwback uniforms.
Oregon Ducks equipment director Kenny Farr in his office, showcasing a Manny Pacquiao boxing shoe gifted by former player Tim Day.
One of the interesting anecdotes Farr revealed was about a potential tie-dye military-themed spring game jersey that was ultimately scrapped. “We used to do a spring game military theme,” Farr explained. “And one time we were going to do one that was a tie-dye jersey. It ended up being where it looked like it was the military against the hippies, so that wasn’t such a good option and we didn’t end up doing that one.” This story highlights the careful consideration and sometimes humorous missteps in the uniform design process. It’s a reminder that not every uniform concept makes it to the field, and sometimes, ideas that seem good on paper don’t quite translate into a cohesive look. Farr emphasized that uniform combinations aren’t as simple as mixing and matching: “People can be like, ‘You have six helmets, six pants and six jerseys — you can mix them all together.’ But it really doesn’t work like that. Sometimes it just doesn’t look right.”
The topic of throwback uniforms, specifically the 1994 Rose Bowl uniforms, came up, addressing fan anticipation for the 2019 Rose Bowl. Many fans were hoping to see the team sport a retro look reminiscent of the ’94 Rose Bowl. However, Farr clarified that such decisions are planned far in advance. “That’s one where you got a little bit ahead of yourselves,” Farr stated. “Uniform planning is like 18 to 24 months out. It’s never going to be a thing where we just decide, ‘Hey, we’re going to wear this throwback uniform or new uniform for this bowl game.’ Those things are planned two years out. I wish it was that easy. It could be a lot of fun to do it like that.” This reveals the long lead times involved in uniform design and production, debunking the idea that new or throwback uniforms can be implemented on short notice for specific games like the Rose Bowl. While the desire for Oregon Ducks Rose Bowl throwback uniforms is understandable given the historical significance, the logistical realities of uniform planning make spontaneous changes impossible.
Farr, who has been with the Oregon program for a long time, has worked with six head coaches, each with varying levels of interest in uniform details. He noted that Chip Kelly, in particular, was very involved in design aspects, especially fonts on apparel. In contrast, current coach Dan Lanning, being younger, shares the players’ interest in fashion and style, creating a different dynamic in uniform discussions. This illustrates how coaching personalities can influence the uniform direction of the Oregon Ducks football program. Each coach brings their own preferences and priorities, and Farr’s role is to navigate these relationships and deliver uniforms that meet the coaches’ and players’ needs while maintaining the Oregon Ducks’ distinctive brand.
One of the most memorable Oregon Ducks Rose Bowl uniform stories Farr shared was from the 2012 Rose Bowl, where the team debuted chrome helmets. He recounted the anxiety surrounding the debut of these groundbreaking helmets. “So, we had seen the samples of the helmet and it was super exciting because it was kind of new. Nobody had done that before. And then we took it outside and it was like, wow, this is pretty cool. But it was like a September/October Eugene, Oregon day. It was totally overcast. It looked good. And then we’re going out the morning of the Rose Bowl and there’s not a cloud in the sky. And man, it wasn’t even just the referees, it was our own players. We’re walking around with all these mirrors all over the field.” The concern wasn’t just about the visual impact but also potential issues with referees or opposition. “The good thing is I was more worried about Coach [Brett] Bielema at Wisconsin making a big fuss about it. We didn’t have a backup set of game helmets and if there would have been an issue we would have had to wear our practice helmets in the Rose Bowl. That would have been a little rough.” This story provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the risks and uncertainties involved in introducing innovative uniform elements for high-profile games like the Rose Bowl, highlighting the pressure and quick thinking required by the equipment staff.
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Kenny Farr’s Twitter profile picture, linking to his social media presence and insights on Oregon Ducks equipment.
Farr also touched upon the broader impact of Oregon’s uniform innovation. He acknowledged that Oregon’s bold uniform choices during the Chip Kelly era attracted national attention and influenced other programs to step up their uniform game. “Then we started a trend, because every team that wasn’t a blue blood saw the model and said they were going to step it up.” This underscores Oregon’s role as a trendsetter in college football uniforms. The Ducks’ willingness to experiment and push boundaries has not only defined their own brand but also spurred a wider movement towards more creative and visually dynamic uniforms across the sport.
Reflecting on his long tenure, Farr emphasized his deep connection to the Oregon program. “I just feel like it’s a privilege, you know? I got some wise words a long time ago that I always took to heart: I need the team way more than the team needs me. So I appreciate the opportunity that I have just to be in a place like Oregon and I don’t know if I’d have the same desires if I was at a different school, to be honest with you. I really care about Oregon.” His dedication and passion for Oregon are evident, and his role extends beyond equipment management to being a custodian of the program’s history and identity. Kenny Farr’s insights provide a unique perspective on the Oregon Ducks’ uniforms, especially their Rose Bowl appearances, revealing the planning, creativity, and occasional anxieties that go into creating the looks that have become synonymous with Oregon football.
