Northern Illinois to wear throwback uniforms in season opener (Photos)

When Northern Illinois opens its season at home against UNLV on Sept. 5, it will wear throwback uniforms.

The jerseys and helmets resemble the look the Huskies wore in 1965, the first year the program played in Huskie Stadium. That 1965 team went a perfect 9-0 and wore jerseys with “NI” on the sleeves and black helmets with red and white stripes and the player’s number in white with gray facemasks.

Huskies head coach Rod Carey revealed the uniforms to the team on Saturday. The reaction has been positive.

“I think it’s awesome,” NIU receiver Juwan Brescacin said. “One, it’s a great idea and two, it’s an honor to be able to wear a replica of the uniform they wore 50 years ago when the team comes back for a reunion. It’s my senior year, so I’m hoping there will be something like this when I come back.”

Added defensive back Paris Logan: “I like it. It’s old school, and it’s nice to honor the 1965 team. The uniform is legit. I really like the helmet, too.”

As Brescacin hinted, several members of the 1965 team (“nearly 20,” according to the program) will be in attendance for the game.

Here’s a glimpse of the scene at Huskie Stadium 50 seasons ago: