• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 9, 2025

NFL Throwback Uniform Push Hits Legal Obstacle

  • League sends cease-and-desist letter to University of Houston
  • School looked to pay homage to city’s football history, local police force
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL’s throwback uniform wave has hit celebrated new heights this season with retro designs from teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning widespread praise from fans and pundits. 

Now, a new legal fight involves one of the most revered looks of all.

The league has sent a formal cease-and-desist letter to the University of Houston, according to documents obtained by the Houston Chronicle, asking them to immediately stop their “blatant copying” of the Houston Oilers’ former uniforms. In addition to preventing any merchandise sales, the NFL also sought to discontinue any social media or promotional efforts involving the uniforms.

The Cougars wore those uniforms — which feature a powder-blue color scheme with red stripes — for their Sept. 2 season opener against the University of Texas at San Antonio. Despite no move by the university to monetize its homage to the Oilers’ famed “Luv Ya Blue” era, the NFL is looking to put a halt to any such activity.

“The Houston Cougars’ attempt to free-ride on the popularity of the NFL and the club violates the intellectual property rights of the NFL and the [Tennessee] Titans,” wrote league attorney Bonnie L. Jarrett in an Oct. 13 letter.

On Sunday, the Titans wore Oilers throwbacks in their home victory over the Atlanta Falcons and will again later this season in a game against the Houston Texans. After the Oilers left for Tennessee to become the Titans after the 1996 season, the team retained the Oilers’ trademarks.

Cougars Response

The Cougars haven’t sold any of their light-blue uniforms, saying there were “roadblocks” in the approval process, and have taken down relevant social media posts. The school added it was merely paying respect to a former era in Houston’s football history, as well as a color used for many years by the Houston Police Department.

“When and if we plan to market merchandise, I remain committed to coming to you for further discussion prior to implementation if it becomes necessary,” wrote Dona Cornell, university vice chancellor for legal affairs, in a response to NFL Properties.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Fox Extends Erin Andrews, Charissa Thompson Contracts Ahead of NFL Season

Changes are coming at Fox, but Andrews and Thompson stay put.
Jul 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at PNC Park.

MLB ASG Missing Many Highly Paid Stars, Clearing Path for Youth

Many of MLB’s top earners are not part of the Midsummer Classic.
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg speaks to the media during a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility.

Cooper Flagg–Bronny James Summer League Tickets Average $201

The average purchase price on resale platform TickPick is $201.

Texas Sports Teams, Leagues Donate Over $5M to Flood Relief

NFL, MLB, and NBA teams in Texas donate to flood recovery efforts.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”

Has the WNBA Outgrown the Matinee Madness of Camp Days?

Caitlin Clark will return from injury in a Wednesday noon game.
Nov 16, 2024; New York, NY, USA; President-elect Donald Trump speaks with Dana White (left) during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.
July 7, 2025

UFC Confirms Talks to Bring Fight to White House Grounds

Discussions are underway to bring a UFC event to the White House grounds.
Breanna Stewart
July 8, 2025

WNBA Players Call League Proposal For Fixed Salary Cap Inadequate  

The league’s collective bargaining agreement expires in less than four months.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jul 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) heads to the dugout prior to the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.
July 4, 2025

MLB Changes Are ‘Showing Great Results’: Former CFO

Big stars playing in major markets “make a real difference.”
Michael Johnson
July 3, 2025

Grand Slam Track Still Owes Athletes $13 Million: Source

The new track league hasn’t paid athletes in full yet.
July 2, 2025

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.
Sophie Cunningham
July 2, 2025

WNBA Expansion Decisions Show League Prioritizes North, NBA Ties

One player ripped the league for its geographic choices.