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!

There aren’t any rumors yet about where Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III could get traded. The only thing we know for sure is that the Redskins have seen enough of RG3 and are turning to Kirk Cousins as their full-time starter for the 2015 NFL season.

Whether that leads to a flat our release or trade is anyone’s guess. But the switch to Cousins looks to be for the year, and with a hefty injury-deal coming RG3’s way in 2016 if he goes down for good this year, it’s unlikely Washington ever allows their once prodigal son to take the field. That doesn’t mean someone else wouldn’t take the risk, though.

The question is, of course, who would do it? There are at least five teams that should entertain the thought. Let’s take a look at why they just might pull the trigger on a deal:

Houston Texans

Brian Hoyer is the starting quarterback for the Texans right now. I could stop there, but let’s be real, RG3 still has ridiculous upside and is still quite young. In the right environment, one not nearly as dysfunctional as Washington, he could turn his career around. How about a team with good coaching, a strong defense and a solid ground game? It’s about as good as it gets on the surface, while RG3 could be re-worked to start the year until Hoyer falters. Washington would in turn get Ryan Mallet and a few draft picks as they look to start over under center.

Buffalo Bills

Rex Ryan is no stranger to making bold moves at quarterback, as he once traded for Tim Tebow and foolishly stood by the likes of Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith. He actually might have something with Tyrod Taylor (who was recently named the starter), but I wouldn’t put it past him to mess with the quarterback room at the last second. RG3 gives the same amount of running ability as Taylor, but he also has some upside as a passer. It’s a flashy move that may not work out, but the Bills have answers everywhere but quarterback. If Buffalo isn’t totally sold on the arms they have, they’d have to consider pulling the trigger on a deal for RG3.

New York Jets

Speaking of Ryan, his former team lost Geno Smith for a good 6-8 weeks and right now it looks like Ryan Fitzpatrick will be their 2015 starter. Why not roll the dice and see if RG3 can come in refreshed and with a major chip on his shoulder? He’d certainly have talent around him, while Gang Green also has a top shelf defense to lean on. The big eye of New York is probably the last thing Robert Griffin III needs, but perhaps it could work out.

Philadelphia Eagles

Sam Bradford looked good in his second preseason game with the Eagles, but he’s a walking injury just waiting to happen after ACL tears in successive seasons and athletically, he leaves a little to be desired when it comes to Chip Kelly’s system. RG3 certainly has his flaws, but he also could be the perfect fit for this offense – one that has made even Mark Sanchez look good. It’s tough to envision the Redskins trading RG3 to a divisional opponent, but crazier things have happened.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams were the team that got a ton of draft picks to move down a few years back so Washington could land RG3. How hilarious would it be if they traded mid-round picks to then get Robert Griffin III for themselves? Funny, indeed. It’s also not that crazy, considering Nick Foles hasn’t been overly impressive thus far and the Rams would love to have stability under center.

Denver Broncos

This one could make more sense than anything else, as two things would be great for RG3’s future right now: getting out of D.C. and sitting and learning for a year. Where better to learn than in Denver, where Robert Griffin III could soak up info from greats like Peyton Manning and John Elway? Brock Osweiler could be the future at quarterback in Denver, but he’s unproven and RG3 is probably a sexier option on paper.

Think RG3 stays put, goes somewhere else is is just simply done? Let us know your thoughts regarding this topic and football uniforms in the comments below!

Friday night brings the start of the third week of NFL preseason action, which has most teams pushing their starts to the half or further to prepare for the new season. That means two things: we’re getting a good look at player roles and offensive systems, and time is running out to prepare for your 2015 fantasy football draft with customizable football jerseys.

To help get you ready, we’re breaking down the top sleepers that can be found late in fantasy drafts. It’s on to the running back position in our second installment:

Arian Foster (Houston Texans) – Round 5

Obviously Foster is not a true sleeper, as he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league when healthy. However, a groin injury has scared many fantasy owners away, especially with an initially lengthy return timetable hanging over their heads like a dark cloud. Recent reports suggest Foster could return by the end of September, however, if not sooner. Foster is suddenly potentially a major value pick in round five and if the reports remain positive, his ADP should only climb.

Tre Mason (St. Louis Rams) – Round 7

It’s true that the Rams drafted Todd Gurley in the first round this year to be their feature back of the future. But Mason is no scrub and that future isn’t coming at full force in 2015. Mason is firmly expected to begin the year as the Rams’ lead back and should continue to have some role throughout the year. He’s too good not too, while fantasy’s 25th best back a year ago could have insane value if Gurley is slow to recover from last year’s ACL tear – or even worse – gets hurt again. Mason put up strong numbers in just 12 games as a rookie, and he’s even better now. There is a lot to like about his value this year.

Bishop Sankey (Tennessee Titans) – Round 8

It’s hard to love Sankey after a weak rookie season, plus he has shaky fundamentals. However, rookie rusher David Cobb was his main competition and he just got banged up. The battle for the Titans’ starting gig was pretty close, but now the job solely belongs to Sankey for now. A starting running back is available in round eight. Draft accordingly.

