Nike plans to “have some fun” but “respect traditions” with NFL gear

[.infamous]

In 2010, a Nike executive created a stir by suggesting that, once the company inherits the NFL apparel deal from Reebok, dramatic changes will be made to team uniforms. Some were fascinated by this; others feared that the pro teams would begin to operate like the Oregon Ducks and their “snowflake” approach to helmet, jersey, and pants selection.

With the date for the handoff approaching, we recently dusted off those quotes in order to caution folks against buying any of the current Reebok jerseys until the new Nike designs arrive. The league responded by saying that dramatic changes to logos and colors won’t occur.

On Wednesday, Nike CEO and president Mark Parker addressed the situation in an appearance on CNBC.

According to SportsBusiness Daily, Parker said, “[People] are wondering, ‘Well, what are you going to do? Are you going to get crazy with the uniforms?’ We’re actually going to have some fun, but respect the traditions of these teams at the same time.”

It’s unclear how much “fun” Nike will be allowed to have. Still, keep in mind what league spokesman Brian McCarthy told PFT last month: “Logos are controlled by teams and the NFL. That will not change. Teams have to apply to league to make changes to logos and colors.

Thus, while it may be something more than “zero fun, sir,” Nike won’t have the ability to do whatever it wants, and teams that change their uniforms will still need the league office to sign off.

So far, we’ve seen a subtle revision to the Panthers logo, and teams like the Rams and Steelers have suggested that their alternate uniforms could change. (Surely, new Rams coach Jeff Fisher has no interest in the blue and yellow duds that the team wore when beating Fisher’s Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV.) The Seahawks apparently plan something more comprehensive.

We’ll all find out whether and to what extent every uniform changes at some point between now and the draft. Until then, continue to think twice about buying any of the remaining Reebok jerseys.

 

[bestkeptsecret13]

I don't ever remember so much talk about a league changing jersey manufacturers...

 

[jonathanlambert33]

I have a feeling some people will be disappointed.

 

[Asian Mamba Attack]

Hopefully the Reebok contract ends, Nike gonna kill.

 

[.infamous]

Hopefully the Reebok contract ends, Nike gonna kill.

the reebok contract did end. It ended with this season. this season coming up will be nike. nike already was bringing in gear during the pro bowl.

 

[Pugz]

I don't think nike will disappoint.

 

[TTN2810]

It depends what disappoint means. Will we see teams like Oregon? I don't think so, but I think they will modernize some jerseys for sure. Lots of the NFL teams uni's looks so 90's ish.

 

[Stro]

When will these new jerseys be unveiled?

Seems like I've been waiting on these for years.

 

[WJF7]

Same. I've been waiting for over a year to get a new jersey but wanted to wait for the new nike's to come out. Now I may have to wait another year since they plan on switching it up against the year after this year.

 

[bestkeptsecret13]

I got an authentic Cutler for $30 since the Reebok deal ended.

Not too worried about it, since the jerseys aren't gonna change much, if at all.

 

[WJF7]

Not at first at least, but I think there could be some changes a couple years down the road.

 

[bestkeptsecret13]

Most teams (with the exception of your traditional looks - GB, CHI, DAL, PIT, etc.) eventually change their jerseys anyway.

I'm more referring to the people that think Nike is going to come in and make huge jersey changes like those fakes that were posted 2 years ago, it's just not gonna happen.

 

[footballplaya52]

Most teams (with the exception of your traditional looks - GB, CHI, DAL, PIT, etc.) eventually change their jerseys anyway.

I'm more referring to the people that think Nike is going to come in and make huge jersey changes like those fakes that were posted 2 years ago, it's just not gonna happen.

lol i made some of those fakes,same with titan and the boys.

 

[Falcons11497]

lol i made some of those fakes,same with titan and the boys.

werd, i made the falcons one