Nike Unveils the Future of Football: Air Zoom Alpha Talon Cleat and 2011 Nike Pro Combat Uniforms

ARLINGTON, Texas - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Nike (NYSE:NKE) today unveiled its next generation of Nike Pro Combat uniforms and cleats that top collegiate teams University of Oregon, Boise State University, and University of Florida are expected to wear as they take the field in this season's upcoming bowl games.

NFL players Ndamukong Suh, Clay Matthews, Dwayne Bowe, Felix Jones and Steven Jackson were also on hand at iconic Cowboys Stadium to introduce the Nike Air Zoom Alpha Talon cleat and the 2011 Nike Pro Combat uniforms to several hundred guests and media.

"NIKE, Inc. is the leading, most innovative football company in the world and the top choice of football athletes at every level," said Kris Aman, Vice President of Athletic Training. "Our success is based on creating breakthrough products and experiences unmatched in our industry, helping write the next chapter for Nike Football."

The Zoom Alpha Talon Cleat

Nike Football's most advanced cleat ever, the Zoom Alpha Talon Cleat leverages the most innovative technologies to meet the performance needs of every position. Working with elite athletes, Nike designers delivered improved footing at full speed with an innovative on-demand, adaptive traction system. The interior cleats in the forefoot extend when full pressure is applied for more traction when needed and retract when not. The Air Zoom Alpha Talon cleat also features a Flywire upper for lightweight lockdown, a low-profile cushioning system for comfort, and Nike Pro Deflex padding around the ankle for breathable protection.

"This new cleat gives me the traction and protection when and where I need it most," said defensive star Ndamukong Suh. "Nike Football keeps raising the bar, giving players the best cleats in the game today."

Nike unveiled its next generation of Nike Pro Combat uniforms and cleats for the University of Oregon at the iconic Cowboys Stadium, Dec. 14, 2010.
Photo: Business Wire

The 2011 Nike Pro Combat System of Dress

This redesigned base layer and uniform deliver the ultimate in breathable protection for superior speed. Nike designers strategically placed seams, pads and cooling zones to help minimize distraction, while optimizing protection.

The uniform design emphasizes thermoregulation by featuring Nike Pro Deflex padding with two-way airflow to cool the body and wick away sweat. The jerseys are made of four-way stretch woven twill that sheds moisture.

A Flywire collar eliminates two layers of fabric for improved breathability, providing a more stable anchor to keep the jersey in place.

The uniform also provides enhanced protection throughout the crucial "hit zone" --between the knees and shoulders--delivering robust padding without the bulk. Nike Pro Deflex padding has also been integrated in the hip and knee areas of the pant for crucial impact protection that stays in place.

The base layer now features customizable protection, incorporating a thin, incredibly strong carbon fiber plate that comes in two different sizes and can be placed where needed.

Today in Arlington, Texas, NFL players Steven Jackson, Dwayne Bowe, Ndamukong Suh, Clay Matthews and Felix Jones were at the iconic Cowboys Stadium to introduce the Nike Air Zoom Alpha Talon cleat and the 2011 Nike Pro Combat uniforms. (Photo: Business Wire)

Three elite football programs will debut the 2011 Nike Pro Combat System of Dress during bowl games including:

- Boise State Broncos: Las Vegas, December 22, 2010

- Florida Gators: Tampa Bay, January 1, 2011

- Oregon Ducks: Phoenix, Arizona, January 10, 2011

Texas Christian University (TCU) will be debuting the new Air Zoom Alpha Talon cleat with a new version of their current 2010 Nike Pro Combat Uniform in Pasadena, California, January 1, 2011.

About Nike

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.

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