Darren McFadden (Dallas Cowboys) – Round 8

McFadden has played one full season in his entire career (last year) but everyone still remembers that awesome 2010 campaign he enjoyed. Now he’s finally away from the disaster that is the Oakland Raiders, so he can potentially turn his career around behind an elite offensive line in Big D. He’s surely still an injury risk, but it’s tough to ignore his upside and the fact that he can be taken a whopping five rounds behind Joseph Randle, the guy he’s sharing the rushing load with.

Duke Johnson (Cleveland Browns) – Round 9

Duke Johnson is so talented that the Browns rookie running back was soaring into the top five rounds just a couple months ago. Unfortunately, he hurt his hamstring and never got a real shot to win the starting gig. He might not for a while, but not his ADP is a lot more appropriate and you can stash him for value.

Jonas Gray (New England Patriots) – Round 10

LeGarrette Blount will miss the first game of the year due to suspension and hasn’t looked great in preseason play, so the door may be slightly cracked open for Jonas Gray to steal the show in New England. Gray produced a monster 200+ yard and four touchdown game last season, only to never be heard from again. That could change in 2015, as he should start the season and at worst should be a decent stash pick.

Ronnie Hillman (Denver Broncos) – Round 11

Hillman figures to be Denver’s top backup to starter C.J. Anderson and is one injury away from stardom again in 2015. Hillman flashed high upside in a few starts last year, and while he’s a little inconsistent in some areas, he’s the type of talent you invest in. Only having to waste an 11th round draft choice makes it a lot easier.

Andre Williams (New York Giants) – Round 12

Williams appears to be in a dog fight with Rashad Jennings for early down work in New York, but one way or another this bruiser is going to have a role in the Giants’ ground attack. Even if he just ends up being the top goal-line back for the G-Men, he’s going to be worth owning. And with the aging Jennings’ shaky injury history, he could be in for a massive role before the year is through.

Reggie Bush (San Francisco 49ers) – Round 12

Bush is difficult to gauge for 2015, as he should start the year behind Carlos Hyde, is aging and has a ton of injury concerns in his history. That being said, he’s on a team that wants to run the ball, hasn’t fully committed to Hyde as a feature back and brought him in for a reason. Even as a handcuff, Bush is a must-own player.

Cameron Artis-Payne (Carolina Panthers) – Round 12

Last, but certainly not least, is the backup to the eventually-sure-to-be-injured Jonathan Stewart. J-Stew is a talented running back but he’s never healthy and Carolina also rarely rolls with just one running back. They do love to run, though, so the rookie Artis-Payne should have some type of role right away. And if Stewart goes down like he always does, Artis-Payne’s fantasy stock could shoot through the roof.

Got another running back sleeper to target in fantasy drafts? Let us hear about him in the comments below!

The NFL returns for week two of the 2015 preseason on Thursday night, as fans get two games to watch. The Cleveland Browns will host the Buffalo Bills for all eyes to see on ESPN, while the Washington Redskins will welcome the Detroit Lions to town.

With star players usually resting or playing very little in the first preseason game, fans can bank on position battles heating up and some of their favorite players staying on the field just a little bit longer. There are only two games, but there’s plenty of reason to tune in – especially for the nationally televised game. Let’s break down the top things you’ll want to check out on Thursday night and custom football jersey:

Robert Griffin III and Redskins Passing Game

RG3 had a sure touchdown slip through Pierre Garcon’s fingers in week one of preseason play, so it’s possible he’s inching closer to getting his swagger back. He’s going to need to show up during preseason at some point if that’s going to be the case, but all signs in camps have thus far pointed to steady progress within the offense. Fans want to see results right in front of their eyes, though, so how Robert Griffin III and Washington’s passing game fares on Thursday night will be fun to track.

We can stretch this out to the tight end position, specifically. With Niles Paul done for the year, Jordan Reed (hamstring) will finally hit the field and play healthy. Behind him, it will be important to note what the backup tight ends can show and whether or not any are worth keeping around. The Redskins certainly could use the depth.

Johnny Manziel’s Progress

Johnny Football has his nose in the playbook and seems to really be getting in his second year in the league. He’s not a stud just yet, but we’ve seen him improve in camp and a scrimmage, and then last week he looked to be much more sure of himself and even added a nice touchdown run. Manziel should continue to improve and Thursday night is an excellent test for him, as he’ll go up against the mind of Rex Ryan in front of the nation. Perhaps he’s been serving his best stuff for when he’ll be on ESPN? Who knows, but it will surely be worth checking out.

More Ameer Abdullah, Please

Ameer Abdullah certainly didn’t disappoint last week when he put up 67 rushing yards on just seven carries, so we should all be on the edge of our seats to see what the rookie rusher will do next. Abdullah is a very elusive and explosive running back and while the Redskins are a stiff test for him on the road, he should be able to do enough to prove he deserves Detroit’s starting running back job. Joique Bell could also return to the field, and if he does we’ll have this backfield sorted out sooner, rather than later.

