Football Archives | Page 6 of 7 | Sports Unlimited Blog

Rise Above The Bleachers With a Patented Stadium Chair

Check out our brand new product videos for one of our favorite items, the Patented Stadium Chair stadium seat! This durable, comfortable, portable stadium seat attaches to any bleacher, for instant back support and soft comfort. Perfect for parents and grandparents who love watching their kids shine on the field, but can’t stand sitting on those hard, cold bleachers all season long!

Admit it; you love seeing your kids play their favorite sports, but it’s a real pain in the…lower back…to have to sit on those hard, cold bleachers all game long! And if you have back problems like a lot of us do, you probably find yourself standing on the sidelines, or missing their games all together…all because of some uncomfortable old bleachers!

Someone ought to build a bleacher that’s actually comfortable!

Someone did.

Patented Stadium Chair

Enter the Patented Stadium Chair, a foldable, portable, and most importantly, comfortable stadium seat that easily attaches to any bleacher, new or old! Its steel frame gives you instant back support, while a cushioned bungee system and durable Cordova canvas bottom raise you off the cold, hard, and wet bleachers, to a new level of comfort that lasts all season long!

Relatively lightweight and easy to carry, with a built-in handle and simple hook attachment, the Patented Stadium Chair makes it comfortable and easy for everyone to go see the kids play. Finally, grandparents and great grandparents can watch their loved ones shine on the field! And with an almost limitless myriad of color combinations and customization options, you can really make these Stadium Chairs your own.

Check out our latest product videos and learn more about our favorite Stadium Chairs from SU’s very own Doug. See how they’ll change how you watch your kids’ games forever!

The Patented Stadium Chair

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siEq27IiVHY?rel=0]

Deluxe Wide Patented Stadium Chair

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaolfXmwbBA?rel=0]

Customized and Personalized Stadium Chair

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40FY9FvPZys?rel=0]

By Brandon Porter.

Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

How to Fit Football Shoulder Pads

Learn how to properly fit football shoulder pads to get the most coverage, performance, and safety from yours! Measuring shoulder pads is easy, once you know how to do it.

You spend a lot of money suiting yourself, or your child, up for the game. Helmets, chin straps, pads, cleats…they all help protect you on the field, but unfortunately, together they can all cost an arm and a leg! So to make sure you’re getting the most for your money, it’s incredibly important to find the right gear for your size. Improperly fitting football equipment, no matter how high-end and advanced, isn’t worth the box they put it in if it doesn’t fit you! This is why football shoulder pad sizing is so important.

Let me take a few minutes and run down the best way to measure and fit football shoulder pads, so you know you’re getting the most coverage and performance out of yours. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be in good shape:

Grab a friend or a parent. Measuring yourself can be awkward, and may lead to inaccurate readouts and ill-fitting shoulder pads.
Measure your chest. Standing up straight, have someone wrap a flexible measuring tape around your upper torso and record the measurements. Think about wearing a tight fitting shirt to get the most accurate, next-to-skin measurements possible.
Measure your shoulder width. Again, standing up straight, stretch the tape over the contour of your shoulders, between the AC joints (those are the joints between the tops of your shoulders), and record the measurements.
Weigh yourself. Typically, youth shoulder pads are sized by weight class, so to properly fit youth shoulder pads, it’s important to know your exact weight.

Once you have these numbers written down, you can start shopping for new football shoulder pads. SU has a huge selection of youth and adult shoulder pads for every position, age range, and budget, from the top brands like Schutt, Riddell, Douglas, and Bike…just saying.

When you find the shoulder pads for you, simply consult the size chart found on the product page, and use your shoulder pad measurements to know which size to select.

Now, once you receive them, it’s important to know how to put on football shoulder pads. You should also make sure they fit properly, and deliver the coverage and mobility you need before using them. When you get your pads, make sure to:

Bring the pads down over your head. Align the shoulder pads carefully, and be sure not to scratch your eyes or nose when putting them on.
Secure all straps and laces. Each shoulder pad front connector and strap system is different, depending on brand and position, but no matter what the configuration, make sure to properly connect the front and back of your pads. Then tightly buckle all belts and straps to get a snug, comfortable fit against the chest and back.
Check the fit. Once everything is secure, ensure the shoulder pads fit properly. The padding shouldn’t be pinching your collar, and should sit comfortably on your shoulders. Typically, about 1″ of padding should extend from your shoulders.
Check coverage in the front and back. The shoulder pads should fully cover your sternum and upper shoulders, as well as your scapula and rhomboid. Confirm this full coverage by extending your hands above your head. Properly fitting and measured shoulder pads should still cover these areas when lifted up.
Move around and double check the fit. Perform some on-field
actions in the new pads (even if it looks a little weird), to double check comfort, fit, and coverage in game-like situations.

