WMU Broncos debut new helmets and decals Friday at MSU

EAST LANSING – First-year coach P.J. Fleck rewarded his Broncos players for the hard work they put in during the offseason.

Western Michigan debuts a new look Friday at MSU (courtesy of WMU Athletic Communications).

Not only did he reboot the look of WMU’s jerseys and helmets, he found a way to jazz up the helmets even more.

According to a Western Michigan press release Friday, the 32-year-old coach handed out helmet stickers his players will wear in their season opener Friday at Michigan State (8 p.m., Big Ten Network).

Normally, college teams give stickers to players who achieve accolades individually during a game. The Broncos have a different spin on that tradition.

“Head coach P.J Fleck has shown through his time at WMU that this program will do things differently, and that includes how team members receive accolades for exceptional plays, but these acknowledgements will not be delivered for individual success,” the release said. “They won’t even be delivered during the season, they’ve already been handed out.”

The release stated Fleck had each position group compete for stickers. For example, the offense received stickers for not having false starts or illegal formations, and the defense received stickers for forcing turnovers and “elite efforts.”

Another part Fleck changed was the individual aspect of the stickers. When an individual earned a sticker, so do his position group.

Defensive backs led the way with 60 helmet stickers, followed by running backs (58), quarterbacks (57), linebackers (56), offensive linemen (55), defensive linemen (54), and tight ends (53).

In keeping with Fleck’s “row the boat” team mantra, each sticker depicts crossed oars.

Fleck changed the culture off the field with updated facilities and jerseys. Friday, WMU fans find out if he’s changed the culture with improved play on the field.

Western Michigan debuts a new look Friday at MSU (courtesy of WMU Athletic Communications).