10 NFL Players Who Are Creating Their Own Brands
These days, a professional athlete’s apparel is often synonymous with his or her sponsor’s name brand. LeBron James, for example, has become a global brand under the Nike banner.
But you can only have so many kings. Basketball has broader global appeal than American football, but there are opportunities for NFL name brand players to reign.
The following NFL athletes are boosting their own names without sponsors, promoting their brands by making simple, yet effective apparel.
J.J. Watt
Watt sells apparel not only to promote himself but also to create awareness of his charitable organization. The Justin J. Watt Foundation aims to instill the values of teamwork, work ethic, leadership and perseverance by providing children with after-school community activities and opportunities in athletics.
The shirts are priced at $22 and include various designs of his number 99, his “Megawatt” nickname, and his “Dream big, work hard” motto.
Drew Brees
The New Orleans Saints QB works his jersey number (9) and Saints colors into the mix with his apparel line, “Nine.”
Nine percent of the proceeds from Nine Brand sales go to the Brees Dream Foundation, whose mission is “[to improve] the quality of life for cancer patients and provide care, education and opportunities for children and families in need.”
Richard Sherman
With Seattle Seahawks-inspired colors, Sherman’s gear collection “bleeds blue, green and gray.”
“You Mad, Bro?” and “Denied by RS25” are among the t-shirt options, each at $30. We can’t decide which is better—the “Shutdown” beanie and flatbrim or the “Nerf Brodie” Rasta sunglasses.
Kam Chancellor
Bam Bam Kam is the name. These t-shirts have Seahawks colors with geometric-pattern letters. One shirt, printed “Kam Kares,” is for his foundation, the Kam Cares Foundation, which helps build communities by supporting local non-profits.
Andre Johnson
For his personal “Team Eighty” logo, the Houston Texans WR also uses geometric numbers (no. 80), with a triangle crown atop. Not going to lie, it looks pretty nifty.
Jared Allen
Chicago Bears DE Jared Allen sells his own merchandise on JaredAllen69inc.com, where he also hosts “Home for Wounded Warriors,” his foundation, which aims to improve the lives of U.S. military veterans.
Allen keeps it simple with one “JA69” logo. You can opt for the Army-style t-shirt or one that says “Bear Hug,” with a literal bear giving a hug.
Nate Burleson
Although he’s currently a free agent, Burleson has his own line, called Lion Blood, including a variety of t-shirts, hats and sweatshirts with Detroit Lion-esque colors.
Victor Cruz and Nate Collins
Around the time of the 2010 NFL lockout, this duo pulled some money together to start Young Whales, a collection of t-shirts and snapbacks. Their Instagram, approaching 10,000 followers, showcases some pretty fresh designs, logos and a slick-looking whale caricature.
Antonio Brown
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown has taken to the phrase and hashtag #CUEUPU, which stands for “Chest Up, Eyes Up, Prayed Up.” Brown designed a simple CUEUPU t-shirt and recently introduced a series of wristbands.
RELATED: The Real Meaning Behind 44 Popular Sports Logos
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MOST POPULAR
10 NFL Players Who Are Creating Their Own Brands
These days, a professional athlete’s apparel is often synonymous with his or her sponsor’s name brand. LeBron James, for example, has become a global brand under the Nike banner.
But you can only have so many kings. Basketball has broader global appeal than American football, but there are opportunities for NFL name brand players to reign.
The following NFL athletes are boosting their own names without sponsors, promoting their brands by making simple, yet effective apparel.
J.J. Watt
Watt sells apparel not only to promote himself but also to create awareness of his charitable organization. The Justin J. Watt Foundation aims to instill the values of teamwork, work ethic, leadership and perseverance by providing children with after-school community activities and opportunities in athletics.
The shirts are priced at $22 and include various designs of his number 99, his “Megawatt” nickname, and his “Dream big, work hard” motto.
Drew Brees
The New Orleans Saints QB works his jersey number (9) and Saints colors into the mix with his apparel line, “Nine.”
Nine percent of the proceeds from Nine Brand sales go to the Brees Dream Foundation, whose mission is “[to improve] the quality of life for cancer patients and provide care, education and opportunities for children and families in need.”
Richard Sherman
With Seattle Seahawks-inspired colors, Sherman’s gear collection “bleeds blue, green and gray.”
“You Mad, Bro?” and “Denied by RS25” are among the t-shirt options, each at $30. We can’t decide which is better—the “Shutdown” beanie and flatbrim or the “Nerf Brodie” Rasta sunglasses.
Kam Chancellor
Bam Bam Kam is the name. These t-shirts have Seahawks colors with geometric-pattern letters. One shirt, printed “Kam Kares,” is for his foundation, the Kam Cares Foundation, which helps build communities by supporting local non-profits.
Andre Johnson
For his personal “Team Eighty” logo, the Houston Texans WR also uses geometric numbers (no. 80), with a triangle crown atop. Not going to lie, it looks pretty nifty.
Jared Allen
Chicago Bears DE Jared Allen sells his own merchandise on JaredAllen69inc.com, where he also hosts “Home for Wounded Warriors,” his foundation, which aims to improve the lives of U.S. military veterans.
Allen keeps it simple with one “JA69” logo. You can opt for the Army-style t-shirt or one that says “Bear Hug,” with a literal bear giving a hug.
Nate Burleson
Although he’s currently a free agent, Burleson has his own line, called Lion Blood, including a variety of t-shirts, hats and sweatshirts with Detroit Lion-esque colors.
Victor Cruz and Nate Collins
Around the time of the 2010 NFL lockout, this duo pulled some money together to start Young Whales, a collection of t-shirts and snapbacks. Their Instagram, approaching 10,000 followers, showcases some pretty fresh designs, logos and a slick-looking whale caricature.
Antonio Brown
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown has taken to the phrase and hashtag #CUEUPU, which stands for “Chest Up, Eyes Up, Prayed Up.” Brown designed a simple CUEUPU t-shirt and recently introduced a series of wristbands.
RELATED: The Real Meaning Behind 44 Popular Sports Logos