Tennessee released new Smokey Grey uniforms on Monday morning to begin the Vols’ second week of action this season.
The new Smokey Grey uniforms are part of the initiative to reveal three new variants of the jersey over three years. The Vols’ released the first look of the new uniform with a tribute video to quarterback Condredge Holloway on X.
Tennessee’s helmet will remain grey with the mountain design but will feature a new light-grey facemask to differentiate the two shades better.
The jersey, on the other hand, is unlike any grey jersey that Tennessee has rolled out before. Tennessee’s new grey jersey variant seems to be off the tree of the Tennessee 1971-1973 uniform line. The road jerseys, in that span, featured a primarily white jersey combination with a thick orange top that spans the shoulders and the collarbone. The new variant from Monday is a modern twist on that jersey with the Smokey Grey color replacing the white. A white trim also surrounds the numbers on the jersey.
Here’s a look at the video that Tennessee released to reveal the uniform drop.
Inspired.
Original.
Distinctive.𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭. pic.twitter.com/1Ycq13D0pk
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 4, 2023
“When we arrived on Rocky Top, one of our primary goals was to honor our storied tradition with a modern twist,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said in a statement from UTSports. “This year’s Smokey Grey uniform does just that; it pays homage to a Tennessee legend and the first African American quarterback in the SEC, Condredge Holloway, but is a modern look for our current student-athletes. I can’t wait to see our team run through the T on Sept. 9 in the home opener in the Smokey Grey uniform, on the 51st anniversary of Condredge’s first start as a Vol.”
Tennessee (1-0) will host Austin Peay (0-1) this Saturday in the home opener at 5:00 p.m. ET in Neyland Stadium. The Vols will break out the new Smokey Grey throwback variants for the game.
Saturday will mark 51 years to the day of Condredge Holloway's first start at the University of Tennessee becoming the first Black quarterback to start in the @SEC pic.twitter.com/W46Em07xMp
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 4, 2023
4 Responses
Guess I will always be a fan of the Orange and White. Does not to hurt have some variations. Don’t care what they wear as long as they play well and represent the University with highest honors. If the players feel it motivates them, go for it. Condredge was a heck of a QB and he deserves recognition. Go vols.
It’s a shame they are “honoring” Condredge by wearing these fake uniforms, they are flat out ugly!
Gray is not part on the Vols colors as Butch Jones tried to convince everyone. Please move on from that Jones era, we now have a legitimate coach and don’t need gimmicks to motivate the players and fan base.
I actually love the look. It aids in keeping our 4 and 5 stars in Knoxville. The players love alternates. It paves the avenue for new merch and revenue sales, benefitting our athletics department and university. And, it honors the bravery of one of the first black quarterbacks that actually played during one of the more racially divided times in US history. Think about the big picture
The mid section looks like some new york designer used chaffon or veil. During the A. Peay game I saw several linemen with torn orange material. Looked horrible on them. I wonder how much that cost the program. Focus on Football not designer outfits….