Football fashion faux pas: One-time black jerseys treasured by Vols -by Natalie Lester

Despite the lack of traditionalism and criticism from some fans, some Vols say they would not mind the black jerseys making a comeback.

“I would love to do that,” said wide receiver Gerald Jones. “I really enjoyed that. Unfortunately, I have a feeling they won’t do that again, but you saw how much energy it brought to us. We came out on fire.”

The 2009 Halloween match-up between Tennessee and South Carolina will forever be remembered by the Big Orange’s black ensemble.

Senior Chris Walker smiles as he remembers the first time he saw the jerseys. “I remember the night before the game in the team room, we all erupted when Coach (Lane) Kiffin showed them to us,” he said. “I can’t even describe the energy when we ran through the ‘T’ in them the next day.”

Both Jones and Walker agreed the crowd seemed to like them as much as the team, and their support carried them through the game.

“It may sound crazy, because it is just a jersey, but it brings energy,” Jones said. “The crowd loved it just as much as we did and their support really kept us going.”

“The stadium atmosphere was just so incredible, and I think that is really what won the game for us,” Walker added.

After the 2009 game, UT athletic director Mike Hamilton announced the jerseys were likely a one-time event, and new head coach Derek Dooley has alluded to confirmation that will be the case.

Jones purchased his version of the historic event to remember the night.

“I took it to the house. I bought that, and Mama has it at home,” he said.

Even though several fans criticized the lack of traditionalism shown by the outfit, Jones expressed the excitement of doing something that had never been done before.

“It was cool because it was Halloween with the orange and black, but it was more than that too,” Jones said. “It was just so much fun because it was new.”

Walker appears to agree, adding, “To be a part of what could have been a one-time thing was beyond great.”

Walker also confirmed an optimist’s disappointment that the Vol nation will not be seeing the black jerseys again this year.

“I’d love to do it again, but I just can’t see it happening now,” Walker said. “It is a memory that will never leave that team of that year though.”