Washington Huskies To Don Black and Chrome Helmets in 2013?

As I was taking my daily tour around Cougar news and forums I came across a photo of what is believed to be the next addition to the Washington Husky uniform combo’s. The photo originated on a nike blog and is a clean gold version of the ever-more-popular chrome plated helmet with the traditional purple “W” with white trim, what looks like a double stripe with gold in the middle and purple facemask.

As you can see, the new black matte helmet that Washington also presumably plans on unveiling this Fall is perched on the mannequin in the background. In the previous couple of seasons the Dawgs have unveiled white helmets with both the traditional “W” and a patriotic “W” to support our armed forces, as well as a gold helmet with the same patriotic “W”.

Nov 10, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Keith Price (17) passes the ball during the game against the Utah Utes at CenturyLink Field. Washington defeated Utah 34-15. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 27, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Marcus Peters (21) celebrates an interception against the Oregon State Beavers during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 13, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (88) reacts to scoring a touchdown against the USC Trojans during the game at CenturyLink Field. Southern California defeated Washington 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Sept 10, 2011, Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Chris Polk (1) rushes against the Hawaii Warriors during the first half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The newest addition is sure to draw some cheers from Huskies and some “boos” from Cougars for all the obvious reasons. Personally, if I had to pick I’ll take the black helmets a long time before I take the chrome, but I definitely have mixed feelings as the purple (or black, either way) “W” with the gold trim reminds me of the ugly old purple helmets the Huskies used to where I’m a fan of multiple uniform combos so the chrome does add a nice touch.

There are many fans who think it’s gone over the top and I completely disagree with that nonsense. There are good and there are bad but like it or not uniform variations are beneficial to the schools for recruiting and to promote their brand in an innovative sense to the entire country. Most schools don’t want to be stuck in the Super Computer age when every other school in the conference has a sleek laptop and I enjoy the variety over the tradition in most instances.

There are also a lot of fans that will say this concept of chrome was stolen from Oregon, but there are several other teams using chrome now and really it’s a Nike concept more than an “Oregon” concept. Texas Tech, Baylor, Houston and Indiana all have a chrome version and several other schools have a chrome stripe or very close to chrome finish.

Regardless, it’s a new day and age in athletic looks these days and Washington won’t be the last to add chrome to their uniform variations. If you’re wondering if Washington State is on the verge though, I can tell you it’s not in the plans for the near future. Bill Moos has stated that he is happy with the look of the current available uniform and helmet combos for WSU which are flashy and unique in their own way. He says it’s apparent that they have drawn just as much attention and positive reaction from all of the players, recruits and alumni alike. The next “change” to the Cougar branding in way of football will be Crimson endzones, likely installed in 2014.

That’s just fine with me, but if the Cougs did add something like black and crimson or chrome and crimson in the way of uniform, I would most likely be on board with it.