The Michigan State football program will wear green helmets with a retro “Gruff Sparty” logo on both sides this Saturday against Penn State (3:30 p.m. ET on ABC).
The “Gruff Sparty” logo was used by the Spartans’ basketball team during the 1977-79 seasons, though its origins in East Lansing trace back to sheet music from 1950.
The logo is not exclusive to Michigan State, though, as it was created by California artist Arthur Evans for use by San Jose State, as well. Those Spartans actually used the logo as early as 1948 and wore it as a helmet decal as part of a throwback uniform in 2019.
Michigan State fans have been clamoring for years for the logo to show up on the football team’s helmets, and now they’ve finally gotten their wish. The Spartans will combine the new helmet design with their white jerseys and green pants, as worn by sophomore wide receiver Jayden Reed in the video above.
This marks the fourth helmet modification for Michigan State this season, as the Spartans – who typically wear white logo on both sides with a stripe that mimics a plume and a white facemask – wore a Block “S” on one side of their helmet during a 24-0 loss to Indiana on Nov. 14; neon green logos and dark green facemask during a 29-20 win over Northwestern on Nov. 28; and a white logo with a dark green facemask during a 52-12 loss to Ohio State on Dec. 5.
All four helmets have featured a thin white stripe, as well.
Photos courtesy of @MSU_Football on Twitter.
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