Follow these steps, and you’ll get the absolute best coverage, performance, and comfort from your shoulder pads, no matter how much you spend on them.

And remember, if you have any further questions or concerns regarding your pads, or any other football gear for that matter, you can always consult Sports Unlimited’s Shoulder Pad Buyer’s Guide, or our huge library of football gear buyer’s guides, that cover every aspect of everything football from football helmets to thigh pads.

By Brandon Porter.Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

Nike Finally Reveals New NFL Jerseys

Nike unveils brand new NFL jerseys for all 32 franchises. All new Nike NFL jerseys now available at Sports Unlimited!

Tuesday night, in the low lights of a Brooklyn film studio, and somewhere between the muddy fields of the NFL and sleek runways of Bravo, Nike finally unveiled its long-awaited, newly designed NFL jerseys. Sleek and modern, yet somehow comfortingly familiar, all 32 franchise jerseys have been re-imagined by the sporting goods giant for the 2012 season.

In a huge media display, starring top players from every team, Nike showed off the new look, feel, material, and performance of each jersey, demonstrating their sleek design, closer fit, innovative ventilation system, durable fabric, and enhanced stretch and movement.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was on hand, and explained that the Nike redesign combined tradition and innovation.

“You can put innovation into the uniform without changing the look, necessarily, about it.” Goodell said.

Leaning more towards the “tradition” end of the spectrum, most franchises chose not to follow the trend of some college teams, like the Oregon Ducks or Maryland Terps, and left their classic colors and styles largely unchanged. Other teams, like the Seattle Seahawks, took a turn for the flashy, upgrading their look with bright neon and metallic linings. But all in all, every jersey got the full Nike treatment, for a cooler-than-ever look.

“Seattle has the hottest uniform right now,” New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas admitted. “So I’m a little jealous. But I still love my all black. I think it looks nice.”

After many years with Reebok, the NFL signed an exclusive deal with Nike in early 2012, to supply all 32 teams with new jerseys, belts, pants, socks, and gloves.

And now that they’ve been revealed, Sports Unlimited is happy to announce that we have a full shipment of Nike NFL jerseys in stock and ready to go! Available in youth sizes, our wide selection of jerseys from all your favorite teams and players will let you take your fandom into the next generation! Complete replicas of what your favorite player will wear on the field all season long, these new Nike NFL jerseys will be with you from the stands to your couch while you root for your team every Sunday.

Available for purchase starting at 12 AM, Friday May 27^th.

By Brandon Porter.

Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

Schutt Justin Tuck Facemask Available at SU

By now you’ve probably seen it, and thought to yourself, “Wow…since when did Justin Tuck start wearing a chain-link fence around his face?” But then it probably dawned on you that now, nobody’s fat fingers can get at him, making him virtually impervious to grabs, eye injuries, and neck torques on the line! And later, I’m sure you found yourself thinking, “You know what, that actually looks pretty sweet and intimidating! Where can I get one?” Well funny you should think that my friend, because we’ve got them right here at Sports Unlimited!

Designed to fit his Schutt ION 4D football helmet, the strong carbon steel “Justin Tuck Custom Facemask” tweaks the traditional ROPO (Reinforced Oral Protection Only) facemask, delivering six horizontal bars across the face, just under the eyes, for maximum facial protection on the field. With this bar setup, there’s no space for other players to grab onto, keeping your eyes and face safe from pokes and gouges, and making it almost impossible for someone to twist your neck from your facemask. And bonus; it also looks incredibly awesome!

Schutt Energy Wedge Facemask Integration

Because it’s built for the Schutt ION 4D, the Justin Tuck facemask uses the popular energy wedge technology, integrating entirely into the helmet. With this specialized attachment, the facemask becomes a shock absorber; actually absorbing 15% more impact energy when you get hit. It also gives you an insanely wide field of vision, so even with the added bars, you get a great view of the field through the facemask.

Justin Tuck Facemask for Schutt DNA Helmet — Chris Canty wears Justin Tuck facemask on DNA Pro+

This sweet custom football facemask is also available for the Schutt DNA Pro + football helmet. Worn by New York Giants DT Chris Canty, the Schutt DNA ROPO “Justin Tuck” Custom Facemask packs the same aggressive look and protective six bar design in a facemask that fits the popular Schutt DNA line of helmets.

Everyone’s talking about it, and for good reason. So pick one up today and hit the grid iron with one of the baddest football facemasks in history!

By Brandon Porter.Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

Football Gear Buyer’s Guides

Learn everything there is to know about football gear with Sports Unlimited’s football buying guides! With fully illustrated, interactive guides on football helmets, shoulder pads, pads, neck rolls, facemasks, and more, there’s no football equipment question we can’t answer.

We know how hard it can be finding the perfect football helmet, shoulder pads, cleats, and pads for you or the player in your life. With so many choices out there, from so many brands, in so many styles, the decision is completely overwhelming!

