The NFL has a very strict policy regarding its uniforms, routinely fining players for the most slight of infractions. Compared to the NBA and Major League Baseball, both of which offer a little more latitude in personal self-expression, the NFL has a policy that makes many players feel oppressed.
Duke Ihenacho, an offseason signing by Washington, took his grievances straight to the league office. Where he sought sensible answers, he found an even more frustration. In a series of posts to Twitter, Ihenacho details the conversation:
Had an NFL uniform compliance meeting today. Some of the uniform rules they're enforcing are "just because I say so" rules. Pointless.
— Duke Ihenacho (@NachoLyfe) August 12, 2015
Whoever makes the rules, please tell me...why can't we wear solid team color cleats? Team colors! Please tell me
— Duke Ihenacho (@NachoLyfe) August 12, 2015
Like is that a safety hazard?
— Duke Ihenacho (@NachoLyfe) August 12, 2015
And why does it matter if we were our towels in the front or in the back? Is the towel for you?
— Duke Ihenacho (@NachoLyfe) August 12, 2015
I feel like it wants the players to abandon their individuality and be robots. Bunch of yes men.
— Duke Ihenacho (@NachoLyfe) August 12, 2015
We just want reasons that make sense.
— Duke Ihenacho (@NachoLyfe) August 12, 2015
They want everyone's socks to look exactly the same. Everyone's jerseys to be tucked in. Is this the league or boarding school? Lol
— Duke Ihenacho (@NachoLyfe) August 12, 2015
Ihenacho also had a short-and-sweet response to criticisms that, for as much as he's paid, he shouldn't be complaining about uniform rules.
Yea that's what everybody not in the NFL says. The feeling changes, trust me. https://t.co/OCLWAllGgp
— Duke Ihenacho (@NachoLyfe) August 12, 2015
Ihenacho makes some great points: the way the NFL has cracked down on uniform rules, touchdown celebrations and other forms of player expression do seem to be in an effort of creating a more homogenous on-field product.
In the NBA, by contrast, stars make the league -- and the NBA recognizes that. The NFL seems to think the football product is what people buy, not the individual players.
Clearly, professional players don't want to be treated that way. Iheanacho makes some strong points, but don't expect anything different from the NFL.
Marcus Mariota In Every 2013 Uniform
Dec. 30 vs. Texas, Alamo Bowl
Ducks win 30-7.
Nov. 29 vs. Oregon State
Ducks win 36-35.
Nov. 23 at Arizona
Ducks lose 42-16.
Nov. 16 vs. Utah
Ducks win 44-21.
Nov. 7 at Stanford
Ducks lose 26-20.
Oct. 26 vs. UCLA
Ducks win 42-14.
Oct. 19 vs. Washington State
Ducks win 62-38.
Oct. 12 at Washington
Ducks win 45-24.
Oct. 5 at Colorado
Ducks win 57-16.
Sept. 28 vs. Cal
Ducks win 55-16.
Sept. 21 vs. Tennessee
Ducks win 59-14.
Sept. 7 at Virginia
Ducks win 59-10.
Aug. 31 vs. Nicholls State
Ducks win 66-3.
Bonus: 2014 Spring Game
May 3, 2014, in Eugene, Oregon.
