College football is opening the doors (and our minds) to a whole new way to look at what we put on our feet. Thanks to the rivalry between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Miami Hurricanes, we’re getting a closer look at player personality and branding. And that’s just the start.
We’re not used to seeing players being able to customize their shoes or really any apparel on the football field. Peyton Manning wasn’t allowed to honor the late, great Johnny Unitas with his old school cleats many years ago, and just last week Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was fined for wearing unapproved blue cleats to match his uniform.
The NFL has it’s own rules and regulations, but perhaps the intense customization we’re seeing more and more of in college football could have a trickle down effect. It’s at a pretty high level right now with teams like Nebraska and Miami showcasing custom football cleats for their high profile showdown, while teams like Oregon and Northwestern have unveiled killer new helmets for 2015 to use as alternate options to their usual protective gear. Other teams have issued different cleats, as well, and this could very well be a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon.
And why should it? The basketball world thrives on player branding and style, as every kid growing up wants the new Jordans or Kobe shoes, while Allen Iverson’s “Answer” shoes were a hot item over a decade ago. The drive for the latest and greatest sportswear never ends, and when you can make it custom, the interest grows even more.
The difference? We’re now seeing this transcend sports and ranks. This type of customization was typically seen in basketball at all levels, and we’re really just now seeing college football bring it into the way they do things. Could we see custom football uniforms and cleats be taken to a whole new level going forward? Might we be embarking on a whole new era where football and baseball cleats are as hyped up as a pair of Jordans?
It’s possible, and the recent signs suggest it could be the case. After all, it’s not like Adrian Peterson or Julio Jones are any less popular, any less talented, any less impressive or any less marketable. It’s only just beginning in college football, but it’s at least a start and it’s certainly something to get excited about if you’re a fan of sports – and especially if you play them.
The Cam Newton photo above paints an interesting picture. We already see custom football uniforms and cleats at the NFL level, but they’re predetermined and they’re not specific to a player or brand. They’re always assigned for a team or for an all-star game. The second we start seeing restrictions raised and player’s allowed to express themselves more on the field via what they were, the customization of cleats has a real chance at taking off.
What’s your opinion on sports apparel customization, especially with how it’s utilized at every level of football? Do you think custom football cleats will be more and more in high demand? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
