Every custom Missouri Tigers jersey starts with the same question: what goes on the back? Your last name works, but Mizzou has a couple of origin stories that give you better options. Here is where the Tiger name came from, how Truman got his, and the number and name ideas that follow from both.
The original Missouri Tigers were not a team
According to Mizzou Athletics, the name goes back to the Civil War years, when people in Columbia feared guerrilla raids. Residents formed temporary home guards and vigilance companies. One armed group, called "The Missouri Tigers," built a blockhouse and fortified the old courthouse. The raiders never came.
Soon after Missouri organized its first football team in 1890, the athletic committee adopted "Tiger" to honor those defenders. So when you wear the name, you are wearing a reference to a group of townspeople who stood guard over Columbia.
How Truman got his name
The mascot was named Truman in 1984 after a campus contest run by the cheerleaders. The winning student suggested honoring Missouri-born President Harry S. Truman. The redesigned Truman first appeared at the Missouri-Utah State football game in 1986.
Number ideas
- 90 for 1890, the first football season, which led to the Tiger name.
- 84 for 1984, when Truman was named.
- 86 for Truman's 1986 debut.
- 33 for Harry Truman, the 33rd president.
- Your class year, which is the most popular choice for alumni.
Name ideas
- "TRUMAN"
- "MIZZOU"
- "HOME GUARD" if you like the Civil War story
- "COMO" for Columbia
- A family name, if the jersey is a gift
Short names print larger and are easier to read. Before ordering, check the spelling twice; custom jerseys are made from exactly what you enter.
Black, gold or white
Missouri's black and gold give you a clean set of choices:
- Gold stands out and is the color many fans think of first on game day.
- Black is the classic, easy to match with anything you already own.
- White is the road look and is cooler for early-season heat.
Pick the color you will wear most often. If you already own a black Mizzou shirt or hat, a gold jersey gives you more range.
Football, basketball or baseball
Most fans start with a custom Missouri football jersey. If you also follow Mizzou hoops, a basketball-style jersey works well over a T-shirt in winter. Baseball tops are a good spring option.
Order checklist
- Choose color, then number, then name.
- Compare a shirt that fits you well with the size chart on the listing.
- Check the product photos for where the name and number will sit.
You can browse current Missouri Tigers football jerseys to compare designs before settling on your own version.
A jersey with "90" or "TRUMAN" on the back takes a second to explain, and that is the point. It gives you a story to tell at the next tailgate.