Who Makes NFL Jerseys? A Supplier Timeline from Champion to Nike
Posted by JerseyZenith on Oct 25th 2026
- Nike has supplied NFL uniforms since 2012.
- Reebok supplied them from 2001 to 2011.
- Mitchell & Ness makes throwbacks.
This guide gives a timeline of who has made NFL jerseys. Dates come from news and history pages and conflict in places.
Who makes NFL jerseys, by era
| Era | Supplier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 to present | Nike | Replaced Reebok; a later extension runs through the 2028 season, per one summary |
| 2001 to 2011 | Reebok | Reebok's earlier stint was 1996–98, per one source |
| About 1989 to 2000 | Champion | One source calls its 1989 deal the NFL's first exclusive outfitter agreement |
| Before and alongside | Russell Athletic (Sand-Knit), Starter, Logo Athletic, Wilson, Puma, adidas, Apex | Suppliers varied by team and year; Russell stopped supplying the league after 1996 |
| Throwbacks and reissues | Mitchell & Ness | Sells authentic throwbacks and legacy replicas on NFL Shop |
Sources conflict on some dates, and several of the pages we found were low quality. Use these years as a guide, and check a dedicated history for a specific team and season.
Who makes NFL jerseys today?
Nike has been the NFL's on-field uniform and apparel supplier since 2012. Fan jerseys come in Nike's Game, Limited and Elite tiers; see our tier guide. Nike also designs team alternates and the Rivalries uniforms the league introduced in 2025.
Where are NFL jerseys made?
Manufacturing country varies by product and year. One jersey blog says inner tags list Honduras or Guatemala, but we could not confirm that against a manufacturer source, so check the tag on your own jersey.
What about older jerseys?
Before Nike, jerseys came from Reebok (2001–2011) and, before that, Champion and others. Vintage jerseys usually carry the maker's tag, which can help date them. For history, see NFL uniform history by decade.
Are Mitchell & Ness jerseys official?
Mitchell & Ness sells official throwback and retro jerseys on NFL Shop, with "Authentic Throwback" and "Legacy Replica" labels. Read throwback vs retro vs vintage for how to read them.
The Nike deal
Nike replaced Reebok as the NFL's on-field uniform and apparel supplier in 2012. The original deal was reportedly worth more than $1 billion, and the two sides later agreed an eight-year extension through the 2028 season, according to a summary of the reporting. Nike designs the league's alternate and Rivalries uniforms, which is why many teams' special uniforms share a template.
The earlier suppliers
Before Nike, Reebok held the contract from 2001 to 2011, and one source says its earlier stint ran 1996–98. Champion is described as the league's first exclusive outfitter from 1989, though sources are less definitive. Russell Athletic, formerly Sand-Knit, supplied teams until it stopped after 1996. Other brands, such as Starter, Logo Athletic, Wilson, Puma and adidas, supplied teams in the 1990s, and suppliers varied by team and year.
Why the maker matters when you shop
The maker decides the tier names, the fit and the care. Nike's Game, Limited and Elite are the current tiers, and each has its own size chart. A vintage jersey's tag can help date it. Always check the tag on a jersey, the tier in the listing and our size chart before you buy.
How to date a jersey by supplier
| Era | Look for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1989–2000 | Champion tags, plus other brands by team | Suppliers varied by team and year |
| 2001–2011 | Reebok tags | Reebok's Play Dry fabric |
| 2012–now | Nike tags and the NFL shield | Game, Limited and Elite tiers |
These eras are approximate, and a team may have used a different maker in a given year. If you are buying vintage, ask the seller for photos of the neck tag and the sleeve tag, and compare them with listings from the era. For current jerseys, our tier guide shows what to expect.
Do we make the jerseys we sell?
No. We are a retailer, not a manufacturer. The brand and tier are listed on each product page, and our size chart shows how each tier fits.
Related guides
Keep reading: NFL uniform history by decade, Nike Game vs Limited vs Elite and how to spot fake NFL jerseys. Each guide covers one question fans ask before they buy, and all link back to our NFL jerseys hub.
Shop
Browse NFL jerseys and throwback jerseys. Compare sizes and custom options. Teams: Seahawks, Patriots, Cowboys and Bears.
Who makes NFL uniforms for each team?
Who makes the jerseys for the NFL? One company: Nike makes all 32 teams' on-field uniforms, including who makes Green Bay Packers jerseys, who makes the NFL jerseys for the Bills and who makes NFL uniforms for any other team. Where are the NFL jerseys made? Manufacturing country varies by product and year, so check the tag.
In 2026, Nike remains the NFL's uniform supplier, and the 2026 season includes Nike's new Rivalries and alternate uniforms.
FAQ
Who makes NFL jerseys?
Nike, since 2012.
Who made NFL jerseys before Nike?
Reebok, from 2001 to 2011, and before that Champion and others.
Does Nike make Mitchell & Ness jerseys?
No. Mitchell & Ness is a separate brand that makes throwbacks.
Where are NFL jerseys made?
It varies by product; check the tag.
Who makes the NFL jerseys?
Nike.
Who makes the Green Bay Packers jerseys?
Nike, like every NFL team.
Who makes NFL uniforms?
Nike, under a deal reported to run through 2028.
Who makes the jerseys for the NFL?
Nike.