So, I was thinking about college sports stuff the other day, specifically about Michigan and their whole deal with Jordan Brand. It’s kinda funny how you just get used to seeing that Jumpman logo on their football and basketball gear now, but I clearly remember when it first happened. Felt like a pretty big shift at the time.
Getting Used to the Jumpman
Before that, Michigan was an Adidas school, right? For a long time. And it was fine, decent gear, nothing really to complain about. But then the news broke they were switching to Nike, specifically becoming the first football program outfitted by Jordan Brand. That got people talking, myself included. I wasn’t sure what to expect, honestly. Would it just be a logo swap?
Then the stuff started rolling out. First time I saw those uniforms with the little Jumpman silhouette, I gotta admit, it looked sharp. Really sharp. It wasn’t just a logo change; there was a different vibe. It felt… premium? Maybe that’s the word. You started seeing it everywhere:
- The players seemed hyped wearing it.
- The fan gear that came out flew off the shelves. I remember trying to grab a specific Jordan Brand Michigan hoodie, and it was tough finding my size for a while.
- It just gave the whole program a bit of extra swagger, you know? Like they were associating with greatness, Michael Jordan’s brand.
It wasn’t just about looking cool, though. The actual gear, the stuff the players wore and the stuff fans bought, seemed pretty solid. Good materials, held up well. I still have a couple of those early pieces, and they’re doing just fine after plenty of wear.
More Than Just Clothes
Looking back, that whole switch felt like more than just changing apparel suppliers. It was a statement. It brought a ton of buzz, maybe helped a bit with recruiting – who knows for sure, but kids definitely like wearing Jordan. It felt like Michigan was positioning itself right at the top, associating with an iconic, winning brand.
It just worked. The maize and blue colors with the Jumpman logo became instantly recognizable. Even now, years later, seeing that combo still feels right. It’s become part of the Michigan identity in a way. Hard to imagine them wearing anything else now, really. Just one of those things you notice and remember how it all started. Pretty smart move by both sides when you think about it.
