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For the first time in forever, it's not hard to be a Detroit Lions fan.
The Lions would have NO DOUBT won the Super Bowl last year if not for a rash of ridiculous injuries. Fan rant aside, they're finally winning games and fun to watch. I can wear the Honolulu Blue with pride for the first time in my life.
The timing couldn't be better for one of my favorite golf brands ... Johnnie-O ... to sign a new partnership with the NFL to create a curated collection of officially licensed products for all 32 NFL teams. The NFL line features 29 different styles for men and women, ranging from polos to quarter-zips and other elevated lifestyle apparel. It's a fresh, premium take on fan gear.
The partnership is the biggest touchdown scored during a memorable year at Johnnie-O. The SoCal brand is still celebrating its 20th anniversary in style. I can forgive John O’Donnell, founder of Johnnie-O, for growing up a diehard Chicago Bears fan. Unless you're a Green Bay Packers Cheesehead, it's been a long 40-year championship drought for any teams in the NFC Central. Sadly, the Lions are one of two franchises that have never been in a Super Bowl in the modern era, let alone won one.
"This collaboration hits close to home," said O'Donnell, a talented player who qualified for the 2023 U.S. Senior Open. "We’re proud to join the NFL family and look forward to being part of fans’ game day traditions—and bringing a touch of Johnnie-O style to NFL fans everywhere.”
This new relationship continues a trend as Johnnie-O already includes licensed collections with the MLB, NHL, the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup and more than 200 colleges and universities. If you're a fan, Johnnie-O probably reps your team with some kind of comfortable gear. To shop the new NFL collection, click here.
O'Donnell started the business selling polos out of the trunk of his car, with family and friends his first customers. Today, it's one of golf's most recognizable brands. Earlier this year, we named Johnnie-O among the best golf polos costing more than $100. The spend always seems worth it. The upscale aesthetic, backed by a dude-with-a-surfboard logo that communicates a casual attitude, has gone mainstream. The featherweight fabric in the polos is almost impossibly thin and light - great for really hot days.
What I like best about Johnnie-O, however, is the brand's deep bench of products and fashions.
I'd never worn a single piece until I sat through a presentation at the PGA Merchandise Show in January. The vibe of "surfer man" - the Johnnie-O logo - hits all ages and demographics, whether you live in Michigan (where I'm from) or northern California (where I reside now).
I've upgraded from wearing just the polos to the brand's dress shirts and vests, which are both great for that post-round cocktail or a corporate event the following day. The colors of the Performance Button Up Shirt - Kyler ($138) really pop on a casual dress shirt that couldn't be more comfortable. The button down's secret weapon is the "tweener" button that's been patented, so you can let some chest show but not so much as to be obnoxious. The Denalis Double-Zip Fleece Vest ($138) is, hands down, the most comfortable vest I'll ever own. It hugs you like a good friend and is just as warm. Most out-of-staters don't realize how chilly SoCal can get when the marine layer moves in or the sun goes down. That's the thing: cold weather or warm, Johnnie-O's got you covered.
Literally.
Click here for the Limited Edition 20th anniversary line.
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