Northwestern's football team will wear special uniforms for its game against Michigan later this month. The patriotic red, white and blue design is meant to raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit that works to empower injured veterans. The game-worn jerseys will then be auctioned off with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the charity.
In theory, this all sounds like a good idea, but the execution of the design has left some wondering if the uniforms are offending the very troops they're supposed to honor.
If you look closely, you can see what appears to be blood spatter throughout the design of the uniform.
Photos via Northwestern University
"Isn't 'flag covered in blood' a little on-the-nose for something honoring a group that operates programs for injured veterans?" wondered Deadspin's Tom Socca.
But according to Under Armour, which made the uniforms, and the university, what you see isn't intended to be blood spatter.
The special Northwestern University football uniforms designed by Under Armour in support of the Wounded Warrior Project feature a distressed pattern on both the stars and stripes that was inspired by the appearance of a flag that has flown proudly over a long period of time. We apologize for any misinterpretation.
According to Northwestern's team store, "The uniform incorporates a custom stars & stripes design on the shoulders & sleeves and includes a core value embellishment, "Freedom," printed on the back. "Believe in Heroes" lettering is embroidered at the bottom hem.
Northwestern is selling replica jerseys for $74.99. Ten percent of the proceeds of the replica jersey sales will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Appropriate tribute, or over the line? Tell us what you think.