Are redesigned Chargers uniforms a big deal?
By: LOREN NELSON - Staff Writer | ∞
By: MICHAEL KLITZING - Staff Writer
YES -- I guess a little historical perspective is just too much to ask from some people.
Loren may see this as just a trivial uniform change. He may deem this nothing more than the Chargers making a petty grab at more cash by rendering an old line of official merchandise obsolete.
To that, I would advise Loren to crack open a book dealing with a topic other than Gordie Howe's greatest hockey memories.
If he had, he'd understand that critics once used that same tired line on Harry Burnett Lumsden.
Lumsden (as if you didn't already know) was a British military officer in India who introduced the khaki uniform in 1848, breaking with the empire's longstanding tradition of red and white garb for its soldiers.
Back in London, of course, many were rankled. Critics dismissed the revolutionary change as greedy old Lumsden trying to milk a few more quid out of his regiment's fans, who were sure to flock to the 59th Bengal Native Infantry's team store to snap up the official replica jerseys, Hussar shako hats and logo-bearing pocket watches.
Instead, Britain's colonial forces ---- no doubt emboldened by their aggressive new look and the form-fitting elasticity of their garments ---- went on to maintain a firm grip on their empire for another century and claim several AFC East titles in the process.
The only conclusion one can draw from this unassailable analogy is that the Chargers will reap numerous on-field benefits from their new look.
Imagine the fear struck in the heart of Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler when he looks across the line of scrimmage expecting to see a familiar foe, only to witness the sun glinting off those newly white helmets. As the pocket collapses around him, he'll probably be unable to make reads because his mind will be stuck wondering if the Chargers' new helmets are painted cream or seashell.
He'll learn the hard way that they're actually metallic white.
Imagine how tough it will be for Chiefs running back Larry Johnson to hit the hole while trying to make out the ever-so-faint powder blue outline of the fearsome new gold bolt. No chance.
And some might consider this change irrelevant?
In reality, not only have the Chargers bolstered their chances at securing that elusive Lombardi Trophy by altering their duds, they've taken a much-needed step toward maintaining their overseas imperial holdings as well.
With this gear, the lights will never go out on the Bolts empire.
Contact staff writer Michael Klitzing at mrklitzing@gmail.com.
NO -- Say what you will about the Chargers, but whether it's a Junior Seau "retirement" party or the glitzy unveiling of redesigned uniforms, this franchise spares no expense when celebrating a non-event.
I can't wait for Ryan Leaf Appreciation Night.
There was a lot of fuss made this week about the Chargers' new threads, and as far as I can tell, the lightning bolts on the sleeves now go sideways instead of up and down. That, and the helmet has gone from mostly navy blue to mostly white.
Excuse me if I don't release doves and ignite fireworks over the changes, but all of this interests me about as much as pocket lint. It's worth noting that my fashion sensibilities consist mostly of trying to avoid wearing a striped tie with a striped shirt and the daily quest to find a matching pair of socks.
It reportedly took A.G. Spanos, the boss' kid, 18 months to come up with the new look. Somehow, during that same span, he dropped his golf handicap from an 18 to 7, toured most of Northern Europe and became such a whiz on the PlayStation version of Madden '06 that there are rumors he will be calling all of the Chargers' plays by the end of the season.
Kid Spanos' design does include a "new three-quarter collar" that, according to the Chargers, "is the first of its kind in the NFL." Any team that uses the new design must give the Chargers first- and third-round draft picks as compensation.
Nick Hardwick, the Chargers' 295-pound center, strolled the stage in his form-fitting ensemble during Wednesday's unveiling. So, in at least one way, I must concede to Ramblin' Mike that this was a big deal.
The event, held in the ballroom of the swank U.S. Grant Hotel, was likened by someone as ---- I'm not making this up ---- a historical moment rivaling the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Which only proves people can say most anything when guzzling their fourth Cosmopolitan.
Ramblin' Mike loves that "CHARGERS" appears just below the neckline for, according to the team, "stronger branding." Ramblin' Mike is all about branding.
He also says he's geeked because the Chargers are using a new "stretch dazzle" fabric in their uniforms.
I say buy that man another Cosmopolitan.
Contact sports editor Loren Nelson at (760) 740-3551 or lnelson@nctimes.com.
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Just Plain Joe wrote on Mar 18, 2007 8:15 AM:I wish there was as much attention to outfitting the troops going into Iraq with state of the art protective clothing and gear, as their is interest and attention to the uniform of a professional sport team.
Eric wrote on Mar 20, 2007 1:00 PM:Loren, how can you be the sports editor for a San Diego newspaper and come off so apathetic and negative regarding the new Chargers uniforms. "Can't wait for Ryan Leaf appreciation night"??? Come on now, I think true Charger fans as well as the team have moved way beyond that now. I can't wait to see the new uniforms in action. I think they will bring new energy and excitement to Chargers football in 2007. As LT said in an interview regarding the new uni's "it gives this team their own identity" which I feel they absolutely deserve. As the old saying goes Loren, if you don't have anything nice (or positive) to say, keep your mouth shut and stick to editing.
Bob wrote on Mar 22, 2007 9:36 AM:Big Friggin Deal !!!! I couldn't even tell you what changed other than the helmets. lets hope they have more in store for us next season other than this ---like a playoff win !!!!!
Gnarly Charlie wrote on Mar 22, 2007 10:27 AM:I think Loren is the only one really making a big deal out of it.
They sure do... wrote on Mar 22, 2007 7:30 PM:and they bill every bit of it to the witty folks that patronize their games.
Alf Dog wrote on Mar 23, 2007 8:57 AM:Hey Loren, Where were you born? How long have you really cared about the Chargers? Just keep attending the games in your tie and shirt and put on your $5 liquor store hat when were mashing in the playoffs next season like the rest of the out of town bandwagners. Not born in SD get the out of SD!
Bozo 4 Loren wrote on Mar 24, 2007 12:09 AM:Quit bashing Loren! He's been an instrumental part in making the North County Times a quality news outlet for us North San Diego County readers. So what if he's not from San Diego? He's a true journalist who tells it like he sees it. Good for him, and shame on anyone who disagrees with hearing the truth. Continue the good work Loren. If the Chargers suck next year, I expect Loren to tell us why.
Randy R wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:57 PM:I've been a die hard bolt fan and believe me thru 3 decades of dying hard. So just appreciate what we have now. This does not happen to often.I like the Idea that this identifies the current Chargers becuz I think this team will be great for the next couple of years. I like it when I see a charger fan that wears the Old charger Jerseys from the 80's Then I know he has died hard like me. "For all the die hard fans move to front of the Band Wagon" We can make room for the new fans, Especially Loren when he jumps on when the City of SD gets to celebrate the NFL champion CHARGERS but us that are up in the front we all know that there will be room again when those in the back jump off when thing aren't going so well. What up with SD sports writers? All they write are negative stories. They should be hyping up our Sports clubs which would mean more fan support, more $$$ generated, more readers to the local papers. Hint, Hint
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