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Are Reebok NFL jerseys still a thing?
You bet they are.
Even though they haven’t produced any since Tim Tebow was the starting QB for the Broncos…
Just consider the following:
- A recent search on Ebay for “NFL jerseys” showed that Reebok jerseys accounted for 35 of the 63 first page listings.
- Of the inquiries sent to this site’s “Real or Fake NFL Jersey?” Facebook post, 59% were for Reebok jerseys.
This makes perfect sense, if you think about it. To wit, the average age of NFL fans in the U.S. is 25-44. So, if you’re 44, then you were 26 when Reebok first started manufacturing NFL jerseys. And if you’re now 25, you were 16 years old when they stopped.
Even if you’re 19, your dad probably bought the impressionable 10-year old you an Eli Manning, Michael Vick, or another top-selling jersey back in 2011.
In the event of any of the above scenarios, chances are you owned a Reebok NFL jersey back in the day and are now looking to replace it.
Why a Reebok jersey?
The general consensus is that Nike jerseys have superior material, a better fit, and a more modern look.
Why, then, would anybody choose a Reebok over a Nike jersey?
Here are 2 reasons:
- Price. At this point, Reebok NFL jerseys are naturally cheaper than Nike. What can’t be stated, though, is how much cheaper. After all, nearly all Reeboks are second hand, and the prices are set by 3rd-party sellers on sites like Ebay & Amazon.
- Fit. Wait, didn’t I just say that Nike jerseys fit better? They are a better fit – on NFL players. And let’s face it, the average NFL fan is not built like the average NFL player. Nike NFL jerseys accentuate the body type – that’s good if you have an athletic build, bad if you have man boobs and/or a beer belly. In short, if you’re built more like Peter Griffin than Shaquill Griffin, then go with Reebok. More on the fit and sizes below.
Save on NFL Reebok Jerseys here.
Reebok NFL jerseys size chart
As you can see, Reebok jerseys are cut much larger:
| Size | Chest (in inches) | |
|---|---|---|
| Reebok | Nike | |
| S | 42 | 37.5 |
| M | 46 | 41 |
| L | 50 | 44 |
| XL | 54 | 48.5 |
| 2X | 58 | 53.5 |
In addition to a looser fit, Reebok jerseys are also longer – the back is 2 inches longer than the front, thus providing more um, coverage, for those who need it.
Reebok NFL jersey types
Like Nike, Reebok had 3 main types, or tiers, of NFL jerseys:
Authentic
Similar to the Nike Elite, these were the jerseys “just like the pros wore”. The numbers, player & team name are thoroughly stitched on, and the fabric is heavier and more durable than the other models. Numbered sizes.
Other key features are the broader shoulders, and elasticized sleeve cuffs. This was the priciest Reebok jersey, originally retailing for $250.
Premier
Made with a lighter material, the mid-tier model was otherwise identical to the Authentic – minus the cuffed sleeves & bigger shoulders. Lettered sizes. Retail price: $100.
Replica
The Reebok NFL Replica jerseys are a bit lighter than the Premier, and at $75, was the cheapest. Lettered sizes.
The biggest difference between the Replica and the other two types is the screen-printed names & numbers.
WHAT ARE THE NFL NIKE JERSEY TYPES?
Reebok NFL jerseys vs Nike
Here are the key differences between the brands:
Chart (below) | Infographic (link)
| Reebok | Nike |
|---|---|
| More suited for plus-sized fans, or those who prefer loose clothing | Better fit for athletic and slim body types |
| Cheaper in general | More expensive across the board |
| The heavier material is better suited for colder weather | 20-30% lighter and more breathable, ideal for warm climates |
| Greater number of pre-2012 player jerseys in circulation | Jersey selection includes most players from 2012 to present |
| Widely sold on resale sites, which also means more fake jersey listings | Availability is mostly restricted to authorized dealers, smaller risk of getting a fake |
Conclusion
Reebok NFL jerseys vs Nike is only a thing if the jersey you desire is of a player that entered the league before 2012.
So to reiterate, it boils down to 2 factors:
- Fit. To be clear, when I refer to the fit, it’s more about comfort than style or fashion. If you feel comfortable, you’ll look comfortable. On the other hand, you can feel physically comfortable, but the notion that your garment looks odd can lead to discomfort, regardless. So if fit is important, then your choice of brands is something only you can make, based on how you want to look and feel.
- Price. The difference in price between a Reebok and a Nike can be huge. The best-selling jersey of all time (Tom Brady) still goes for over 100 bucks at NFLShop.com, but you can get one for $46 on Ebay. Below are price comparisons for some Nike retired player jerseys at NFLShop.com and their Reebok equivalents on Ebay:
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.
| Player | NFLShop.com Price | Ebay Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ray Lewis | $129.99 | $50 | 62% |
| Charles Woodson | $109.99 | $39.99 | 64% |
| Tedy Bruschi | $129.99 | $39.99 | 69% |
| LaDainian Tomlinson | $129.99 | $31.99 | 75% |
| Brian Urlacher | $129.99 | $38.24 | 71% |
Worried that the NFL jersey you’re thinking of buying on Ebay is counterfeit? Learn How to Tell an Authentic NFL Jersey From a Fake.