Their collective legacy has forged the familiar Syracuse “legend of 44” story, transcending football to become part of the fabric of the university. The number 44 has been woven into campus landscapes, zip code, and even the school’s phone extensions.

This new 2014 uniform design connects the team’s past and present. The “legend of 44,” as well as the influence of New York state serve as inspiration for Syracuse’s trio of new uniforms. Referencing the strong heritage of past teams, the design incorporates influences from the university’s “quad” building in the center of campus, as well as from the modern gothic architecture seen in downtown New York City and on the Syracuse campus.

Custom numbers appear tall and narrow, mimicking the height of New York City’s skyline. The numbers also feature a unique 44-degree linear “V” pattern. This pattern is mirrored on the uniform pant lines and shoulder panels for unified positioning of the Orange as New York’s college team.

At home, Syracuse will wear their familiar navy uniform finished by an orange anodized helmet with navy embellishments. The white away jersey and pant feature navy stripes and are capped by a white matte-finish helmet. The team’s new alternate dark steel grey uniform with orange stripes will feature a navy helmet to complete the design trio.

Further graphic details on the uniform help reinforce the history of Syracuse football:

• On the neck, the number 44 is proudly displayed in a military-inspired graphic patch that references the quad and its crossing walkways, the legend of 44, and the team’s annual trip to Fort Drum, N.Y., each year to train with the military. Fort Drum is also home to the 10th Mountain Division, of which Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman was a member.
• The away uniform is embellished with “D.I.S.C.I.P.L.I.N.E” at the inside back of the neck, referencing Coach Shafer’s mantra. The word serves as an inspiration to the athletes each time they put on their jerseys, and also pays homage to the team’s military training at Fort Drum.
• The words “Lock the Gate,” appear on the inside neck of the home jersey as a reminder of the team’s pre-game ritual and the importance of winning at home.
• The school’s familiar block “S,” logo will anchor all three helmets. Each helmet will also feature the word “CUSE” on front and “ORANGE” on the back. An outline of New York state is featured on the back of each helmet, with the block “S” logo placed where the city of Syracuse is located.
• The uniform trainer schemes are mirrored in the Nike Pro Combat Hypercool baselayer, socks and gloves connected to each uniform.