As we announced, we just attended the Nike x NFL Uniform Event Launch in New York and the pageantry was writ large. In typical spotless Nike fashion, the new uniforms of America’s largest sport were unveiled after a strIng of introductions from major Nike execs like CEO Mark Parker, Charlie Denson and Kris Aman. Its a huge coup for Nike, who snagged the exclusive license of the NFL from the clutches of nemesis Reebok, and they were clearly delighting in the moment as can be expected. Set to a thundering soundtrack in front of a massive high def screen, Parker was quick to point out that their first shoe ever was a molded rubber cleat in 1972, The Nike, which was a football shoe. From there came innovations like the waffle outsole in 1976, the Shark in 1980 and on to present day. While most of the innovations are highly technical — an elastic bat wing panel for maneuverability, uniform “Hypercool” materials for wicking, “Hyperstrong” padding on key hit zones where needed most (with optional carbon fiber padding), numbers that stretch, even using aircraft grade aluminum “D” rings to secure the pants — many of the uniforms appeared very similar to last year’s, as can be expected. Nike’s just making the unis, not graphically designing them. The one exception being the Seattle Seahawks, who worked very closely with Nike in redesigning their uniforms — naturally resulting in a very (maybe too…?) futuristic look.
Other specific highly technical accessories like accessories like Nike Vapor Game Sock, the Vapor Jet 2.0 Gloves the Nike Vapor Talon Elitecleat were also unveiled in all their glory. Clearly thermo regulation, player movement and protection were at a premium, and Nike promises to deliver. Considering the $20,000,000 a year man Roger Goodell was there, it’s clear this was a Big Time Event for Nike, even by their standards. Player reps from each team are also in attendance, and while we assumed it would be second string cornerbacks Nike gathered some serious heavy hitters, including Michael Vick, Wes Welker, Larry Fitzgerald, Ndamukong Suh, Big Ben Roethlisberger (who really is huge, even among other players), Ray Rice, Champ Bailey, Jermichael Finley and many more. Hopefully we’ll have some interviews coming in the near future…
