Houston Cougars to Add Oilers-Inspired Uniforms amid NFL's Legal Threats
May 1, 2024
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 02: Houston Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith (1) looks for an open receiver in the second quarter during the college football game between the UTSA Roadrunners and Houston Cougars on September 2, 2023 at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The University of Houston is moving forward with plans to introduce an alternate blue uniform for its teams despite legal threats from the NFL.
The NFL sent Houston a cease-and-desist order last year, saying the uniforms are "blatant" copies of the Houston Oilers uniforms, for which the NFL has a trademark.
"We literally have a story we can show the city uses it," athletic director Chris Pezman told the Houston Chronicle's Joseph Duarte. "This isn't a reach. This is a layup. We've got a very defensible position."
Houston's football team wore the uniforms during its home opener against UTSA last season. The women's soccer team and golf team also wore uniforms featuring the color scheme.
While there is no mistaking the obvious similarities to the Oilers uniforms, Pezman said the school made alterations to the alternate blues it'll use moving forward to help differentiate the looks. Pezman said the school saw overwhelmingly positive reviews of the uniforms from fans.
"I knew it would be good," Pezman said. "I didn't know it would be what it was. We found a nerve, and we've got to mine that vein. It's real. What's cool about it, it's not about us. It's about the city. That's what we have to continue to do.
"When you do UH stuff, you limit your market. With the Houston script, it's everybody. It's our ability to have the Texas T-shirt in the truck stop, to have our version of it in that Houston blue with the red and white script. It can be anybody."
The NFL's letter, which was sent last October, said Houston was looking for a "free ride" of publicity off the back of its trademarks. The NFL has not commented on Houston's plan to move forward with the new uniforms.
David Ugwoegbu NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Houston EDGE
Apr 21, 2024
MANHATTAN, KS - OCTOBER 28: Wide receiver Jayce Brown #1 of the Kansas State Wildcats runs with the ball against defensive lineman David Ugwoegbu #12 of the Houston Cougars in the first half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'4"
WEIGHT: 250
HAND: 10¼"
ARM: 33¾"
WINGSPAN: 80¼"
40-YARD DASH: 4.86
3-CONE: 7.56
SHUTTLE: 4.71
VERTICAL: 31.5"
BROAD: 9'8"
POSITIVES
— Solid size and length for an NFL edge.
— Decent instincts versus the run to put himself in a position to take on blocks.
— Physical run defender who has the strength to get extension on blocks.
— Experience playing on the edge and at off-ball linebacker. Has some versatility to him.
NEGATIVES
— Tested poorly with a 2.50 RAS. Lacks explosion and speed.
— Isn't twitchy and has subpar movement skills, which limit his pass-rush arsenal on the edge.
— Doesn't use his hands as a pass-rusher and stops his feet on contact when bull-rushing.
— Needs to stay more disciplined when setting the edge. Has a habit of ducking inside and losing outside contain.
— Transferred from Oklahoma to Houston ahead of 2023 season
— No major injuries
OVERALL
David Ugwoegbu is a hybrid off-ball linebacker/edge type of player, and that positional versatility could help him end up on an NFL team's radar. He's also a solid run defender who has good size and length to potentially contribute on early downs.
However, he lacks NFL athleticism and likely will need to make a name for himself on special teams to land on a 53-man roster next season.
GRADE: 5.2 (Backup/UDFA with Roster Potential — UDFA)
Nelson Ceaser NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Houston EDGE
Jan 2, 2024
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 02: Nelson Ceaser #9 of the Houston Cougars reacts to a stop against the UTSA Roadrunners during the first half at TDECU Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'2.5"
WEIGHT: 260
HAND: 10 1/4"
ARM: 33 1/4"
WINGSPAN: 79 7/8"
40-YARD DASH: N/A
3-CONE: 7.3
SHUTTLE: 4.57
VERTICAL: 31"
BROAD: N/A
POSITIVES
— Good get-off on passing downs. Times up the snap and accelerates off the line of scrimmage well.
