TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Just when you thought you’ve heard it all in college football, University of Alabama football players told reporters on Wednesday night that they’re wearing something different at home this week to help them recover faster from the LSU game.
Leggings.
When sleeping.
Seriously.
Don’t laugh because the Crimson Tide swears by the specially-designed garments.
“I wore them a couple times and they do have an effect,” junior cornerback Cyrus Jones said. “It’s some sort of recovering thing Nike has, but they work pretty good.
“You just feel like a little fresher. Your legs feel a lot better.”
Nike Pro Combat Recovery Hypertights hit the market last February and according to its website “reduces muscle swelling by putting pressure where you need it. Breathable fabric and a graduated compression design help you recover after competition or prepare for your next game.”
They were developed at the Nike Sport Research Lab, and go for $140 each.
Alabama is coming off its usual hard-hitting, physical game against LSU, a 20-13 victory in overtime, but has No. 1 Mississippi State visiting Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS).
One example of the hangover effect from playing the Tigers was recently noticed by Pat Forde of Yahoo.com: Alabama hasn’t scored a touchdown during the first quarter of the game following LSU since 2001.
“It’s my first time wearing them,” sophomore tight end O.J. Howard said. “The next morning you feel great. Legs feel like you haven’t done anything.”
No word yet if they come in houndstooth.
Christopher Walsh has covered Alabama football since 2004 and is the author of 19 books. In his free time, he writes about college football.
