Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has his own clothing collection instead of aligning himself with a big sports brand, but experts say he "likely won't remain a sports apparel free agent for long," according to Lorraine Mirabella of the BALTIMORE SUN. Jackson "remains unaffiliated" with any major brand, apparel or otherwise. He promotes his Era 8 clothing line on Instagram. Jackson last November said he is open to Baltimore-based corporate sponsorships "if they come to me correct and we talk the right numbers and stuff like that." Mirabella notes UA already partners with the Ravens, and its name is on the team's practice facility in Ownings Mills. They also "collaborate on community and youth projects under a 10-year deal" made in '12. Baltimore-based NFL agent Samantha Sankovich said that Jackson will be in "high demand" because of being unsigned and because he is "likely to get" the league's MVP award for this season. Jackson said that aside from UA's Baltimore connection, he would "fit its focus on performance." But Nike has the "bigger budget" and is the NFL's uniform sponsor. Sankovich said that if UA "does plan to make a run for Jackson," the company "may have more competition than ever from a growing list of brands to make a name in football and other sports, names such as Puma, New Balance and Lululemon" (BALTIMORE SUN, 1/29).
