This just in, turns out Alyssa Milano was the boss!
NFL Apparel was morphed into a billion dollar enterprise 10 years ago when Reebok took an aggressive approach to adding a wide range of selection to the public. The brand tried it’s best to capture the hearts of the NFL fans of all shapes and sizes…and for the most part, they succeeded. Although, despite the ever-growing types of jerseys, sideline wear, draft hats, and even throwbacks, there was something missing, at least that’s what my wife was always harping about.
The NFL Women’s line never seemed to get the same sort of attention that the Men’s did. Reebok tried it’s best to manage the high demand of wants and needs that we the diehard NFL public wanted to see, but they fell short. Even with Reebok’s strong initial start in the early 2000′s, the brand quickly became overwhelmed, and even seemed like they were phoning it in the last few years.
After taking over for Reebok, Nike’s approach in it’s first year has been down right brilliant. While some may be unhappy with the new jerseys (in particular the Seattle Seahawk fans and their blue, yellow, and green rainbow from hell), you have to give it up for wanting to make women hotter.
The logic of creating an extensive sexy NFL women’s line that features more selection is a stroke of genius. It’s the ultimate lazy-man’s gift for any woman who is a fan. Now I’m not suggesting you buy one for Mom this Mother’s day, but hey… maybe she hates flowers. Still, I am somewhat shocked that Reebok never caught on. I mean, I envision the pitch to the NFL apparel executive took all of 2 minutes and went something like this:
Creative mind: “40% of the NFL’s fans are women”
Nike Executive: “ok?”
Creative mind: “Men love seeing Women in Sexy NFL clothing”
Nike Executive: “Yes”
Creative mind: “Women love to shop”
Nike Executive: “done”
The only difference between the things that Nike are doing now, and what Alyssa Milano’s line was doing the last couple years, is you’re not going to get gouged in the wallet. Milano’s line is “what are you crazy?” expensive.
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