Custom & Personalized Football Jerseys

The sport of football has been an endeavor contingent on much trial and error, as everything from basic rules and fundamentals to football jerseys and apparel have undergone great transformations since the sport’s birth. Originally conceived in the early stages of the 19th century, football more closely resembled the hectic, smash-mouth style of rugby than the fast and furious nature of today’s vertical game.

Lacking the high-speed collisions and million-dollar contracts of the modern game, early football uniforms didn’t emphasize the safety and protection of players. There were no pads or helmets, so the original football uniform looked more like something suited for the baseball diamond. This obviously changed as the game progressed, as mounting injuries necessitated the need for advanced safety padding in custom football uniforms.

Speed and agility wasn’t as necessary for success, as the game was basically a violent stampede. Teams on offense formed player wedges to escort ball carries down field, while the defense forged equally stout wedges while waiting to exchange blows. In 1905 there were 19 football related casualties, prompting then President Theodore Roosevelt to threaten banishment upon the game. Football would never be the same, for the forward pass was introduced to open the field and padding found its way into each custom football uniform.

The coloring and design of football jerseys took great strides as well. With the passing game spreading players all around the field, differentiating the competing teams was necessary for quarterbacks to identify wide receivers. While white football pants were common for many teams, the best football uniforms employed unique and vibrant shirt colors. By the middle of the 20th century every team even had original helmet designs to further separate their look from the competition.

The evolution of football uniforms continues today. NFL teams not only have specialized home and away apparel, but alternate custom football uniforms have gained popularity, with some teams boasting as many as three or four different configurations. The same is true at the collegiate ranks. For example, the University of Oregon has more custom football uniform designs than most fans can keep track of.

Even youth football jerseys have benefited from modern fabrics, technologies, and the emphasis on sharp and cutting designs. For the best funded teams, youth football uniforms can rival the quality and appeal of even America’s favorite NFL uniforms. Today’s young athletes are also seen wearing premium football shoes, gloves and wristbands – just like their favorite pros wear!

When it’s time to outfit your team with new football uniforms, you can count on The Graphic Edge. We specialize in personalized football jerseys for athletic departments of any size, including youth, kids, high school, and college. We can also handle customized football practice jerseys, shoes, warm-ups, and accessories.