UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Penn State football program announced July 16 that it will remove the names from the backs of jerseys, beginning this season.
The decision to remove the names from the jerseys was made to pay homage to the history of Penn State football and return to the tradition that represented Penn State for 125 years. The names were added to the back of the jerseys during the 2012 season by then-head coach Bill O'Brien in recognition of the players' resolve and dedication to the team and the University.
Head coach James Franklin and several Penn State football letter-winners met with members of the current Nittany Lion football team last week to inform them of the return to the no-name jerseys.
For 125 years Penn State proudly followed a very simple idea: 'Black shoes. Basic blues. No names. All game'," said Franklin. "In 2012, for the first time in the program's history, names adorned the back of the jersey to forever identify the men who stayed loyal, sacrificed and chose to play for this institution during the most difficult of times. The 2012 team, permanently recognized in Beaver Stadium, will hold an enduring place in our program's history. Their commitment will never be forgotten.
"However, it's time we bring back the tradition that represented Penn State for 125 years. We are a strong family, playing for one goal, one university and there is only one name that truly matters, Penn State."
The Nittany Lions open the 2015 campaign at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, against Temple at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.