US Nike Football

Vapor Trail Victorious

usnikefootball — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:43:36 GMT

They came to the tournament saying they were the fastest team around. And Miami's Vapor Trail sure backed it up. The Floridians are champs after taking down Team Super Speed from De Soto, Texas in the final of the Nike 7on 2009 Tournament. Yep, for the second year in a row, a team from the Sunshine State wins it all.

It was scaldingly hot when the two teams took to the Ronaldo Field for the game. Three minutes in, Vapor Trail QB Teddy Bridgewater threw his first of five TD passes. Super Speed worked back down the field, but on third down missed on a wide open route. "We got into catch up mode after that," said De Soto coach Brett Polite, "and that's tough to do against that team." Indeed, Vapor hit a quick strike to make it 14-0, and it looked like Texas was in trouble.

But the exceptional Darius Terrell caught a TD pass from Ryan Polite to cut the lead to 14-7, and some Miami miscues kept the score that way until halftime. But Bridgewater picked up where he left off in the second half, throwing TD passes in back to back drives, including a sensational bomb to Miami's inspirational leader, Michael "Deuce" Harris. That made it 28-7. Just when it seemed Super Speed would have to slink back to Texas, Polite found Marcus Murphy on an 80-yard bomb. The defense got the ball back, and with 10 minutes left, all the momentum was with Super Speed.

But Vapor Trail's defense, so stout all tournament long, came up huge again. Alex Kelly made a couple of deflections, and Miami got the ball back. Seconds later, they were in the end zone once more. Bridgewater sprinted one way, then threw all the way across the field to Harris in the corner, who made a circus catch. "I've been lifting weights, working on my arm strength, so watch out this season," said Bridgewater. South Florida, you've been warned.

The game ended soon after, the final score 34-15 Vapor Trail. As Harris predicted before the tournament, his team went undefeated and won it all. "I didn't say what I was going to do, I said what WE are going do--and we did!" he said afterward. Harris, Bridgewater, and Kelly were named to the all-tourney team, along with Polite and Terrell from Super Speed, Nick Jones and Marcus Lattimore from Zoom Blade, Mike Davis from Zoom Fly, Ron Lewis from Field Generals, George Farmer and Robert Woods from Land Sharks, and A.J. Johnson from Team Merciless.

It was a fantastic three days, a superb event. Congrats to everyone involved , and especially Miami's Vapor Trail, the 2009 Nike 7on Champions!

Nike 7on Players Choice MVP

usnikefootball — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:40:58 GMT

Teddy Bridgewater of Vapor Trail from Miami is the winner of the Nike 7on Players Choice MVP, as well as MVP of the entire tournament. He threw for over 400 yards and five touchdowns in the final, and led his team on an undefeated run to the championship. Teddy embodied Leave Nothing, and he left no doubt about the award, either. Congrats on a great tournament!

Florida vs. Texas In The Final

usnikefootball — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:56:41 GMT

So what state has the best football players? We'll get part of the answer in the Nike 7on Tournament final. Vapor Trail from Miami against Team Super Speed from De Soto. The Sunshine State against the Lone Star State. And great offense against stellar defense.

On Ronaldo Field Black, Vapor Trail was deadlocked at halftime with Zoom Blade from Duncan (SC). Neither team could get much going on offense. Miami went up 14-7, but a sensational catch by Nick Jones of Zoom Blade and subsequent two-point conversion made it 15-14, and it looked like an upset was brewing. But that was the last time Zoom Blade scored. Vapor Trail's defense, led by defensive back Brandon Joseph, locked down the Blade affter that. Meanwhile, the crew from South Beach got its offense untracked, switching to a 5-wide receiver set, four on a single side. That created enough mismatches to move the ball consistently down the field, and Vapor Trail wound up winning 28-15. Michael Harris of Vapor Trail said it best afterward. "Our defense stood tall when we needed them."

So Miami stays unbeaten. But there is one more game to win. And they will have to defeat Team Super Speed from Texas to take the championship.

The Supes outslugged Gardena (CA) Land Sharks 36-27 to advance to the final. It was a back and forth contest, with plenty of deep, accurate throws, ankle-breaking moves, and great grabs. The large crowd watching the game roared at every big play. The difference was Super Speed wide receiver Darius Terrell. The big flanker caught three TD passes, including one to ice the game when his team held a precarius one-point lead in the last minute. "It was a play that had me lining up in the slot," said Terrell afterward. "We ran it about ten times, and I always stayed in the middle. This time, I broke wide, and got behind their defense wide open."

