NFL Player Shoe Deals: A Complete History
As an NFL fan, you’ve probably noticed the flashy footwear adorning your favorite players’ feet. But did you know that signature shoes for NFL players are a rare commodity? Since 1985, only a select few football stars have had the honor of creating their own shoe. Let’s lace up and explore the world of NFL player shoe deals.
Do NFL Players Get Shoe Deals?
Yes, many NFL players secure shoe deals, but not all are created equal. While most players receive standard endorsement contracts that provide free gear and some compensation, only a handful have earned the coveted signature shoe. As of 2024, only 19 NFL players in history have had their own signature shoe line.
What NFL Players Have Had a Nike Contract?
Nike has been a dominant force in NFL footwear, signing numerous high-profile players over the years. Some notable Nike athletes include:
- Bo Jackson
- Deion Sanders
- Barry Sanders
- Randy Moss
- Michael Vick
- Calvin Johnson
- Russell Wilson
These players represent just a fraction of Nike’s NFL roster, but they’ve been among the most prominent faces of the brand in football.
The Evolution of NFL Signature Shoes
In the 1990s, you’d have seen a boom in football footwear. Stars like Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Barry Sanders became the faces of their respective brands. These shoes weren’t just for show – they were designed to enhance performance on the gridiron.
As you moved into the 2000s and 2010s, the landscape shifted. Quarterbacks like Michael Vick and Cam Newton brought a new level of athleticism to the position, and their shoes reflected this change. More recently, you’ve seen defensive players like J.J. Watt and versatile athletes like Patrick Mahomes join the signature shoe club.
Below I’ve included a condensed table for quick reading, but if you want to know more about each respective shoe, feel free to keep reading on.
Complete List of NFL Player Shoe Deals
| Player | Year | Shoe Brand | Shoe Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walter Payton | 2020 | KangaROOS | KangaROOS Turf |
| Bo Jackson | 1990 | Nike | Air Bo Turf |
| Deion Sanders | 1993 | Nike | Air Diamond Turf |
| Dan Marino | 1995 | Nike | Air Speed Turf Max |
| Keyshawn Johnson | 1996 | Adidas | Adidas Originals EQT Key Trainer |
| Emmitt Smith | 1997 | Reebok | ES22 |
| Brett Favre | 1997 | Nike | Air Zoom Jet Mid |
| Jerome Bettis | 1998 | Nike | Total Air Bus Max |
| Barry Sanders | 1996 | Nike | Nike Zoom Turf |
| Randy Moss | 2000 | Jordan Brand | Jordan Super Freak |
| Michael Vick | 2003 | Nike | Zoom Vick 1 |
| LaDainian Tomlinson | 2006 | Nike | Scream LT |
| Reggie Bush | 2006 | Adidas | TS Reggie III |
| Cam Newton | 2011 | Under Armour | Cam Highlight |
| Darrelle Revis | 2012 | Nike | Nike Zoom Revis |
| Calvin Johnson | 2013 | Nike | CJ81 |
| Robert Griffin III | 2014 | Adidas | RG3 Energy Boost |
| Victor Cruz | 2015 | Nike | Air Trainer Cruz |
| J.J. Watt | 2016 | Reebok | JJ I |
| Russell Wilson | 2018 | Nike | Dangeruss Wilson 1 |
| Patrick Mahomes | 2021 | Adidas | Mahomes 1.0 FLX |
You can see how the nfl player shoe trend has evolved over time, with different brands entering the market and various positions being represented.
Walter Payton’s KangaROOS Ultimate Memory of 34 (2020):
This posthumous tribute to Sweetness features Horween leather, mirroring NFL football material. At $320, it’s a premium homage to the Bears’ legend, blending style with gridiron history.
Payton promoted KangaROOS back in the 1980s during his time with the Chicago Bears. This deal was more of an endorsement deal versus the creation of a “signature shoe”, which wouldn’t come until 2020.
Bo Jackson’s Nike Air Bo Turf (1990):
A dual-sport marvel, this cross-trainer handled Bo’s superhuman athleticism on both diamond and gridiron. Its 2022 revival at $140 proves Bo’s lasting impact on sports footwear.
Deion Sanders’ Nike Air Diamond Turf (1993):
Prime Time’s shoe was a statement piece with its distinctive midfoot strap. The red, black, and white colorway screamed Falcons, but its appeal transcended football, becoming a street style icon.
Dan Marino’s Nike Air Speed Turf Max (1995):
Sporting Dolphins-inspired colors, this trainer matched Marino’s quick release. Its 2018 retro at $140 let fans step into quarterback royalty.
Keyshawn Johnson’s Adidas Originals EQT Key Trainer (1996):
Johnson made history as the first NFL player to debut in his signature shoe. Its 2014 re-release at $130 celebrated this unique draft legacy.
