It wasn't just semi-pro football teams that had sponsor names on their gear; baseball, basketball and hockey teams at the same level also had sponsors on their apparel and as part of their names.
I find it interesting that NFL players are allowed to wear logoed shoes and gloves of their choice, and presumably be compensated accordingly. Not sure if that also allies to socks. Everything else they wear has to be Nike branded.
When Mike Nolan was head coach of the 49ers, he wanted to wear a suit on the sideline during games. His father, who also coached the 49ers had worn a suit during games. They had to work a deal with Reebok, which had the uniform contract at the time, to provide Mike Nolan’s suits, with Reebok branding on the lining.
As always, thank you for your article. You hit on what I was thinking when the rule was recently passed and all the pearl clutching ensued. Corporate logos have been on uniforms for years and nobody complained. For bowl games, huge bowl logos, which promote the bowl - and their corporate sponsor - also are on the jerseys, and nobody complains. A four inch logo shouldn’t cause this much consternation and, let’s face it, it will help all of our favorite teams afford good players.
CFL teams wear the patches and they largely fade into the background, just like the logos. You notice them at times, but there are lots of other things to pay attention to.
It's Craig Erickson, not Greg. His '90 team came to Cal, winning 54-30. Miami players actually complimented Cal's team, which was highly ranked the following year. (Both he and Cal's qb Mike Pawlawski were drafted by Tampa Bay; neither clicked in the NFL, but Mike's Arena career was exemplary. Find his recent Every Day Great ..)
It wasn't just semi-pro football teams that had sponsor names on their gear; baseball, basketball and hockey teams at the same level also had sponsors on their apparel and as part of their names.
Good point. I got caught up in my football focus.
Case in point: the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, now the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.
The Decatur Staleys, now Chicago Bears, counts as well.
Exactly my point.
I find it interesting that NFL players are allowed to wear logoed shoes and gloves of their choice, and presumably be compensated accordingly. Not sure if that also allies to socks. Everything else they wear has to be Nike branded.
When Mike Nolan was head coach of the 49ers, he wanted to wear a suit on the sideline during games. His father, who also coached the 49ers had worn a suit during games. They had to work a deal with Reebok, which had the uniform contract at the time, to provide Mike Nolan’s suits, with Reebok branding on the lining.
I'd never heard that story about Mike Nolan. Interesting stuff.
Have you written about Converse's Chuck Taylor cleats? I believe they had the All-Star logo, but I don't know when they were first sold.
I haven't but I'm pretty sure they are in one of the catalogs I have. I'll check into them.
As always, thank you for your article. You hit on what I was thinking when the rule was recently passed and all the pearl clutching ensued. Corporate logos have been on uniforms for years and nobody complained. For bowl games, huge bowl logos, which promote the bowl - and their corporate sponsor - also are on the jerseys, and nobody complains. A four inch logo shouldn’t cause this much consternation and, let’s face it, it will help all of our favorite teams afford good players.
CFL teams wear the patches and they largely fade into the background, just like the logos. You notice them at times, but there are lots of other things to pay attention to.
Interesting! I watch some CFL games and obviously have not noticed. Apparently I am more focused on the action!
https://news.sportslogos.net/2025/11/03/cfl-quietly-adds-mobil-ad-patches-to-playoff-teams-jerseys/football/
Interesting!
It's Craig Erickson, not Greg. His '90 team came to Cal, winning 54-30. Miami players actually complimented Cal's team, which was highly ranked the following year. (Both he and Cal's qb Mike Pawlawski were drafted by Tampa Bay; neither clicked in the NFL, but Mike's Arena career was exemplary. Find his recent Every Day Great ..)
Corrected. Thank you.