Introducing Charged Cotton, Under Armour’s first performance cotton T-Shirt

Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys

Not too long ago, Under Armour declared cotton to be the enemy.

Things have changed.

Earlier this week, Under Armour released its first-ever performance cotton T-Shirt. It’s part of the Charged Cotton line, which Under Armour is rolling out this spring. The men’s Charged Cotton T-Shirt is 95% cotton, which makes it unlike anything Under Armour has made yet.

Why the sudden peace treaty with cotton?

As an article in Just-Style explains, it’s all about research. They originally shied away from cotton, because it’s heavy, thick and doesn’t do much for wicking away moisture.

But now, Under Armour has developed a blend of fibers that not only has the comfort and feel of cotton, it also has the same moisture wicking and temperature regulating properties we’ve come to expect from UA.

Or more specifically:

Consisting of alternating hydrophilic (moisture absorbing) and hydrophobic (moisture repelling) cotton yarns, Charged Cotton pushes out sweat when it comes in contact with the fabric. As a result, moisture spreads across the surface area of the clothing, thus speeding evaporation and helping athletes keep cool. And to prove that it’s working, the fabric takes on a “strided” look as the wearer starts to sweat.

As if this wasn’t enough, the company describes the new fabric – a mix of 95% cotton and 5% elastane – as the “softest, most comfortable material Under Armour has ever produced,” adding that it dries five times faster than ordinary cotton and combines stretch and recovery for a lower “cling force” and a stick-free fit.

That makes it perfect for wearing to offseason workouts, to the gym or as a casual shirt.

Get it for $24.99 at Football America.

Related: See our entire selection of football performance shirts.

Last chance to save 40% off EVERYTHING in our Maryland retail store

As you might have heard, we’re going from “bricks to clicks” at our retail store in Laurel, Md. And time is almost up.

We will close the doors for good at the store on Sunday. That means there is just one weekend left to take advantage of our 40% off EVERYTHING clearance event.

We need to clear out all of the remaining merchandise in the building.

Here are the details:

Address:
9375 Washington Blvd.
Laurel, Maryland 20723
P: 301.575.9535
F: 800.322.1763

Hours:
Today: 9 am – 8 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm

Special is for products purchased at our Maryland Retail Store location only. In-stock product only. NO returns, NO exchanges, ALL sales are final.

Related: Maryland residents can browse a larger selection of football gear at our Web site.

Maryland residents: Now you can save 40% off EVERYTHING in our store

Ken Hamlin of the Dallas Cowboys dropped by our retail store not too long ago to sign some autographs.

While he was here, he gave us a shout out on YouTube.

Pretty cool.

If you drop by our retail store this week, you can get something even better than an autograph. You can save 40% off EVERYTHING in our Laurel, Md., retail store.

The store — located at 9375 Washington Blvd. — is set to close soon. We’ve outgrown our space for the thousands of products we offer, so we’ve decided to leave the bricks and mortar behind.

In order to prep for the big move, we need to clear out all of the remaining merchandise in the building.

Here are the details:

Address:
9375 Washington Blvd.
Laurel, Maryland 20723
P: 301.575.9535
F: 800.322.1763

Normal Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 am – 8 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm

Special is for products purchased at our Maryland Retail Store location only. In-stock product only. NO returns, NO exchanges, ALL sales are final.

Related: Maryland residents can browse a larger selection of football gear at our Web site.

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders: Brainiacs

From our sister blog at Cheerleading America.

You’ll need a little more than good moves and a heaping helping of pep to join the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

Rick Reilly reports in this week’s issue of ESPN the Magazine that cheerleaders are grilled on everything from nutrition to naming the governor of Texas when they try out for America’s most-famous squad. The questions aren’t easy, and the team takes it very seriously.

“We want our cheerleaders to be knowledgeable and well-spoken in interviews,” says Cowboys cheerleading boss Kelli Finglass. “If they’re not, it’s a deal breaker.”

Cowboys players, of course, don’t have to take the test. But Reilly rounded up a few willing participants and gave them the quiz.

Here are some of the results (view the entire article here):

Q: Name the Six Flags of Texas.

A very tough question. Only backup QB Jon Kitna nailed it. “Oh, my kids have been schooling me on this. Mexico, Spain, France, United States, Republic of Texas and the Confederacy. Thanks to my kids, I just learned that!” Nearly all 11 others thought it was an amusement park question. Need to get some kids.

Q: Who is the governor of Texas?

This one was hopeless. Only TE Jason Witten and DE Marcus Spears got it right: Rick Perry. Interesting fact about the governor of Texas: He doesn’t have to take a quiz either.

Q: List three lean proteins.

“Like, foods?” asked LB Keith Brooking.

Uh, yes, foods.

“Tuna fish,” he tried. “I don’t know, man.”

Watkins replied, “Fish, chicken, duck.”

WR Sam Hurd listed, “Steak, chicken and pasta.”

Pasta? No. Some correct answers: fish, skinless poultry, lentils, beans, soy products and lean meats. Definitely not duck.

Q: In how many Super Bowls have the Dallas Cowboys appeared?

Pretty simple question, right? One that might come up in interviews, appearances, book signings? But only one player in 12 answered correctly, with eight. Not to be harsh, but 70 percent of Texas schoolkids will get that one right.

Related: Beef up your field smarts with our selection of football training books and DVDs.