In an act of solidarity against racism and discrimination, the Iowa State football program announced on Tuesday it will wear a symbolic Jack Trice patch on its football uniforms this fall.
The first black athlete in Cyclones history, Trice tragically died from injuries suffered during a game at Minnesota on Oct. 6, 1923. Iowa State unveiled a statue and named its football stadium in his honor in 1997, which remains to this day the only Football Bowl Subdivision stadium dedicated to an African-American.
“Jack Trice’s legacy is powerful and it’s certainly one we embrace in our football program,” Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said in a statement. “Competing in Jack Trice Stadium is an honor and we never want to lose sight on the sacrifices he made. His legacy continues to inspire all of those in our program as we strive to promote equality in our community and the world around us.”
The patch resembles the vertically striped uniforms worn by the Cyclones during the 1923 season and as a throwback in 2013. There are three different versions of the patch, which match Iowa State’s cardinal home, white road and black alternate uniforms.
The Cyclones are set to open the 2020 season on Sept. 12 against Louisiana. Kickoff at Jack Trice Stadium is set for 12 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Photos courtesy of CycloneEQUIP on Twitter.