— Works the offensive lineman's hands when rushing the passer. Has an impressive hand-swipe move and can "defeat the hands to defeat the man."
— Impressive at turning speed to power as a pass-rusher, as he keeps his feet moving through contact and occasionally puts offensive tackles on the ground.
— Has a solid spin move as a counter, both inside and outside.
— Quick to get his hands up and take on blocks versus the run.
NEGATIVES
— Poor pad level out of a three-point stance. Stands up out of his stance.
— Not strong and physical at the point of attack. Will struggle to set the edge against NFL offensive tackles and good/bigger blocking tight ends. Could afford to add some strength, too.
— Reliant on working around offensive linemen to defeat or escape blocks as a run defender.
— Bend is just adequate. Hips and ankles are a little stiff to turn a tight corner at the top of the rush.
Nelson Ceaser has a future as a pass-rush specialist in the NFL. He has several moves he can win with, and he has shown some nuance as a pass-rusher.
Ceaser sets up his moves well during the stem phase of the rush and has used a Eurostep to help win around the edge. He also has the agility and movement skills to hit home as the looper in line games, and he has a good motor to get coverage sacks. However, his bend is slightly below-average, which he'll need to improve to thrive in this role.
Against the run, the Houston product has a lot of work to do. That will be the biggest reason why he slides in the draft. Adding some size and strength will help, but he also needs to be more physical at the point of attack, as he isn't someone who can be trusted to set the edge right now.
Schematically, Ceaser would be best as a standup outside linebacker in odd fronts.
GRADE: 6.5 (Potential Role Player/Contributor — 4th Round)
Patrick Paul NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Houston OT
Dec 27, 2023
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Houston Cougars offensive lineman Patrick Paul (76) protects the pocket during the game between the Houston Cougars and the Central Florida (UCF) Knights on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'8"
WEIGHT: 331
HAND: 9⅜"
ARM: 36¼"
WINGSPAN: 86¼"
40-YARD DASH: 5.13
3-CONE: 7.65
SHUTTLE:
VERTICAL: 29"
BROAD:
POSITIVES
— Excellent length with a tight clench and strong hands to tie up defenders once latched.
— Good athletic ability with the necessary quickness and agility to get to landmarks in pass protection and intersect targets on the move as a run-blocker.
— Casts a wide net with his length that helps him impede and slow down rushers who get to his edges.
— Good stopping power and strain in his anchor to promptly dissipate the bull rush.
— Brings an edgy, chippy play personality and finishes through the echo of the whistle.
NEGATIVES
— Upright playing style with an exposed chest and a propensity to hold defenders due to late, looping hand placement that results in his hands landing high and wide on target.
— Needs to do a better job of maximizing length and keeping defenders at his fingertips rather than allowing them access into his frame.
— Head dips into overextension on angle-drive/base blocks against post-snap movement across his face.
— Bad habit of drifting and oversetting on angled/45-degree sets, creating a soft inside shoulder against counter moves.
— Can get a little lazy at the top of the quarterback's drop, letting his pads rise before falling off late inside moves.
2023 STATISTICS
— 12 starts at left tackle
— Team captain
NOTES
— Born November 1, 2000
— 3-star tackle recruit in 2019 class, per 247Sports
— Moved from the defensive to offensive line as a senior in high school
— 44 career starts at left tackle
— Started the first two games of his redshirt freshman season in 2020 before missing the remainder of the season with a foot/ankle injury
— Older brother is Chris Paul, whom the Commanders selected in the seventh round in the 2022 NFL draft
— Preparing for the draft with Duke Manyweather in Frisco, Texas
OVERALL
Patrick Paul is a four-year starting left tackle inside Houston's RPO-heavy, balanced (53-47 run-pass split), zone-based run scheme with a tall, high-cut frame, excellent arm length and good athletic ability.
Paul shows good quickness out of his stance with a mixture of 45-degree/angle and vertical sets to get to his landmarks on time. He has the range to expand his set points and stay attached against high-side rushes, too.
