Michigan football helmets to include ‘EQUALITY’ decal with 6 raised fists (Photo)

Michigan football helmets will feature an equality sticker featuring six raised fists depicting a skin tone to reflect the diversity at Michigan and the commitment to unity.

Michigan football helmets are one of the most distinguishable lids in college or pro football. The Wolverines winged look with the Maize and Blue colors has been in place for a century, but there will be a slight modification for this coming season. When the Michigan Wolverines hit the field for Saturday’s season-opener at Minnesota, they’ll have an “EQUALITY” sticker on the back representing the diversity and commitment to unity.

The helmet decals will be worn by all Michigan’s varsity sports this year after a student-athlete initiative in conjunction with the athletic department developed the designs that will be worn on uniforms, helmets and pregame uniforms.

Michigan football helmet will feature equality sticker

“Athletes wearing this decal demonstrates our role in our community,” said senior football student-athlete Kwity Paye, who is majoring in AfroAmerican and African Studies, in a statement released by Michigan. “It is a chance for us to be able to contribute to increasing awareness about social injustice, and it’s great for those watching to see our passion so they can be aware of it as well.”

Women’s track and field athlete and grad student Briana Nelson was a part of the peer initiative thinks this gesture will bring attention to important issues.

“I’m excited because this is an opportunity for us to step outside of sport and advocate while also competing,” said Nelson. “It’s something that will draw attention during big games and on television. Essentially, it’s spreading the message, even to people who are just watching us for sport, that this is bigger than sports.”

In addition to the equality helmet stickers, Michigan student-athletes have seven other slogans/themes to use on warmup apparel: Stand Together, WAR (Wolverine Against Racism), Say Their Names, Justice, Hear Us, Unity and No Justice, No Peace.

Michigan adding an equality helmet sticker comes one week after Ohio State announced they’ll be wearing an equality decal on their helmets this season. Other programs across the nation, including No. 1 Clemson, are also wearing helmet stickers for unity and social justice.

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.