Some NFL teams have already been working on getting sponsors for practice jerseys. Here’s a Google News search.

Personally, I wouldn’t have a problem with having sponsors on game day jerseys. The 49ers could even factor it in as part of their stadium financing. I do see why people have a problem with it, but I don’t buy into the arguments about the sanctity of the uniforms. Of course, I also agreed with the people trying to get modest sponsorship stuff for the Golden Gate Bridge and some of the street cars and cable cars. Anything to help pay the bills!

But gameday jerseys? I dunno.
It just isn’t American Football.

I’m not here to judge European football, but the NFL has done a good job thus far maintaining the purity of the game. Alas, I was a little young to witness the glory days of the 49ers past, but I can well imagine, and I’m sure some of you could to, that seeing Rice running down the field for one of his many touchdowns, and seeing Taco Bell printed on the back of his jersey, would somehow cheapen the experience.

… I guess it’s just what you’re used to. In European football, it is unquestioned. But the vast majority of us have grown up with it (teams started displaying ads in the centre of the shirts in the 1970s, at least they did in the UK, not sure on the rest of Europe tbh). That co-incided with the shirts becoming more elaborate anyway, rather than the old-fashioned basic look, so I guess it wasn’t a huge issue for the fans back then to get their heads around.

But in a sport where there is no culture of it, I can definitely see why people would not want it. I kind of expected the reaction I’ve received so far – I was just interested to see if that would indeed by the case.

Appreciate the comments, thanks.

… and honestly, I’ve never liked it. I suppose it’s inevitable, but let’s just say it’s not going to me make more likely to buy a jersey.

It may be hard times for the American Economy, but I think the NFL is one of the few places that hasn’t really suffered.

As long as rookie contracts are still guaranteeing 40 million, the NFL Network still runs 24/7, overpriced stadium seats still sell out every game at 50,000+ capacity, and the gameday television market remains the strongest of the season…I just don’t see how the league can rationalize it.

Also, I was under the impression that the NFL value hard-nosed, blue-collared tradition more than any other American sport – to completely commercialize the uniforms would just be over the top. I mean, it’s bad enough that we’ve gone from Lambeau Field, Texas Stadium and Candlestick Park to Gillette Stadium, Heinz Field and Snickers Park on the corner of Under Armour Way and Hampers Diapers Boulevard.

I’m in favor if it can get that player who can help us win a super bowl.

Do any of you have that picture?
It was pretty funny….I believe it was VD’s jersey….

Well aren’t they already the one and only sponsor allowed on Jersey’s for the NFL! Yeah I know they are an apparel company and they make the jerseys, but in a broad sense they are a sponsor.

fans would mind rica-a-roni too much, just because of the SF connection.

NO NFL TEAM WILL EVER LOSE MONEY.
It’s probably the most stable cash cow in the country. There would simply be no need for one of the teams to make themselves look silly.
That being said, I wouldn’t be so sure about the NBA staying ad-free.

I wonder how long it will be before there’s 5" video screen on the back of their helmets, so every close up can also include an ad for Geico…