Tom Brady Spurns Nike, Signs With Rival Under Armour As Brand Shifts Image

Tom Brady may have signed on to stay with New England long-term, but when it came to his apparel endorsements, he was willing to become a free agent.

Brady had been with Nike until this past summer, but he let the contract expire.

Unsurprisingly, Brady’s services are now back off the market, but the company that signed him is somewhat unexpected, as reported by Sports Illustrated.

Under Armour has been known for its tough, non-megastar based ad campaigns that — as far as the NFL has been concerned — nearly exclusively featured defensive players. Now, Brady, as well as Miles Austin and Anquan Boldin, will be joining Ray Lewis at Nike’s rival brand, though Brady may have to grow his hair out to Clay Matthews length to fit the brand’s image. It may, however, be Under Armour that is looking to transform itself.

When asked about his decision, Brady cited “the kids,” according to Sports Illustrated’s Peter King.

“Under Armour’s everything I was looking for,” Brady said. “It’s cool. It’s fun. It’s what so many of the kids are wearing, and I like to try to stay cutting-edge. I like the company. I think we’ve got a lot in common. We both want to stay hungry, stay humble.

“At this point in my career, it’s got to be about a product I believe in,” Brady said. “I felt there wasn’t anything better out there. This is such a young company to be where they are. This kind of tells you where the market’s at.”

Brady will be getting a stake in the company as part of the deal.

Photo of the day

What should be the caption for this photo? Leave your suggestion in the comments section below.

Quote of the day

“There was a point in that game where I think everyone in the building thought: ‘This is not going well.'”
–Brett Favre, on his detractors

Comment of the day

It’s hard to believe that somebody who adores Kobe Bryant this much is a Celtics fan?

“Kobe hands down defensive intensity when game is on line gets everyone around him playing better Artest is a prime example of how Kobes play rubs off on all these guys for lakers. If there is anyone that has no quit in him when game needs a clutch shot or defensive steal Bryant imposes his will on that floor much like Jordan did in his prime. Kobe is best in NBA I dont care about matching shot for shot no one comes with his intensity in playoffs and championship games dude makes eveyone better around him even Phil Jackson looks like he can coach with Kobe on roster.
Go Celtics”
–Shawn