The people — those masses of humanity that feel compelled to voice their many opinions on the internet — have long demanded a red shirt for the US national team. So Nike has finally responded with the team’s new third kit, which features what they are calling “the people’s jersey.”
The new red shirt/blue shorts combo will make its debut on the pitch during Saturday’s friendly against Argentina along with a new team motto (chosen from fans’ Twitter submissions) embroidered on the sleeve.
From the press release:
The new jersey is a vivid red with an obsidian blue sash across the front. The jersey’s back neck features a graphic that reads ‘USA’, while inside is a graphic of a coiled rattlesnake. Symbolically placed above the heart inside the jersey on the back of U.S. Soccer Federation’s crest is a coiled rattlesnake accompanied by the defiant and inspiring message ‘DTOM’, which stands for ‘Don’t Tread On Me.’ This phrase has been used for more than two centuries in the United States, first by the colonies as a warning against the occupying English, and then featured on the Gadsen flag at the formation of the US Navy.
Echoing past designs and instilling the team’s history and tradition, the new red kit makes a bold statement representing the collective heart and unity of the team. They are available for purchase beginning on March 24, 2011 at Niketown and Nike.com.
So there you have it, US fans. You’ve got your red shirt to complete the red, white and blue set. And with the three colors of the nation’s flag now all covered, I really can’t wait to see what direction they go with the fourth and fifth kits.*
*Note: I’m just joking about there being a fourth and fifth kit. I mean, that would just be ridiculous…right?
One Comment
love it! Can’t wait to get one!