Paul casts a wide net with his length, utilizing a circle punch to evade the cross-chop and has good stopping power in his anchor to strain and dissipate the bull rush. He also brings a tone-setting demeanor, consistently driving his feet through the whistle looking to bury opponents.
Paul gets into trouble against effective stutters and hesitations, drifting and oversetting, but he can at least slow down inside moves with his length. He needs to work on keeping his pads down at the top of the quarterback's drop to maintain leverage and prevent falling off blocks late in the rush.
Paul is an effective combo and climb zone run-blocker with the ability to feed the first-level defender over before intersecting and sealing off second-level targets. He can torque and initially kick out the frontside defensive end, but he quickly loses leverage in the second phase of the block due to persistently wide and high hand placement, negating his leverage and sustain ability. He also has a bad habit of either dipping his head into contact and/or peaking back to the ball on the front side of runs, resulting in too many quick sheds.
Overall, Paul still needs significant technique work to play with better leverage, control and sustain skills. But he has ideal length with starter-level athletic ability, play strength and a nasty demeanor that can be harnessed into a starting role within his first few seasons.
Report: Dana Holgorsen Fired as Houston Football HC; Contract Buyout 'About $15M'
Nov 26, 2023
WACO, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Dana Holgorsen of the Houston Cougars is seen on the field during the game against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
The University of Houston reportedly fired head football coach Dana Holgorsen after five seasons Sunday.
Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle reported the news, while Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports noted Holgorsen's buyout is around $15 million.
Holgorsen went 31-28 in five seasons at Houston. The Cougars were 4-8 in 2023, their first year in the Big 12.
Holgorsen left West Virginia for Houston ahead of the 2019 season and landed a contract extension in 2022 after he led the Cougars to a 12-2 record. However, Houston's 2021 season turned out to be the anomaly in Holgorsen's tenure. The Cougars had a losing record in three of his five seasons and finished ranked only once.
The decision likely came as a surprise to Holgorsen, who was defiant during the offseason when asked about potentially being on the hot seat.
"We won 20 games in two years," Holgorsen told reporters. "We won bowl games in back-to-back years. I have five years on my contract with a f--king-impossible buyout. … So there ain't no f--king hot seat in my mind. There just ain't."
Pete Thamel of ESPN reported Tulane's Willie Fritz and UTSA's Jeff Traylor are among Houston's top targets for the vacancy.
Houston had only two losing seasons in the previous 13 years before Holgorsen's arrival.
NFL Sends Houston Cougars Cease-and-Desist Letter Over Oilers-Themed CFB Uniforms
Oct 30, 2023
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 02: Houston Cougars linebacker Trimarcus Cheeks (30) celebrates a failed field goal attempt by UTSA in the second quarter during the college football game between the UTSA Roadrunners and Houston Cougars on September 2, 2023 at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The NFL issued a cease-and-desist letter to the University of Houston regarding the powder blue alternate uniforms for the Cougars football team, according to the Houston Chronicle's Joseph Duarte.
On Aug. 31, the program unveiled a jersey design that closely resembled the Houston Oilers' uniform.
Per Duarte, the NFL described the look as "blatant copying" and advised the school months ago it didn't provide its consent for the alternate threads.
"The Houston Cougars' attempt to free ride on the popularity of the NFL and the club violates the intellectual property rights of the NFL and the (Tennessee) Titans," wrote attorney Bonnie L. Jarrett in the cease-and-desist letter sent Oct. 13.
Houston donned the special uniforms and had an accompanying design for the field at TDECU Stadium for its season-opening victory over UTSA on Sept. 2.
Duarte reported the NFL and Titans said in the letter the Cougars wore the jerseys "in a manner that is likely to cause consumers to believe that the Houston Cougars are associated with, or are an authorized licensee of, the NFL and the Titans."
Houston has yet to sell any merchandise related to design because the school's licensing division declined to give its approval, per Duarte.
This is a case where the NFL and the Titans might have solid footing legally if their copyright to the Oilers' branding extends to every aspect of the uniform. But many fans will consider this to be another example of the "No Fun League" coming out in full force.
Spiritually, it feels more appropriate for a football team that's still in Houston to evoke memories of the Oilers.