Super Speed lost to a Florida team in the opening round, a game Terrell and his team feels they shouldn't have lost. "We have a chance to redeem ourselves against Florida now," Terrell says. The game against Vapor Trail could come down to the matchup between Terrell and Joseph. Told he would have to watch out for Terrell in the final, Joseph had a typical Florida response--"Tell him to watch out for me!"

Can't wait for the championship game.

The Semis Are Set

usnikefootball — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:13:33 GMT

The winner's bracket is down to four teams in the Nike 7on Tournament 2009. The undefeated Vapor Trail from Miami was given a bye into the semis, as the tournament is down to seven teams. Playing in the Nike 7on tournament is an honor. Unfortunately, a small minority of the participants have disrespected those who worked hard to put on the tourney. Therefore, Pahokee High School has been removed from Nike's 2009 "7on" competition due to code of conduct violations.

So that left three games, including battles for supremacy in the states of Texas and California. Team Super Speed, from De Soto (TX), took out Zoom Fly from Dallas 38-21. The game was close with about four minutes left when Super Speed DB Bryson Echols made a great break up on a long pass to the end zone. Super Speed put the game away moments later. In the California Civil War, the Land Sharks from Gardena proved superior to the Field Generals representing Lakewood, 27-13. The Sharks were in control throughout.

Meanwhile, in a battle for southern bragging rights, Team Merciless from Gainesville, GA and Zoom Blade from Duncan, SC took the field in a border battle. Score one for the Palmetto State--Zoom Blade built a 20-0 halftime lead and crushed Team Merciless without mercy, 34-0. A shutout in 7on isn't easy to accomplish, so props to the Blade defense.

So the semifinals will match Vapor Trail against Zoom Blade, while Team Super Speed goes up against the Land Sharks.

Check back to see who makes it to the championship game.

Zoom Fly Wins Nike iD Design Contest

usnikefootball — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:33:50 GMT

The kids from Dallas have a future in designing cleats after they stop playing football. Zoom Fly is the winner of the Nike iD Design contest--check out that cool mix of color and function. Congrats guys.

Herbie Closes Out A Great Day

usnikefootball — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:10:00 GMT

The afternoon games were played under a blazing sun, much hotter than the usual Oregon afternoon. Naturally, the last game of the day went overtime. The Vapor Jets from Pahokee, FL took a little extra time to get past Team Merciless from Gainesville, GA. That win was enough to get the Floridians to the top of the Zoom Division, matching their in-state buddies from Miami, who lead the Speed Division. Pahokee went 2-1, and won a tiebreaker with De Soto (TX), aka Team Super Speed. Merciless and the Field Generals from Lakewood, CA, were a game behind at 1-2.

So Friday's championship round will start with four games determined by Thursday's placings. The matchups are--

Miami vs. Lakewood (CA)

Glendale (CA) vs. Gainesville (GA)

Pahokee (FL) vs. Dallas

De Soto (TX) vs. Duncan (SC)

The winners advance to the semifinals, while the losers play in the consolation bracket. It will be some spectacular action, as the players turn it up a notch from today's intense battles.

After the players chowed down on dinner, there was one more special treat. The Huddle welcomed in Kirk Herbstreit, former college star QB and ESPN broadcaster. He answered a ton of questions from the players. Among other issues he addressed

And he told the teams how "unreal" their execution was at such tender ages. You know the kids loved to hear that.

But the biggest reaction came when Herbie gave his opinion on who were the best college players he has covered, and what conference was best. Kirk threw out some big names, but the kids had their regional favorites, and they let Kirk know about it. The biggest storm came when he was asked what state produces the best athletes--it was up for grabs after that.

That's what makes this sport so great--the passion of both player and spectator.

See you Friday as the Nike 7on Tournament 2009 champion is crowned.

Miami Leaves A Vapor Trail

usnikefootball — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:32:53 GMT

It's an old football cliche --there's fast, and then there is Florida Fast. And Miami Northwestern, or as they are known in this Nike 7on tournament, the Vapor Trail, are proving it true.

