"Go back to Reebok": NFL fans have their say as Nike signs 13-year extension as uniform partner

Nike will continue to provide uniforms for NFL teams through the 2038 season in a renewed deal. Dov Kleiman broke the news on Wednesday, announcing a 13-year extension with Nike as a uniform partner.

Subsequently, NFL fans weighed in on the news.

"Go back to Reebok," one fan wrote.

Meanwhile, a second fan commented, "Was there even a proper bidding process? And 13 years? That's such an awful long contract."

Another fan noted, "Liked it better when teams got their own uniform partner. Dallas was Wilson I believe? And Rams were Puma."

After exploring offers from multiple apparel providers, the league decided to stick with their old collaboration, perhaps because of Nike's edge in its global reach and established partnerships.

“They’re a global brand, an iconic brand all over the world associated with great athletes, associated with great sports,” commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement via The Associated Press. “They’re the kind of brand that I think, particularly in partnership with us, will be effective in trying to get kids to play the game on a global basis. (The partnership) brings credibility to some extent to both of us.”

It would be exciting to see Nike's innovation and outreach in the upcoming era.

Nike’s tenure with the NFL will now surpass Reebok

Before Nike became the uniform provider for the National Football League in 2012, Reebok had exclusive apparel rights from 2002 to 2012. Under its Equipment line, Reebok made both on-field uniforms and footwear.

Once Nike took over, their influence transcended mere uniforms. It took the partnership to new heights. The company initially paid $1.1 billion over five years to land the contract and later renewed it in 2018. Plus, to amplify the league's reach, the company roped in filmmaker Errol Morris for a series of commercials.