If we are being honest it is patently absurd and disrespectful that the Titans would choose to wear Houston Oilers throwbacks https://t.co/u0g5hjjGZ8
The Titans ownership group picking up the Oilers franchise, moving them from Houston and then salting the ground so no one in Houston is ever allowed to wear baby blue again is one of the most insane pro sports things to happen. https://t.co/pNBH9vgPTr
The Titans retained all of the Oilers' history when they relocated to Tennessee in 1997, and they maintained the Oilers moniker for their first two years there. And yet, the Titans donning Oilers-themed throwbacks, as they did in Sunday's win over the Atlanta Falcons, is a bit jarring.
There aren't many fans in Tennessee who fondly recall the exploits of Oilers legends such as Earl Campbell, Warren Moon, Elvin Bethea and Ray Childress. J.J. Watt, who's familiar with the history of Houston football thanks to his 10 years with the Houston Texans, basically made this point last week on The Pat McAfee Show:
Even if the NFL and the Titans had their copyright infringed upon by the letter of the law, it's difficult what they stand to gain from antagonizing fans who haven't forgiven them for moving the Oilers or indirectly calling attention back to the relocation.
Video: Houston Cougars Unveil Oilers-Themed Uniforms in Honor of Former NFL Team
Aug 31, 2023
MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 02: A general view of a Houston Cougars helmet during the Reese's Senior Bowl team practice session on February 2, 2023 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Houston Cougars football program is embracing the cities football past in 2023.
As part of an initiative meant to celebrate the city the institution is located in, the team will be adding an alternate uniform set that pays homage to the Houston Oilers.
The Cougars will be sporting these uniforms for their season-opening game against UTSA on Saturday.
The Oilers, who represented the city from 1960-1996, relocated to Tennessee to become the Tennessee Titans. That franchise is also celebrating its Oilers past with alternate uniforms in 2023, so Oilers enthusiasts will have their fill of nostalgia this football season.
The Titans will be wearing their tribute uniforms twice during the regular season, but the Cougar's tribute takes place in the city the Oilers called home, so the tribute fits perfectly with the university's initiative. It is not confirmed if the team will be wearing the uniform beyond the home opener.
Tank Dell NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Houston WR
Apr 15, 2023
Houston wide receiver Nathaniel Dell (1) catches during the Independence Bowl NCAA football game in Shreveport, La. Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
HEIGHT: 5'8 3/8"
WEIGHT: 165
HAND: 8 5/8"
ARM: 30 1/2"
WINGSPAN:
40-YARD DASH: 4.49
3-CONE: N/A
SHUTTLE: N/A
VERTICAL: N/A
BROAD: 10'1"
POSITIVES
— Great acceleration and speed.
— Great explosion. Can snap off routes violently, as well as be a twitchy ball carrier.
— Good flexibility and agility. Changes direction without losing much speed.
— Flashes of good route-running. Has moments of great burst in and out of routes.
— Brings return ability, both kick and punt.
NEGATIVES
— Terribly undersized. Can not play on the outside in the NFL.
— Poor play strength. Struggles when contacted; not good at playing the ball in the air.
— Volatile route-runner. Has great flashes but is also too often out of control and off balance.
— Below-average hands. Drops too many easy ones, especially for a player who can't win contested situations, either.
2022 STATISTICS
— 13 G, 109 REC, 1,398 YDS (12.8 AVG), 17 TD
NOTES
— DOB: October 29, 1999
— 3-star JUCO recruit in 2020, per 247 Sports' composite ranking
— Started career at Alabama A&M in 2018, transferred to a JUCO in 2019, then to Houston in 2020
— 35 career starts at Houston
— 2021 and 2022 first-team All-AAC
OVERALL
Tank Dell is a bet on speed and explosion, and a bet against NFL size and strength.
Athletically, it's hard not to be impressed with Dell. His 4.49 40-yard dash is underwhelming, but he plays faster on film. Dell's immediate burst off the line is scary, and he only gets faster as he gets rolling, topping out at a speed that can strike fear into any secondary.
Dell is elusive, too. His ability to cut and snap off routes in space is outstanding. Many of Dell's best moments as a route-runner come on quick routes he can snap off violently, such as slants, speed outs and whip routes. Likewise, Dell's best moments as a ball carrier happen because of his ability to cut and dodge defenders in space. His ability to stop on a dime and explode the other way is tough to find just about anywhere else in this class.
That being said, Dell is fast and explosive in part because he is small, and he's much too small to comfortably project to the NFL. Dell isn't even 5'9", and only seven receivers in NFL combine history have weighed lighter than him. That lack of size shows on film in multiple ways. Namely, Dell can not be pressed or attacked during his routes. He doesn't have the size or strength to hold up, which is why he can not play outside in the NFL. Likewise, Dell doesn't really have the frame to make contested catches, especially ones in the air.
Dell could also use some cleaning up with his route-running. At his best, Dell looks fantastic. He's agile, he's explosive and he has the speed to separate. Dell isn't always at his best, though, and has far too many moments in which he's erratic throughout his routes, disrupting the timing of the play and occasionally giving the quarterback a bad landmark to throw to.
Dell is a nice play as a full-time returner and WR4/WR5 with some explosive ability. The speed and twitch in his game can be devastating, and there's enough there as a route-runner now that he may be able to iron things out with some work. That being said, Dell is too small and lacks the play strength to be a reliable starting receiver, let alone what his size may mean for his longevity.
Clayton Tune NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Houston QB
Mar 17, 2023
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (#3) throws a pass during the college football game between the SMU Mustangs and the Houston Cougars on November 05, 2022, at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 220
HAND: 9 3/8"
ARM: 31 3/8"
WINGSPAN: TBD
40-YARD DASH: 4.64
3-CONE: 6.89
SHUTTLE: 4.25
VERTICAL: 37 1/2"
BROAD: 122"
POSITIVES
— Very good athlete. Quick in tight spaces, and good speed to scramble effectively.
— Clean, fast release that helps him stay on time.
— Good touch and accuracy. Does very well to layer in throws and lead WRs for YAC.
— Shows the ability to progress through reads and get to his check-downs on time.
— Flashes of good anticipation in beating zone coverages.
NEGATIVES
— Below-average arm strength. Struggles to drive the ball outside the numbers.
— Poor ability to trigger and complete throws versus tight windows. Often double-clutches or turns down the throw.
— Below-average pocket command. Fares better when he can just leave the pocket.
— Prone to forcing mistakes versus late coverage rotations on the back end.
Clayton Tune is an experienced passer who brings enough scrambling ability and accuracy to stick around in the pros.
Tune's accuracy is his best trait. Not only does he show generally good ball placement across the board, but his touch is excellent. On plays where he needs to layer throws in with care, such as corners and seam throws, Tune shows great arc and placement. Tune's understanding of zone coverages helps him with that. Tune generally does well to process basic zone coverages and throw to soft spots in the zone, anticipating windows fairly well.
Better yet, Tune can make plays with his legs. He won't crack the top tier of NFL rushers, but he can be in that next tier of players with ample explosiveness, open-field speed and the willingness to just take off and go. He isn't much of a designed runner, but he can be a pesky scrambler.
Where Tune falls short is making high-level NFL throws. The primary issue is Tune's arm is lacking. He struggles to push the ball outside the numbers or down the field, and throws often die out on him past about 12 yards. Additionally, Tune tends to outright refuse tight-window throws. Those plays too often result in missed opportunities or sacks. Tune, likewise, can get caught hesitating when presented with late coverage rotations from the safeties.
Tune's athleticism alone gives him a shot. He has a decent frame and plenty of movement skills to stick around as a scrambler. Tune's baseline understanding of zone coverages and great ball placement give him solid ground to stand on as well. That said, Tune's ceiling is severely limited by his arm talent and indecision when it comes to making difficult throws. Tune's best fit is as a backup in a spread-out offense that allows him to find open windows and make use of his athletic ability as a scrambler.