Miami cruised to three straight wins in the opening games of the tournament, behind the accurate arm of their future star QB and a host of blazingly fast receivers. The Land Sharks from Gardena, CA bounced back from their opening loss to Vapor Trail to capture the next two games. Dallas Skyline High, playing as Zoom Fly, are still looking for its first win. All the games were intense, with the kids giving every ounce and leaving nothing, and the coaches in midseason form, working on their players' techniques, devising plays to get receivers open, and reminiding everyone that sportsmanship is paramount.

Here are the standings in the Speed Division after the opening round of action--

Vapor Trail (Miami) 3-0

Land Sharks (Gardena, CA) 2-1

Zoom Blade (Duncan, SC) 1-2

Zoom Fly (Dallas) 0-3

All the teams will be in action again on Friday, as the championship bracket is played out. We'll hit you with the roundup of the afternoon action later on.

Andre Johnson on the Huddle

usnikefootball — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:43:05 GMT

Andre Johnson, one of the best wide receivers in the game, was just interviewed on The Huddle here at the Nike 7on Tournament 2009. Athletes not on the field involved in games gathered around to hear Andre talk about his experiences and give tips, as well as ask questions.

One key Johnson talked about when it comes to excelling as a wide receiver is focus. "You might get only one or two balls the entire game thrown your way, but that one ball may be to win the game. If you don't catch it, that's all anyone will tlak about. So you can't get frustrated. Keep your focus no matter what happens out there."

A popular subject among the kids was Andre's opinion on who were the best wideouts and defensive backs in the pros. Johnson was of course too modest to name himself! He mentioned how Larry FitzGerald was getting it done in the desert, but reserved his highest praise for his idol, Jerry Rice. Johnson noted he wears #80 as a tribute to the legendary Rice.

As for DBs, Champ Bailey and Nnamdi Asomugha got Andre's nod. "Once Nnamdi gets his hands on you, it's all over."

As for the 7ons, Johnson wished this tournament existed when he was a high school player. He stressed the importance of 7ons in general, saying "not only do they help with technique and timing, but they are great for building team camaraderie." As a Miami native, Johnson he can't help but have a soft spot for the Miami rep in this year's tourney, Miami Northwestern High.

You can see the entire interview at www.nikefootball.com. There are more Huddles scheduled for today, and we'll give you the 4-1-1 on them as soon as they happen.

The Games Have Begun

usnikefootball — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:40:13 GMT

The NIke 7on Tournament 2009 is underway! There are eight teams, split into two divisions, Speed and Zoom. The morning action is in the Speed Division.

Here are the participating teams--

Duncan (SC) aka Zoom Blade
Gardena (CA) aka Land Sharks
Miami (FL) aka Vapor Trail
Dallas (TX) aka Zoom Fly

The teams play two 25 minute halves of 7on action, with a running clock. Coaches get to call one timeout per half. Teams have the option of going for one point from the three-yard line or two points from the eight-yard line after every score. Teams get three downs to get 20 yards, except in the red zone, when they get four downs. And to prevent the offense from having too much of an advantage, the quarterback has only four seconds to throw the ball.

The first games matched Zoom Blade from South Carolina and Zoom Fly from Texas, while on the adjoining field, Vapor Trail of Florida met Land Sharks from California. It was advantage south in the openers, as Zoom Blade opened a 20-0 lead (they scored on the very first play!) and hung on to defeat Zoom Fly 26-20, while Vapor Trail easily took care of Land Sharks in a rout. There are two more morning games, in a round robin format. Zoom Blade takes on Vapor Trail while Land Sharks battle Zoom Fly, and in the final morning contests, Land Sharks tangle with Zoom Blade, with Vapor Trail meeting Zoom Fly.

We'll keep you updated with the results and other happenings at the Ronaldo Fields throughout the day.

The Calm Before The Storm

usnikefootball — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:19:25 GMT

In case you want to know what the nation's top high school football talent is listening to on their IPods, it's "She Got A Friend" and "I think I Love Her." "Nothing else on mine," says Marcus Lattimore from Duncan, SC, one of the best running backs around. "It's the bomb, man," says Fred Pickett, a wideout from Pahokee, FL. Listening to tunes, watching DVDs, and, most of all, sleeping were the most popular activities on the team plane rides to Oregon.

There wasn't much rest in the End Zone Lounge after dinner. The players got busy in hotly contested games of Madden and NCAA Football. They checked out the various Nike cleats, gloves, and bodywear on display. They were particularly interested in Head 2 Head, a program that allows the user to compare their stats to each other's stats--and to pro players as well.

