Phoenix Suns Unveil Aztec Uniform Concept
By Anna Gallegos
August 25, 2021
The Phoenix Suns unveiled a new jersey concept on Wednesday that's a nod towards their Mexican and Mexican-American fans.
The black uniform with purple accents and white letters includes Aztec symbols on the front, back, and side of one leg.
"Steeped in symbolism, the uniform boldly blends the grit, unity and history of the Aztec civilization, harnessing the prowess and battle-hardened strength of its people, and the influence it has had on Latin culture for centuries," the team said in a statement.
The front features and Aztec stone sun and "the rays surrounding the triangular design represent emanating heat and unity." The back has an Aztec death stone that "pays homage to fearless warriors even in the face of death."
The shorts have a jaguar, which the team calls the "ultimate warrior animal."
The Aztec jersey is only a concept for now as the team collects feedback from fans. On social media, the reaction was mixed.
There were some people who were for it.
I say go for it just makes sure that the Aztec trimming is vibrant enough to actually be seen. I remember a purple los suns jersey a few years back that had trim kinda like this but it couldn’t be seen clearly. As long as those lines pop right the Uniform could be one of the best
— Cowboy Moth (@timmyhustle25) August 25, 2021
Ok @suns u won my heart back 😍 I Would rock this with a passion 👏🏼 this is a great way to represent the Mexican culture which hold very dear to my heart 🙌🏼🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/kyH4YTDAXk
— David (CEO/Cx3 Ent.) (@cx3djc13) August 25, 2021
Others wanted to see something more like last season's Valley jerseys.
Garbage. Change the white and purple unis to match the black valley unis instead of this. pic.twitter.com/eQHMp6Px8n
— Ryan Jones (@RyanJones_23) August 25, 2021
I’d say do something different. The Aztec idea is cool, but isn’t being utilized correctly. It’s almost hidden in the jersey. Also kinda bland when using the PHX design. The Valley was a hit because it was entirely different from the other jerseys. You can do better than this
— 悪玉 (Akudama) (@thewittyalpaca) August 25, 2021
There was also a group who called the team out for picking Aztecs over the indigenous tribes in Arizona.
Aztecs are not the ancestors of the valley. If you want to actually pay tribute to the ancestors of the valley, do your research to see who really lived here and change the design/concept. To portray Aztecs as the “ancestors” is cheap, lazy, ignorant, and just poorly thought-out.
— THEY WERE ALL WRONG ☄️☄️☄️ (@SunsFanAbel) August 25, 2021
Speaking as an archaeologist specializing in the Aztecs: The Aztecs never lived in Arizona, nor were they ancestors of groups that DID live in the valley. The Hohokam were Native Americans that did (and do) live here, so why not find some artwork from Hohokam pottery or baskets? pic.twitter.com/Qra8BKjvm4
— Michael E. Smith (@MichaelESmith) August 25, 2021