Oregon debuts Phil Knight Shoe Duck tribute uniforms

Oregon debuts Phil Knight Shoe Duck tribute uniforms image

Oregon unveiled its latest uniform innovation for Saturday’s Civil War rivalry game against Oregon State. The “Shoe Duck” uniforms honor Nike co-founder Phil Knight and former Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman.

The design combines anthracite, white marble details and gold accents throughout.

Nike’s Pacific Northwest roots inspire design

The “Shoe Duck” name comes from Knight’s memoir Shoe Dog, which tells Nike’s origin story. Former Oregon defensive back Mattrell McGraw, now a Nike product manager, created the bright gold cleats that complete the look.

Gold details run throughout the uniform. The gloves feature waffle-print designs that reference Bowerman’s early innovation of pouring rubber into a waffle iron to create Nike’s first prototype soles.

Matte marble helmet breaks new ground

The helmet represents the first matte marble design in college football. It’s asymmetrical, featuring Oregon’s traditional Duck wings on one side and the wing of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, on the other.

The design mirrors Knight’s private jet, which carries the same motif.

A gold Oregon “O” sits above a gold bar on the helmet’s back, symbolizing Bowerman’s World War II service. The goddess wing draws from the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” statue in the Louvre.

Historical details across the uniform

The left shoulder patch shows a handshake between Knight and Bowerman, representing their founding of Blue Ribbon Sports. Nike’s original logo appears behind the handshake.

The opposite shoulder displays Oregon’s Latin motto, “Mens Agitat Molem” (Mind Moves Mountains), framed by Mt. Hood and Mt. Fuji.

The two peaks represent Oregon’s roots and Knight’s early experiences in Japan, where Nike first manufactured shoes. Duck wings and tiger stripes blend East and West symbolism.

Breaking new uniform ground

Oregon has tried bold uniform concepts before, but the “Shoe Duck” breaks new ground with asymmetrical helmet decals and marble textures. Other programs have incorporated marble into designs, but Oregon is the first to feature white marble integrated into lettering and design elements across the entire uniform.

Knight’s emotional response

Van Horne Brands developed the project over two years with input from Oregon players and staff. Senior linebacker Bryce Boettcher presented the uniform to Knight during an event at Hayward Field earlier this year.

The tribute brought Knight to tears, according to Boettcher.

“It’s a thank you from the entire city of Eugene and the state of Oregon. We wouldn’t be the University of Oregon without his help.”

Knight has often avoided public recognition by naming campus buildings after others. He’s remained central to Oregon athletics through decades of support. The “Shoe Duck” uniforms represent a rare public acknowledgment of his impact on the university and sports landscape.

No. 6 Oregon faces Oregon State at Autzen Stadium on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on BTN.

Tom Wilson avatar
Tom Wilson