NFL changes for the better

(Nike College Football Image)

Super Bowl XLVI was the most-watched television event in American history. Every year this is no surprise. A recorded 111.3 million people tuned in to watch the Giants defeat the Patriots. People all over the world watch the game for many different reasons. There are always the die-hard football fans who watch in honor of supporting their teams, while there are also the people who know nothing about football but watch just because it is a social event and another reason for them to stuff their faces and get drunk.  At the same time, there are the people who enjoy watching the commercials which companies pay a large sum of money for in order to gain their thirty seconds of fame. Lastly, there are the people who enjoy the half time show which never fails to be less than spectacular. With the 2012 NFL season at closure, talk about next year’s season excites fans all over the world.

            The NFL has signed a new contract with Nike Pro Combat in 2010 that will now come into action as of 2012. Nike will be the new uniform provider for the NFL. Reebok has been the official sponsor of the NFL for the last 11 years, signing a $250 million deal back in 2000. Many people have become accustomed to the classic look Reebok has provided the NFL and are scared of change. Football fans fear any changes made to their traditional American sport. The logos and uniform colors are controlled by the teams. No new changes will be made to logos and uniform colors unless the team applies for it. Changes in new designs and material will be seen. Nike promotes uniform technology that is performance driven such as lighter materials. Such changes will take action. Although sketches of the new apparel have been leaked, nothing has been set as permanent. Nike has previewed some advertisements in order to ease tension amongst angry fans. Nike has made promises to transform the classic look of the NFL. Joined by Nike, New Era and 47 Brand will handle on-field headwear. Under Armor will remain the sponsor of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

            As of now, the only team that is acting on the new uniform enhancements is the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks have met with Nike representatives in order to discuss new uniform possibilities for 2012. The new uniform change will help players who want to change their number. In the past, players who wished to change their numbers would have to go through an approval process with the team and the league. From this, they would have to buy back all unsold jerseys with their numbers on it from stores. The new Nike deal will eliminate the final step of purchasing back every unsold jersey.

            Nike is currently the sponsor of Oregon Ducks football. Oregon has debuted many new Nike uniforms on many different big games. The Ducks have over one hundred different uniform combinations that have created a buzz amongst its fans. These Nike designed uniforms have been a big success and are continuing to grow. Perhaps these uniforms are a prelude of what Nike has to offer the NFL. 


Nike Football Advertisement: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wvWHNkLSDkg

Uniform Sketches:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyxdd1TfOLg&feature=related