In Detail - First-Ever Nike Football Kit - From 1979
Oct 31, 2019, by Pat
Nike looked back to the archives for its third kits this year. While major clubs such as PSG and Barcelona only teamed up with Nike in the late 1980s / 1990s, the US brand had been active in football for a while before that even.
A while back we showed you the first-ever Nike football shirt in Europe, which was Sunderland's in 1983.
The brand's first-ever football kit was that of NASL club Portland Timbers in 1979, however, another few years prior. Nike's headquarter is in Portland, Oregon, so it was a logical choice.
The Portland Timbers 1979 Nike jersey is white with a large collar that's typical for the era. Subtle green and yellow details are present on the collar and sleeve cuffs to create an intricate design. Curiously, the Swoosh is placed on the right sleeve rather than the chest.
Following a short hiatus, Nike returned to the league and club in 1982.
Nike also made the Edmonton Drillers and Vancouver Whitecaps shirts in 1982.
What do you think about these first-ever Nike football jerseys? Which one's your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
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