Nike NFL Jerseys 2012: Breaking Down Important Aspects of Elite 51 Uniforms

By now, everyone's had enough time to digest all the changes that Nike made to the NFL's game-day attire.

Or lack thereof, I should say. Despite the much-ballyhooed release, Nike's new unis largely failed to impress the general public. The new unis look way too much like the old unis, which were manufactured by Reebok.

The changes are there, however. With a few noteworthy exceptions, NFL players will indeed be wearing entirely new uniforms in 2012. It just so happens the changes are in the tech, not the look.

There's no big mystery as far as what kind of tech changes Nike has made. NFL teams will be wearing Nike's "Elite 51" uniform, which is broken down in careful detail on the site's official website. Just click that link, and then find and click "Tech Sheet," and you'll get a full rundown.

The site is informative. What it's not is honest. 

Here's a rundown of which parts of the Elite 51 uniforms are and aren't important.

Flywire Technology

Description: "Eliminates layers, reduces weight and provides lockdown fit."

In other words, this is a lightweight collar that is nice and snug. 

Will it help players run faster or move quicker? No.

Does it keep the uniform as tight as possible? Yes. But as far as I can tell, that's about it.

Verdict: not important

Zoned Mesh Ventilation

Description: "Cooling zones for optimal Thermoregulation."

Sounds complicated, but it's not. This is an area on the back of the new jerseys that allows for a little ventilation. It will help keep players cool, a phenomenon apparently known as "Thermoregulation."

Kidding aside, staying cool is key out on a football field, especially in the early months when the weather is still warm. This change will actually come in handy.

Verdict: important

Zoned Strength

Description: "High tenacity, stretch material, for lightweight lockdown strength."

This refers to the shoulder areas of the new uniforms. Once again, the mumbo jumbo is merely saying that the fit is as tight as possible.

Conceivably, this could eliminate players having to tuck their shoulder pads back under their jerseys after awkward tackles, which is a plus. But in terms of performance, we're not talking about something that's going to make a noticeable difference.

Verdict: not important

Cut for Mobility

Description: "4-way stretch, hydrophobic materials help increase range of motion, wet or dry."

You hear that? This material is afraid of water.

Actually, something that is "hydrophobic" is something that repels water. So in plain English, this material will not soak up water, allowing it to stay dry and flexible.

Considering that sweat and rain can both get into uniforms and weigh them down, this new stuff is a plus.

Verdict: important

Stretch Twill Numbers

Description: "4-way stretch even on numbering system."

Sounds like it will keep the numbers from getting bunched up, which has been known to happen on occasion in an NFL game.

When it happens, nobody cares.

Verdict: not important

Deflex Padding

Description: "Lightweight, flexible impact protection incorporated directly into the pant."

This is padding meant to protect the hips and the buttocks.

It hurts when these things get hit without padding, and injuries to these areas are a problem. Having padding is better than not having padding.

Verdict: important

Aluminum D-Ring Belt

Description: "Aircraft-grade aluminum D-ring belt reduces weight."

It's a belt.

Verdict: not important

Nike Vapor Game Sock

Description:

• "Advanced zonal cushioning system relieves cleat pressure."
• "Nike Pro Combat-inspired padding articulated to heel biomechanics."
• "Anatomically correct shape enhances fit."

Never mind the other nonsense, what sticks out about the new sock is the padding around the heel and the Achilles tendon. We see a lot of Achilles injuries occur, and this new sock could conceivably eliminate some of them.

Verdict: important

Nike Pro Combat Hyperstrong 4-Pad Top

Description: "Nike Pro Combat Hyperstrong 4-Pad Top built for protection at top speeds, the...top provides defense in high-impact areas without restricting the player with discomfort or sacrificing mobility."

Once again, it's all about the padding. There's padding for the shoulders and sides, the latter of which is perfectly placed to help save players from rib injuries.

Better than nothing.

Verdict: important

Nike Pro Combat Hyperstrong Compression 3/4 Pant

Description: "Built for speed and engineered for impact protection. This light and tight 3/4 compression pant incorporates padded Vis-Deflex technology, Dri-FIT fabrication and flat-lock seams to reduce irritation."

Yet again, it's all about padding, padding, padding. These pants have padding for the outside of a player's thighs and his knees.

The knee padding is where it's at.

Verdict: important

Overall

The tally is six things that are important, and four things that aren't important.

Well, you can't argue with the numbers. For all of the complaints that have been made about the new uniforms, there actually are quite a few important differences. There's a lot of stuff that is merely fluff, but the players will know that they're wearing new and improved uniforms.

It just won't look like they are.