How might the team visibly break with the traditions of the 46-year Paterno era?
Jerseys will carry the players’ names on the back. This is a clear break from the ultra-plain jerseys long associated with the team and that symbolize the program’s no self-glorification virtues. But this modest bow to modernization is viewed as a way of rewarding the players willing to represent the university entering this trying period. A complete design overhaul might have provided the program with a fresh start, but this is where O’Brien has to walk the fine line between honoring the best of the past while moving on. Another small change to the uniforms will be the addition of a blue ribbon logo on the back of each helmet, signifying the school’s support for child sexual abuse victims.
