Lions WR Nate Burleson last month launched his own T-shirt brand, Lionblood, and the team on Friday planned to debut the line at its training facility and "have the Ford Field team store in Detroit stocked by the first preseason game" next Friday, according to Michael Martinez of the DETROIT NEWS. The brand, which "started as a simple hashtag on Twitter to promote pride" in the team has "quickly evolved into a series of popular T-shirts and tank tops that Burleson created" with Michigan-based fashion designer Robert Montalvo. The website, Lionblood.com, launched in late June, and has "nearly crashed because of demand." The brand is "personal for Burleson: He’s a Leo, born Aug. 19, 1981." But Lionblood, which he calls a "lifestyle, is meant to connect with fans -- and fashion lovers -- on a deeper level." Lions Senior VP/Marketing & Partnerships Elizabeth Parkinson said that the team can "sell Burleson’s product in its stores since it doesn’t feature the Lions logo and doesn’t conflict with NFL merchandise rules." Similarly, the team carries Pro Football HOFer Charlie Sanders’ barbecue sauce, and a T-shirt of QB Matt Stafford "inspired by a Monday Night Football commercial." Lionblood "falls under the umbrella of Burleson’s clothing company, BLINE, and the receiver said he wants to continue in the business world after he’s done catching footballs" (DETROIT NEWS, 8/2).
TIE GAME: Saints S Malcolm Jenkins has launched his Rock Avenue Bow Ties venture. Jenkins named the company after the main street in Piscataway, N.J., where he grew up. Rock Avenue will debut 14 bow ties and nine pocket squares. Jenkins teamed up with New Orleans Design, Development & Manufacture for the concept (Rock Avenue).