The universal theme was how fortunate they were to be part of the tournament. "It's just surreal, I didn't think it would be anything like this," said Jesse Scroggins, top-rated QB from Lakeland, CA. Everyone I talked to was overwhelmed by the setup, the campus, and the opportunity to meet so many top players from around the country.

Tomorrow, they'll be competitors, but tonight, it's about friendship--and bustin' each others chops while playing video games.

The 7on Tournament Is Here

usnikefootball — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:25:41 GMT

8 teams. 7 players a side. A bunch of pro players on hand for tips and inspiration. And some of the finest high school talent in the nation.

The Nike 7on Tournament 2009 kicks off today with the Opening Ceremonies, then moves on to two days of competition. Eight of the best high school teams in the country are at Nike Headquarters outside Portland to find out who has the most skill. 7on is football without the mayhem, no blocking, no tackling, just pure fast-twitch athleticism. Perfect for glorious summer days, like we have in the Pacific Northwest today. The hard-hitting comes when the weather turns--for now, it's all about speed, agility, and accuracy.

The Opening Ceremonies are going on now. The opening video to welcome the players was slammin', and accentuated one crucial point--you have to have speed to play the game. We've had a welcoming address to all the players, as well as an event overview. The head coach and captains from each of the teams were introduced. Then, a local legend, Dennis Dixon, talked to the kids and answered questions. A video tribute to the 2008 champs from Tampa, Florida closed the show. Now all that remains is on-field combat.

We'll be liveblogging the event in full, from the time the teams hit the campus to when a new champion is crowned. There will be special editions of The Huddle with pro players who will be on hand. We'll hear from several of the players talking about the 7on experience. And we'll give you a sense of the atmosphere on and around the Ronaldo Field, where the games will happen and the athletes will spend their downtime.

So keep checking in for updates!

Adrian’s Field Goals

usnikefootball — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:40:24 GMT

Every player has his own way of motivating himself for the upcoming season. For Adrian Peterson, it starts with a piece of paper. In his young professional career the superstar running back for Minnesota has already surpassed milestones that most backs never come close to, but for Adrian it’s all a matter of course. A course he sets at the beginning of every season by putting his very specific goals down on paper, and then holding himself to that self-made contract as if it’s legally binding.

“Focus Points – footwork, pass protection, quickness … Put on a good 10-15 pounds in the right places.” These are just a couple of the mandates Peterson has imposed on himself as he heads into training camp for the ’09 campaign. But perhaps the most telling goal as it pertains to Adrian’s mindset is the one that sits atop the list – “Improve from last season.”

At first glance it seems like an objective for someone who may have stumbled in ’08, or had a down year. But for Peterson, the improvement he seeks is that beyond a season where he ran for 1760 yards, scored 10 touchdowns and earned an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii. Safe to say the guy sets his bar pretty high.

“Before every season I write out my goals. That’s how I make sure I stick to them,” says Peterson. A simple concept with proven results, devastating actually for his opponents. So will Peterson, who was given the nickname “All Day” for his relentless work ethic and supercharged motor, make good on the contract he penned for himself in ’09? Even when one of the goals includes the word Miami?

Those who have followed his career know one thing – Adrian doesn’t put anything on paper he’s not capable of.

PRO COMBAT: GO ON THE OFFENSIVE

usnikefootball — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:43:53 GMT

Football gear usually has one of two purposes – help protect you better, or help you perform better – but rarely does a piece of gear do both. That’s what so remarkable about Nike’s new Pro Combat line of football gear. For the first time, a compression short is able to provide all the performance benefits you look for – things like sweat-wicking, targeted support and ergonomic design – with a level of protection that can stand up to the punishing nature of today’s game. What that means is that ball carriers now have a compression short that doesn’t have to sacrifice performance for protection, or vice versa.

From the first time you put on a pair of Pro Combat, you’ll know they’re a game changer. Every pad is positioned to allow for the maximum level of flexibility and movement, allowing you to cut and slash with complete freedom, and still squeeze through the smallest holes in the line. Pro Combat’s Dri-FIT fabric will also wick away moisture and provide exceptional air permeability, all while retaining a perfect fit and a supported, comfortable feel. To achieve superior protection, the shorts feature solid plastic plates that lock into dual-density EVA foam, the very latest in impact protection technology. There are also interlocking foam grids that add a second layer impact coverage.

