Sports apparel giant Nike has been the official supplier of player uniforms and sideline gear for the NFL since 2012 when they replaced Reebok. The original eight-year deal was worth over $1 billion, and it was later extended for another eight years, running through the 2028 season. The financial terms of the extension were not disclosed.
Nike’s partnership with the NFL has had its fair share of controversies. One notable incident occurred when Nike removed Washington Redskins apparel from its online store amidst growing criticism of the team’s name, which many consider to be racist. This move came in response to mounting scrutiny and public pressure Cheap NFL Jersyes .
In 2018, Nike made headlines with a major marketing campaign featuring free agent NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The campaign, launched to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan, sparked controversy as Kaepernick was suing NFL team owners for alleged collusion to keep him out of the league due to his participation in national anthem protests.
Despite these controversies, Nike remains involved in various NFL initiatives, including the annual “Salute to Service” campaign, where proceeds from sales of Nike-manufactured gear go towards supporting military charities. The partnership between Nike and the NFL continues to be a significant aspect of both brands’ identities in the world of sports.