Every Detail Hidden in Ducks of a Feather’s New ‘What the Duck’ Dunks

Breaking down the two collaborative silhouettes that honor the University of Oregon’s archive of innovative uniforms.

WRITER: Gregory Babcock

For most teams in college football, sticking to tradition is everything. Not so for the University of Oregon. While the program is replete with successes on the field, legendary games and superstar players, the football team’s biggest achievement might be shifting the aesthetics of the sport altogether.

In his new book Innovation University, alumnus and former player Garren Strong chronicles how Phil Knight, Tinker Hatfield, Michael Doherty, Todd Van Horne and Mike Bellotti came together to give the Ducks a new identity that would help them stand apart from the competition. This translated to a modernized look and feel that could match the program’s renewed focus. An updated “O” logo recalled the iconic running track at Oregon’s Hayward Field. Iridescent helmets harkened back to a mallard’s head. Details like these allowed the program to reinvent itself for a new century without sacrificing the athletic heritage that put the school on the map.

‘Innovation University’ traces the aesthetic reinvention of the University of Oregon. Shimmering green helmets, a recurring uniform motif, recall the iridescent qualities of a duck's head. Image by Eric Evans.

A closer look at the 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Home' PE (Right Shoe - Lateral Side). References include a nod to the "Natty Carbon" uniforms worn at the 2011 BCS National Championship game, and the "Diamond Plate" motif seen throughout the late 2000s.

The 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Home' PE (Right Shoe - Medial Side). The style pays homage to both the color blocking of the "Thunder and Lightning” kits and the speckled, duck egg-inspired print seen on 2021's "Eggshell" uniforms.

Close up of the 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Home' PE (Left Shoe - Lateral Side). The design references both 2012's "Chrome Storm" shoulder wing design, as well as the shining green helmets seen during Oregon's 2013 trip to the Alamo Bowl.

The 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Home' PE (Left Shoe - Medial Side). The design pays tribute to the bold colors of 2022's “Breast Cancer Awareness” uniforms.

The 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Away' PE (Right Shoe - Lateral Side). Inspired by the team's dynamic style of play, references include 2016's "Electric Lightning" uniforms and 2015's "Yellow Chrome” helmets.

The 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Away' PE (Right Shoe - Medial Side) references the topographic-map motif used throughout 2015's "Oregon Pioneers" jerseys and the chrome feathers seen on 2013's "Wing Vapor" helmet concept.

The 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Away' PE recalls the coloration from 2013's "Sonic Boom" and 2020's "Ohana" uniforms. 2015's "Future Camo" jersey wraps across the front of the silhouette.

Credited with pushing the tempo of Oregon football and pioneering the team's "no huddle" offense, Coach Chip Kelly is a contemporary icon of the program, known for leading by the no-nonsense mantra, "Win the Day." Image by Eric Evans and courtesy of 'Innovation University.'

Details on the 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Away' PE (Left Shoe - Medial Side). The style references Oregon's 2018 "Jumpman" uniforms.