Wear Pro Combat next time you take the gridiron and you’ll see – your lower body is going to stay cooler, dryer and more protected from the first snap to the final whistle, and you’re going to significantly reduce the amount of wear and tear on your hips and legs.

The season will be here before you know it. Time to get yourself ready for combat.

Shop Combat ->

Super time again

usnikefootball — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:41:08 GMT

NB--

So now we come to the payoff. Super time again. The 43rd edition of the Big Enchilada, and on the surface, it's hard to make a case against the hated Pittsburghers. Let's get it out front--as a devout Cincy fan, I have loathed the black and gold since I was in pantaloons. I've had to eat five championships for the Steel City, and I fear a sixth. Defensively, they are dominant, as good as Baltimore in 2000 or the G-men in 1986. Their pass rush is everywhere and non-stop, their linebackers make plays and are sure tacklers, and the secondary can play press coverage and ballhawk, led by the invincible HairGod at safety.

But I dare to dream, and I'm looking for ways the scrappy, plucky, up from the desert floor Arizona redbirds can pull a second straight Super Upset. Certainly, it isn't impossible. I turn my adoring gaze toward the ageless QB. Of course, this isn't his first rodeo, having split a couple of SB's. And his play in this postseason has been exemplary. No one is quicker at getting rid of the ball under duress--he led the league in QB rating against the blitz. Special K is smart, tough, and won't get rattled either by the stage or the pass rush. Because of that factor, they have a shot.

So why can't he pull this off?
RW

Robert, Robert, Robert. I gotta hand it to you – fan of the people, speaking up on behalf of the underdog. But that’s part of the hilarity surrounding the main event: not only is everyone talking about it, all they’re talking about is Arizona. Lost in the cuddly, rags-to-riches ascension on the Venus Flytraps of Larry Fitz is one simple fact:

They ain’t played anyone quite like Pittsburgh.

It starts with the defense. Notice I’m not singling out any one player – that’s the thing with this incarnation of the league’s best unit. The pressure comes from both sides, from all three levels, from a ridiculous array of looks. And it’s constant for 60 minutes.

Keep a back in to chip on one edge rusher while you play with fire on the other side. Max protect and all the sudden your gluttony of playmakers are fighting double coverage. Empty it out and you’re living and dying with one-on-one match-ups.

I love what Arizona’s done thus far. Beyond the feel-good vibe, we’ve witnessed the ascension of Fitzgerald into the pantheon of all-time postseason greats. We’re seeing the reincarnation of The Edge. And enough guile from Special K for many pundits to punch his HOF ballot today.

But I love Big Ben even more. He learned in his first Super rodeo that it’s not about completion percentage, yards or awards – it’s about leadership and the win-loss column. Roethlisberger has an opportunity to place his five-year resume at the top of football lore – and he’s approaching this week with backward-hat-wearing utter confidence that eluded him in 2005 in Detroit.

We’ll get into the player matchups more in just a second – how do you see the coaching carousel impacting this title tilt?

Newbs,

I'm glad to see these particular coaches match up. You know it had to crush Ken Whisenhunt to get passed over in Pittsburgh, but the Rooneys were solid enough in their conviction to hire an unknown from outside the organization. Mike Tomlin has proven to be just the right man for the job--and Whisenhunt has done the same, just elsewhere.

I suspect a part of Arizona's late-season doldrums was a canny bit of possum by the coaching staff. With the playoffs assured, they pulled back most of their attacking schemes and played vanilla. It looked bad, but the resulting postseason dominance isn't just a matter of "turning it on" when it matters. Most of football success is about deducing tendencies on film--Arizona has continually surprised the opposition, and much of that is because they didn't give things away in the final month during must-win games. Nice to play in a weak division.

On the other hand, Tomlin has raised Pittsburgh's toughness quotient beyond its already high level. But can toughness cover Fitzgerald? Schematically, Whisenhunt is familiar with Pitt's defensive tendencies, knowing where and when Dick LeBeau likes to unleash his formidable zone blitzes. That's a distinct advantage, but the onus is still going to be on K-Dub and the offensive line to make sure the Birds can capitalize.

