Miami football to wear environmentally-conscious uniforms in 2018

In an announcement on the Hurricanes official team website HurricaneSports.Com, The Miami football team will be wearing x-Adidas issued environmentally-conscious uniforms during the 2018 season.

The uniforms that the Miami football team will be wearing are “the first-ever football uniforms featuring repurposed and upcycled materials created in partnership with Parley For The Oceans.” per HurricaneSports.Com. The uniforms will make their debut for the Hurricanes season opener against LSU September 2.

Andrea Adelson of ESPN described Parley as “an advocacy organization whose mission is to raise awareness about marine threats.”  The Hurricanes home Jerseys will be Orange. According to the press release they are “an ode to end plastic pollution of the oceans.

The jerseys will also “pay homage to South Floridian landscapes and the environment that enriches the biodiverse local ecosystem.” per HurricaneSports.Com. Obviously, because of its location, marine biology is an important area of study at the University of Miami.

The school will be honoring that with an auction to benefit “the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science to launch a fund for educational research” per Hurricane Sports. The uniforms are in part made from yarn that had been repurposed from fishing nets and other nylon waste taken from marine environments.

Miami Athletic Director Blake James was also quoted in the press release discussing the new uniforms.

"“The Miami Hurricanes are thrilled to partner with Adidas and Parley to wear the first ever college football uniforms made from repurposed Parley materials…The City of Miami – and the University of Miami – are forever linked to the ocean. Our Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science on Virginia Key is one of the world’s foremost centers for oceanographic and atmospheric research.This partnership gives our student-athletes an opportunity to make a difference in our community by promoting sustainability efforts on campus, around South Florida – and across the globe. Thank you to Adidas, Parley and the Rosenstiel School for their commitment to sustainability, and for helping us continue to build champions at The U.”"

There are a lot of tributes on the new jerseys. Some of the things being represented include an ode to ending plastic pollution in the oceans, a wave print to honor the tide in the ocean, palm trees, and a thread to connect Miami and Parley’s partnership.

The recycled materials were gathered from beaches and coastal communities. The Miami Coaching staff and sideline personnel will also wear Parley gear. Miami Head Coach Mark Richt discussed the new uniforms.

"“Our players and staff are excited to wear the new adidas Parley jerseys and gear for our season opener. We’re also excited that adidas and Parley are teaming up with UM to help promote sustainability around the world…Community service has always been an integral part of our football program, and this partnership with adidas and Parley helps us continue those efforts.”"

The Miami football players will also wear cleats and gloves dedicated to Parley. Hurricane Sports said, “The Adidas x Parley football cleats mark the first-ever styles of eco-conscious footwear to be debuted on-field for NCAA football competition.”

The partnership between the Miami football team, Adidas and Rosenstiel is a great opportunity for the Hurricanes to cross-promote both programs at the University of Miami.

The football team is the most well known athletic team in Coral Gables and Rosenthiel or at least the Marine and Atmospheric Science program might be the best known academic program. It’s another great, but small example how the U is giving back to the community.