The National Football League has extended its agreement with Nike for the sporting goods giant to continue as an authorized supplier of NFL footwear. An NFL partner since 1995, Nike will continue to supply NFL players with branded footwear for use in games and in training. In addition, the agreement allows Nike to continue to use NFL and NFL team logos to promote its footwear products.
Nearly 80% of NFL athletes play in Nike performance cleated footwear, according to the company. In addition to making an impact on the professional level, Nike outfits many of the top collegiate programs around the country. In 2005, 40 out of the 56 teams that played in Bowl games were outfitted by Nike including the National Champion, University of Texas.
“We are excited with the extension of our agreement with the NFL,” said Craig Cheek, Nike Vice President, Global Operations. “The NFL is clearly an elite sports entity and this partnership provides us with a great platform to showcase our athletes in the innovative products that are developed through the insight and inspiration they provide.”
In August, Nike unveiled the first in a series of new football ads called “Football is Everything.” The creative follows a teen through typical training and game days at a very a-typical high school, where talented teammates such as Urlacher, Michael Vick, Matt Leinart, and LaDainian Tomlinson play for celebrated coaches Don Shula, Jimmy Johnson, and Urban Meyer. Additional cameos include Deion Sanders, Jill Arrington, and Steve Young.