Do I choose by price?

Do I choose by popularity?

Do I choose by style?

Do I just close my eyes, click, and hope for the best?

Just like G.I. Joe, we here at Sports Unlimited think “knowing is half the battle.” The more you know about shoulder pads, helmets, facemasks, and all of the other complicated equipment out there, the easier it is to choose which one is right for you right? Well, to make life easier, and learn you a thing or two, we have created some amazing and in-depth guides for all of your equipment.

Have you ever wanted to know the differences between a quarterback’s shoulder pads and a full-back’s shoulder pads?

Have you ever sat back and thought; what makes an ROPO facemask different from an NOPO facemask?

Has not understanding the use of TPU cushioning in Schutt helmets kept you up at night?

Well fret no more my football friends! Give these guides a once over and you’ll know everything you ever wanted to about our entire selection of equipment.

In all seriousness though, these guides are a great source of information on:

Proper sizing
Technology
Brand information
Design features
Materials
Age-appropriate choices

Most of our buyer’s guides even feature a comparison chart, so you can instantly see the differences and features of our most popular products!

Fully illustrated, with easy-to-read content, our football buyer’s guides will teach you everything you need to know about:

Best Football Helmets

Over the last couple of years, safety concerns regarding football helmets and concussions have become a most pressing issue. Safety issues in football are now ubiquitous, ranging from increased safety measures in the NFL to academics rating the best football helmets. And now legislation is spreading across America aimed at treating student-athletes with concussions.

Football helmet manufacturers are very aware of this, which is why they have created the most innovative and advanced helmets the sport has ever seen. Helmets have radically transformed over the last 10 years into engineering marvels.

To try and clear some things up, we at Sports Unlimited have compiled a list of what we believe are the best football helmets available on the market today. This includes both adult football helmets and youth football helmets, and it should come to no surprise that we believe the best youth football helmets are just the youth versions of the best adult football helmets. The adult and youth versions of these football helmets are nearly identical, with only slight differences in their make and/or build. Enough though. The best football helmets are…

The Best Football Helmets: Continue reading “Best Football Helmets”

Fox adds Music to NFL broadcasts

Fox Network is known to have a history with testing the boundaries. Apparently, their NFL broadcasts are their latest test subject. Last week, during the Seahawks-49ers broadcast, Fox experimented by playing music in between plays and during replays. Check out the video below and listen for yourself:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQu0ynlNtbg&feature=player_embedded]

They will be trying it again during the Cardinals – Panthers game this Sunday, and they haven’t ruled out using music during this year’s Super Bowl.

What are your thoughts on this – Like or dislike? If you watched the Seahawks-Niners game from last week, what’d you think of it during the actual game?

Being an NFL purist, I’m not a big fan of this “innovation,” but I will reserve judgment until I actually watch a game with music myself.

College Football Report – Is this the year it finally happens?

It’s early November, which means the college football season is officially in serious-mode. Every game from this point forward is immensely important, especially with teams that have BCS aspirations. Over the last few years, non-BCS schools (i.e. Boise State, Utah, TCU) have gotten oh so close to making it to the BCS Championship Game, but each time they inevitably fell short. There was always a marquee name in their way, whether that be Florida, Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, Oklahoma, or Texas, that just pushed those non-AQ schools to the side. But something is different this year.

This year, the mighty may have not completely fallen, but they’ve bled. Texas has been out of the conversation for a month. USC, who was already disqualified from a bowl this year, is 5-3. Alabama lost to South Carolina. Florida is a shell of its recent self. Oklahoma lost to Missouri. Continue reading “College Football Report – Is this the year it finally happens?”

Deals of the Day – Franklin NFL and NCAA Kids Jersey and Helmet Set – Guaranteed Halloween Delivery Date

You may have procrastinated a bit but it’s not too late – NFL Youth Football Jersey and Helmet Sets by Franklin are now guaranteed to be delivered by Halloween if you order before 5:00 am Monday morning! Not only that, but they’re on sale for $24.99, down from $34.99 (That’s 29% off for you non-math majors)!

Hot Products – Columbia NCAA Fleeces and Jackets and Nike NCAA Hoodies

One of this season’s hottest sellers is Columbia Sportswear’s NCAA Fleece and Jacket Collection. This collection of men’s and women’s fleece jackets, full-zip water-resistant jackets, half-zip jackets, and reversible insulated vests has been flying off the shelves over the last two weeks. These are perfect for the cool autumn days ahead, especially when you’re tailgating before (and after) the game!

And for the guys out there, if you think of yourself as more of a “hoodie-type person”, check out our updated NCAA College Hoodies section that’s loaded with new sweatshirts, including the uber-popular Classic College Logo Hoodie line by Nike. These soft-fleece lined hoodies feature your favorite school’s logo prominently on the chest and a convenient front pouch to keep your hands warm.