Megatron Debut

We can’t be sure yet just who will suit up for the first team units, but fans will be holding out hope that Calvin Johnson can make his preseason debut. Megatron will be the top name to watch if he does make it out there against the Redskins, and it could be worth it for Detroit’s first team offense. Golden Tate hauled in a touchdown from Matthew Stafford last week, so maybe it will be Johnson’s turn in week two.

Rex Ryan vs. Mike Pettine

Defensive minds go at it on Thursday, and there’s also a bit of a reunion as Pettine takes on his former teacher. The Bills and Browns both figure to boast strong defenses, while Pettine in general used to coach with Buffalo, so this is a “double” reunion. A small rivalry could be born here, while Ryan’s bid to make Cleveland’s starting offense look awful on national television could take the cake all by itself.

Got another reason to watch Thursday Night Football this week? Tell us in the comments below!

The Houston Texans were dealt a staggering blow on Tuesday afternoon, when news broke that star running back Arian Foster suffered a “severe” groin injury. What initially seemed to be normal training camp news quickly turned into a legit problem for the franchise, as the team learned that Foster’s groin injury was so serious that it would require surgery.

No one knows just yet how long Foster will be out, but all early signs point to the 29-year old rusher beginning 2015 on the designated for return/injured reserve list. That means the Texans are hopefuly they’ll get their best offensive weapon back at some point this season, but not until after week 10 at the earliest. With just Alfred Blue and a mediocre stable of running backs, Houston is likely going to be looking elsewhere for some help in their offensive backfield.

Luckily there are a few solid names out on the open market the Texans could consider. Let’s break down the top five running backs that could help the Texans:

Chris Johnson

Johnson has fizzled out with the Titans and Jets in each of the past two years, but even at 30 years old there are some NFL teams that have to be willing to kick the tires. It usually takes a big injury to force the hand, but Arian Foster going down just might do the trick. Johnson isn’t the best inside runner and his effort is often brought into question, but he’s a solid receiving back and still has home run hitting speed. He may be near the end, but if the burst is there the Texans may give him a look.

Ray Rice

Rice obviously is still bogged down by his off field antics stemming from a year ago and it’s entirely possible no NFL team wants to brave the PR storm signing him would bring on. It’s also possible that at 28 years old and having been away from the league for a year, that he no longer has anything to offer. The last we saw of Rice, he was trying to work his way back from a very disappointing 2013 season that saw him play at less than 100% and rush for an ugly 3.1 yards per carry average. Unless Rice is a total class act AND can prove he’s a lot better than his most recent season’s game tape suggests, he may not be the answer for the Texans – or anyone.

That all being said, the word on Rice isn’t all bad and he’s hungry to get back into the league and prove he still has what it takes. On the surface, it’d be a somewhat nice story to see Rice get another chance somewhere, while his skill-set certainly matches up well with Foster’s. If Rice is ever going to get a real shot with anyone and make a successful comeback, a trip to Houston certainly would make some sense.

Pierre Thomas

Thomas isn’t the biggest name out there, but neither was Arian Foster when he signed on with the Texans as an undrafted free agent several years ago. Okay, so it’s totally different, but Pierre Thomas does share a very similar football uniform and skill-set. It’s doubtful whoever the Texans bring in will be regarded as a total savior for the running back position, so whoever it is is mostly going to be a guy that can simply do everything a feature back can do and then be used mostly in that role. Thomas is especially gifted when it comes to catching passes out of the backfield and while he wouldn’t be used on all three downs as a regular starter, he could surely lighten the load of Alfred Blue and the other Houston running backs.

Thomas is not an answer to replace Foster, but he’d be a solid part of a collective answer. It’s a step to the side instead of forward or backward, but with the team bringing him in for a visit, it’s clear the team considers him a potentially solid addition.

Ahmad Bradshaw

Bradshaw is another injury risk, so grabbing him to help replace Foster is almost laughable. That being said, Bradshaw doesn’t have a ton of mileage on his legs and was very efficient and productive as recently as last year. He’s always had injury woes, but is extremely versatile and can produce from anywhere on the field. Like Pierre Thomas, he’s not really a feature back but he’d be a great body to toss in to help Blue and co.

Knowshon Moreno

Speaking of injury risks, Moreno tore his knee up yet again last year and may seriously be on his last leg. If healthy, though, he could still possibly be a lead back and at worst can help out in a committee. Moreno is a very versatile back who can do it all or slide in and be part of a rotation. He was fantastic in 2013 with the Broncos and looked good again last year in Miami before succumbing to another knee injury. He’s high risk, but he’s a do-it-all guy that won’t cost much.

Got another running back in mind to help replaced Arian Foster? Let us hear about him in the comments below!