Houston steps up to NFL, plans to wear Columbia blue uniforms

The University of Houston has executed a reverse by informing the NFL that it plans to proceed with adding an alternate uniform that features the Columbia blue color scheme.

The decision comes approximately six months after the NFL's merchandising and licensing division threatened legal action in a cease-and-desist letter, citing the school's "blatant copying" of the old Houston Oilers. The Cougars initially wore their Columbia blue uniforms in a 17-14 season-opening win over Texas-San Antonio on Sept. 2, 2023.

"We literally have a story we can show the city uses it," athletic director Chris Pezman told the Houston Chronicle. "This isn't a reach. This is a layup. We've got a very defensible position."

Pezman also added, "We're doing it. We've reviewed everything and come to the conclusion that we are going to proceed."

Per Pezman, Houston has informed the NFL of its decision.

"We're giving them two or three weeks to respond," Pezman said. "We're waiting on a response to see if we get one."

The Houston Texans unveiled four variations of new uniforms on April 23. One of those variations included a light blue helmet as part of its Color Rush look, complete with "H-Town" on the front of its uniforms.

The Texans also featured a light blue "H" that is outlined in red on a dark blue helmet.

Last October, the NFL sent a letter to the university that said in part that "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 (Tennessee) Titans."

--Field Level Media