Oregon Ducks to Debut New "Heroes" Uniform
The Oregon Ducks football team will debut a new "Heroes" uniform on Friday night, showcasing a powerful story of family, strength, and resilience. Designed in collaboration with Oregon's head coach Dan Lanning, his wife Sauphia, and their three sons, the uniform represents a deeply personal journey — Sauphia's battle with bone cancer, a battle she won in 2017.
The uniform, debuting in the Ducks’ game against Michigan State, is Oregon's fifth iteration designed to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Titled "Heroes," this year's version holds a special significance for the Lanning family, incorporating personal design elements that honor cancer fighters and those who supported Sauphia during her treatment.
“This is her love letter to her heroes,” said Quinn Van Horne, senior designer at Van Horne Brands, the firm that brought the Lannings' ideas to life. “This is her thanking the people who truly helped save her life.”
The Heroes uniform was a family affair, with each member of the Lanning household contributing unique design elements. The base color of the uniform is yellow, symbolizing Sauphia's battle with osteosarcoma. Alongside it, multi-colored panels on the helmet, cleats, gloves, and sleeve patches represent the fight against all forms of cancer.
The Ducks' iconic "O" logo is reimagined with a yellow ribbon, a symbol of Sauphia’s cancer journey, which she sketched herself. This powerful image is featured on the helmet and sleeve patch, as suggested by the Lannings' middle son, Kniles.
Caden, the Lannings' eldest son, proposed incorporating an ice cream cone on merchandise that will support cancer research — a nod to the treat the family shared to lift spirits after Sauphia’s treatment sessions. Youngest son, Titan, suggested the multi-color design on the cleats to represent the many types of cancer victims being honored.
Dan Lanning’s contribution to the uniform is a molecular structure design, referencing the "red devil" chemotherapy treatment. This imagery will appear on the gloves and sleeves worn by players, as well as select retail items, further honoring Sauphia's journey to recovery.
Friday’s debut of the "Heroes" uniform is the culmination of a process that began shortly after Dan Lanning was hired at Oregon in 2022. The idea to tell the Lannings' story through a special uniform came from UO Athletic Director Rob Mullens. With the help of Van Horne Brands, Sauphia’s vision began to take shape, featuring her design of the "O" with a ribbon and the phrase “Take Flight + Fight.” The "+" symbol, inspired by medical crosses, symbolizes healthcare heroes — a tribute to those who helped save her life.
Other special elements include shoulder wings and diamond plating on the jerseys, representing the tough fight and the hope to take flight beyond the disease. A portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales will benefit the University of Oregon’s Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, furthering Sauphia’s mission to give back to the heroes of the medical world.
"I’m just so glad they put their touch on it," Sauphia said of her family's contributions. "We’re really honored and grateful, and we can't wait to see it all come to life."
The Lanning family's personal touches make the "Heroes" uniform more than just a tribute — it's a testament to the strength of those fighting cancer and a celebration of those who helped save lives. With the unveiling of this special edition uniform, the Oregon Ducks and the Lanning family remind us all of the courage it takes to fight cancer and the power of hope.
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