Gators make switch to Jordan Brand apparel
New UF football coach
is looking to take his shoe game to another level.
Known for wearing the latest and hippest sneakers available, Mullen and the Gators’ football and basketball teams soon will become the first SEC school to don the Jordan Brand.
Mullen cannot wait. After all, the 45-year-old wore Adidas NMDs at SEC Media Days and is well-known for wearing Yeezys,
signature line, rather than dress shoes.
“I know our players and staff will be pumped up for the new swag and I can’t wait to wear my new AJ1 FlyKnits,” Mullen said in a statement from the school.
UF announced Wednesday that Gators’ uniforms in football and men’s and women’s basketball will begin to feature the Jumpman logo at the start of the 2018-19 season. Michigan, North Carolina and Oklahoma football teams also will don the logo.
Florida Jordan Brand gear will be available for purchase next summer.
“Florida basketball strives to be on the cutting edge of innovation and excitement for our players and fans,” men’s basketball coach said. “Partnering with the Jordan Brand is a truly unique way to further enhance the elite status of what it means to be a Gator.”
Mullen likes a casual, trendy look for comfort and as a way to connect with recruits.
“I can’t wait to roll into SEC Media Days with a fresh pair of Jordans. I will be rocking them in recruiting as well,” Mullen told CBS Sports. “Recruits are always asking about swag and what kind of gear we have. … Obviously, it is a great marketing and branding advantage to be associated with the Jordan Brand — and at the same time, the gear is comfortable and functional for our players.” safety safety
has played his final college football game at Florida State.
James, a standout junior for the Seminoles considered to be a first-round NFL talent, declared for the 2018 NFL draft on Tuesday.
James said he will not participate in FSU’s bowl game on Dec. 27 against Southern Miss at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La.
“After a lot of prayer and plenty of conversations with my coaches and especially my teammates, I’m ready to begin preparing for my next chapter: Becoming the next great Florida State DB in the NFL,” James stated in a essay published by The Players’ Tribune.
“I feel extremely grateful that every person I spoke to supported my decision to begin my training immediately. They all know how much this program means to me and they saw firsthand how much it killed me to be away from the Standout field when I injured my knee last year. It’s hard to really believe I’ll never wear that garnet and gold uniform again, but everyone I’ve reached out to has agreed that this is the best decision for me and my family.
“But that doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye.”
James, a freakish defensive back who often lined up at outside linebacker and edge rusher, played in only 27 games during his college career after missing the majority of his sophomore season to a meniscus tear in his left knee.
But James showed no ill effects in his return from injury this season.
James led the Seminoles with 11 pass deflections, was second on the team with 85 total tackles, had two interceptions including a picksix touchdown, with 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a blocked kick that sealed FSU’s win over Syracuse this season.
James entered the season with high expectations after being named Sports Illustrated’s No. 1 player in the country, despite missing time due to injury.