North Carolina football will join the Jumpman family for the 2017 season,
An official announcement was made on Saturday at halftime of the UNC-Duke game, but it was reported on Friday, via Inside Carolina, that the Tar Heels’ football program will don Jordan Brand uniforms next season as part of its current Nike contract. North Carolina signed a 10-year deal with Nike, which owns Jordan Brand, in 2009 and is reportedly negotiating a new deal with the apparel giant.
Michael Jordan was even in Kenan Stadium on Saturday showing off some of the new UNC football gear along with head coach Larry Fedora.
“We’re excited to partner with Michael Jordan – the greatest athlete of all-time – to bring the Jumpman into the Carolina football program,” Fedora said. “Michael’s impact on the University of North Carolina and the sports landscape in this state is incredible. Our partnership will bring us a greater association with MJ and his brand on the football field moving forward.”
Nike signed the University of Michigan last spring, and this fall the Wolverines became the first major college football team to wear Jordan Brand uniforms. Given Michael Jordan’s ties to UNC and the prevalence of Jordan gear through the school’s current Nike deal, the move to Jordan Brand uniforms for the football team comes as no surprise. North Carolina basketball has been wearing Jumpman uniforms since the 1998-99 season.
As long as the Jumpman team keeps the argyle in the uniform -- it was just recently added to the Tar Heels’ standard home and away designs -- there will be no complaints.