Aaron Kr. 
Back in October, it was announced that Nike will become the NFL’s official uniform provider beginning in 2012, but outfitting football players with the latest in performance footwear and apparel is nothing new to the Swoosh. Earlier today, Nike held a media summit at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas to introduce some new products and innovations sure to tide over the Nike Football faithful until the eventual 2012 NFL takeover. Media entered the stadium only to be played in by the local L.D. Bell High School marching band as members of the school’s football team took part in Nike Sparq Training evaluations. Soon after, former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL star, Desmond Howard took the stage to introduce Nike’s Kris Aman and Ken Link, who took those in attendance through the finer points of the Nike Football philosophy and a look at the future the Nike performance footwear and apparel.
“NIKE, Inc. is the leading, most innovative football company in the world and the top choice of football athletes at every level,” said Kris Aman, Vice President of Athletic Training. “Our success is based on creating breakthrough products and experiences unmatched in our industry, helping write the next chapter for Nike Football.”
The focal point of the presentation was split into two parts; the new Zoom Alpha Talon cleat and the 2011 Pro-Combat system of dress. The Zoom Alpha Talon cleat flaunts the very best in cutting edge technology, making it by far, the most ambitious football cleat ever created. Tech features like Nike Pro Deflex padding, a Flywire upper and a mind-blowing retracting cleat system that adapts to your step for optimal traction on the playing field. To help show off the impressive new spikes, Nike brought in NFL stars Steven Jackson, Clay Matthews, Dwayne Bowe, Felix Jones and Ndamukong Suh to take the stage in a bright neon colorway of the Zoom Alpha Talon, that according to Bowe, is the best cleat he’s ever worn.
After a quick talk with the NFL guys, the attention shifted over to the world of college football, where Nike revealed a first look at the new Pro-Combat uniforms that will be debuted by four of the nation’s top programs during the upcoming Bowl Game festivities. Boise State, Florida and TCU join the National Championship hopeful Oregon Ducks as the first teams to take the new unis and Alpha Talon cleats to the gridiron. In addition to the new Bowl kits, Nike also introduced some upcoming 2011 Pro-Combat gear, a multi-layered system engineered to provide maximum protection, breathability and minimum weight, including carbon-fiber plated thigh pads and Flywire-infused jerseys. Keep reading after the jump for a look at the Cowboys Stadium set-up and, of course, tons of pics of the new Nike Zoom Alpha Talon Cleats and Pro-Combat uniforms.
Nike Zoom Alpha Talon Cleat
New Lightweight Cleat Features Unique Adaptive Traction System, Designed For Explosive Acceleration
Nike Football’s most advanced cleat ever, the Zoom Alpha Talon Cleat leverages the most innovative technologies to meet the performance needs of every position. Working with elite athletes, Nike designers delivered improved footing at full speed with an innovative on-demand, adaptive traction system. The interior cleats in the forefoot extend when full pressure is applied for more traction when needed and retract when not. The Air Zoom Alpha Talon cleat also features a Flywire upper for lightweight lockdown, a low-profile cushioning system for comfort, and Nike Pro Deflex padding around the ankle for breathable protection.
“This new cleat gives me the traction and protection when and where I need it most,” said defensive star Ndamukong Suh. “Nike Football keeps raising the bar, giving players the best cleats in the game today.”
The 2011 Nike Pro-Combat System of Dress
New Uniforms Have Advanced Materials Designed For Maximum Protection, Breathability, and Minimum Weight
This redesigned base layer and uniform deliver the ultimate in breathable protection for superior speed. Nike designers strategically placed seams, pads and cooling zones to help minimize distraction, while optimizing protection.
The uniform design emphasizes thermoregulation by featuring Nike Pro Deflex padding with two-way airflow to cool the body and wick away sweat. The jerseys are made of four-way stretch woven twill that sheds moisture. A Flywire collar eliminates two layers of fabric for improved breathability, providing a more stable anchor to keep the jersey in place.
The uniform also provides enhanced protection throughout the crucial “hit zone”–between the knees and shoulders–delivering robust padding without the bulk. Nike Pro Deflex padding has also been integrated in the hip and knee areas of the pant for crucial impact protection that stays in place. The base layer now features customizable protection, incorporating a thin, incredibly strong carbon fiber plate that comes in two different sizes and can be placed where needed.
Three elite football programs will debut the 2011 Nike Pro Combat System of Dress during bowl games including:
– Boise State Broncos: Las Vegas, December 22, 2010
– Florida Gators: Tampa Bay, January 1, 2011
– Oregon Ducks: Phoenix, Arizona, January 10, 2011
Texas Christian University (TCU) will be debuting the new Air Zoom Alpha Talon cleat with a new version of their current 2010 Nike Pro Combat Uniform in Pasadena, California, January 1, 2011.