Emmitt Smith’s Reebok Classics ES22 (1997):
Featuring Hexalite cushioning, this trainer supported the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. Its 2023 comeback at $180 offered fans a piece of rushing history.
Brett Favre’s Nike Air Zoom Jet Mid (1997):
The Gunslinger’s cleats, originally $120, balanced performance with Packers-inspired style. A 2013 retro proved Favre’s enduring football footwear legacy.
Jerome Bettis’ Nike Total Air Bus Max (1998):
As sturdy as The Bus himself, this $139.99 trainer mirrored Bettis’ powerful running style with its tank-like design.
Barry Sanders’ Nike Zoom Turf (1996):
While not officially his “signature” shoe, this trainer became synonymous with Sanders’ elusive style. Nike even crafted him special versions with Air Jordan 11 soles.
Randy Moss’ Jordan Super Freak (2000):
The first NFL player signed to Jordan Brand, Moss’ shoe featured a unique zip-up design, reflecting his game-changing abilities on the field.
Michael Vick’s Nike Zoom Vick 1 (2003):
Designed for Vick’s electrifying play, this shoe featured a red stabilizing band inspired by a motorcycle’s clutch, setting a new standard for QB footwear.
LaDainian Tomlinson’s Nike Scream LT (2006):
Initially released for kids at $50, this shoe later expanded to adult sizes, celebrating LT’s record-breaking 2006 season.
Reggie Bush’s Adidas TS Reggie III (2006):
Part of a lucrative $5 million deal, these cleats debuted with Bush’s signature on the heels, marking his highly anticipated NFL entry.
Cam Newton’s Under Armour Cam Highlight (2011):
Reflecting the Panthers’ colors, these $150 high-top trainers matched Newton’s dynamic play style and larger-than-life personality.
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Darrelle Revis’ Nike Zoom Revis (2012):
At $130, these shoes featured design elements inspired by Revis Island, New York, and Pittsburgh, honoring the cornerback’s roots and NFL home.
Calvin Johnson’s Nike CJ81 (2013):
Megatron’s shoe borrowed design elements from basketball sneakers, fitting for the receiver’s imposing physical presence on the field.
Robert Griffin III’s Adidas RG3 Energy Boost (2014):
Debuted during a Thursday night game, these $140 trainers featured Adidas’ popular Boost technology, matching RGIII’s explosive play.
Victor Cruz’s Nike Air Trainer Cruz (2015):
Inspired by Timberland boots, these $150 trainers blended Cruz’s New York roots with his on-field flair.
J.J. Watt’s Reebok JJ I (2016):
Designed for high-intensity workouts, these $100 trainers reflected Watt’s legendary work ethic and versatility as a defensive player.
Russell Wilson’s Nike Dangeruss Wilson 1 (2018):
Priced at $130, this high-top silhouette included visible Air Max units, embodying Wilson’s dual-threat capabilities.
Patrick Mahomes’ Adidas Mahomes 1.0 FLX (2021):
The latest NFL signature shoe, these $130 trainers sold out in 30 minutes, featuring a vibrant colorway matching Mahomes’ dynamic play style.
The Rarity of NFL Signature Shoes
You might wonder why NFL signature shoes are so rare compared to other sports. There are several reasons:
- Short careers: The average NFL career lasts just 3.3 years, making long-term shoe deals risky for brands.
- Position specificity: Unlike basketball shoes, football cleats often need to be position-specific, limiting their mass appeal.
- Limited visibility: Football players’ feet are often obscured by grass, turf, and other players, reducing on-field exposure.
- Seasonal wear: Football is played primarily in the fall and winter, limiting year-round visibility for shoe promotions.
Despite these challenges, NFL player shoe deals continue to evolve. You’re now seeing more off-field training shoes and lifestyle sneakers bearing players’ names, expanding their appeal beyond just the gridiron.
Either way, signature deals help drive the market demand for many “snaekerheads” leading to the obvious business of sneaker reselling.
READ MORE: PROFITABILITY OF SNEAKER RESELLING IN TODAY’S MARKET
The Future of NFL Shoe Deals
As you look to the future, you can expect to see more innovative approaches to NFL player shoe deals. With the rise of social media and personal branding, players have new avenues to showcase their footwear both on and off the field.
You might also see an increase in collaborations between players and designers, creating limited-edition releases that appeal to both sports fans and sneaker enthusiasts. As the lines between sports, fashion, and lifestyle continue to blur, NFL player shoe deals are likely to become more diverse and creative.
In conclusion, while NFL player shoe deals may be rare, they represent a unique intersection of sports, technology, and fashion. As a fan, you now have a deeper appreciation for the history and significance of these special footwear collaborations. Who knows? The next big NFL shoe deal could be just around the corner, ready to leave its mark on the field and in sneaker culture.