You really think Pitt can cover Fitzgerald?
RW

Big Rob:

I don’t think anyone can cover him. And I don’t think it has anything to do with him, either. His partner in crime on the other side plus a third legitimate threat in the slot and the playoff push rebirth of The Edge creates the ultimate pick-your-poison for opposing defenses. That’s why I’m so surprised Arizona’s here – and Fitz has broken every imaginable record in the books: Q has been playing on one leg (or not at all) thus far. That’s why his brilliance through three games is so remarkable.

With two weeks to prepare and get healthy, plus your aforementioned familiarity complex, you’d think ‘Zona has the clear edge. But I just don’t – because even if you know what the other team’s going to do, it all comes down to execution. Pittsburgh’s the best team in the league at maximizing their players’ blend of talents by creating one-on-one matchups. They might double (or triple or quadrouple) Fitz on one play – and come like gangbusters the next. But even then, the key won’t be the “what”, it’ll be the “how”. How the Steelers deploy their arsenal. How they’re able to disguise and confuse. How they execute.

I don’t think you can talk about Pittsburgh and execution without mentioning the dramatically improved state of their offensive line. But when it comes down to it, the execution I’ll really have my eyes on is the Steeler receiving corps. The Fearless One says he’s a go, regardless of how the knee feels. And the rest of the troops appear to have cured the severe case of long-ball dropsies. But they fall in line with their leader – Hines’ impact, just by suiting up – will impact this game one way or the other.

NB,

Yeah, it really does come down to the Arizona D against #7 and the Pittsburgh offense. For all the talk about the inverse matchup, it's the quieter one that's more pivotal. And for all their clutch play and winning ways this season, the Pitt O hasn't been particularly unstoppable. I think the Desert Swarm can make its mark, and keep the game low scoring enough for even an average day from Fitzgerald and Co. to win the day.

So prediction time? I'll go with the Lombardi Trophy headed to the southwest--Arizona 24-20.

Y tu?

RW:

I’m with the Steel City adding one for the other thumb – 27-21.

Warming Up to the Cold in Green Bay

usnikefootball — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:37:41 GMT

They don’t call it the Frozen Tundra for nothing. What smoke stacks are to steam engines, icy turf is to Green Bay when the second season comes calling. On the field Aaron Rodgers calls home, the elements get down in a four-point stance.

“Growing up in Chico, CA, we might get some 40 degree weather toward the end of the (high school) season. But the worst we’d get is rainstorms. As a quarterback, the weather can be my worst enemy. It makes it difficult to grip the ball, to throw with accuracy. The cold, all by itself, is a pretty tough opponent.”

Commanding the huddle, barking out audibles at the line and executing in the mayhem that rages after each snap comes down to a few simple principles.

“The two most important things are keeping my core body temperature up and my hands warm. When it gets cold, the ball always feel slick – almost like it does when it’s wet. And it also hardens as the temperature drops, so I have to loosen my grip.”

When Mother Nature rears her ugly head, the battle starts long before kickoff.

“Sometimes, there just isn’t really much you can do. I like to go out early on game day, at least two hours before kickoff. I try to get used to the temperature, really feel the weather. I usually get in 30 to 40 throws to see what the air’s doing to the ball – if it’s making it slick, how long it takes my hands to warm up, etc.”

As the action heats up on the field and a player’s body fights to keep pace, the real battle exists between a player’s ears.

“A lot of it’s in your head. You just have to deal with it. For the most part, as long as I can keep my core temperature up and my hands warm, I know I’ll be fine. But if you let the cold mess with you, it’s easy to start having issues. You can’t make excuses.”

Playing football in the league’s version of Siberia presents unique equipment challenges. The tech experts in Nike’s testing labs help him stand up to Green Bay’s extreme forces of nature.

“Nike gear keeps me warm - and that’s really the most important thing. It’s not baggy or bulky, and yet it keeps the heat on my body. It fits tight enough without restricting any movement.”

Nike Cold Weather Gear exceeds the needs of the world’s best football players in the face of their most extreme temperature enemies.

“Nothing can top Chicago last year - not even the (NFC Championship) playoffs. In Chicago, we played in 40 mph winds. They said it was three degrees outside, but it felt like negative thirty. If the championship game was negative twenty-five, then Chicago felt even colder than that. I’ve played with guys who’ve worn equipment that’s given them all kinds of problems on the field - especially in the cold. But we’ve played in some of the most miserable conditions of my sports career, and with Nike I’ve never had any problems.”

Check Out Cold Weather Gear >>