Adidas returns three stripes to the NFL field

When Saints tight end Jimmy Graham took a flying leap over Panthers safety Roman Harper last Thursday night—on one of Graham's seven catches for 83 yards and a

When Saints tight end Jimmy Graham took a flying leap over Panthers safety Roman Harper last Thursday night—on one of Graham's seven catches for 83 yards and a touchdown in a 28-10 New Orleans' victory—he gave Adidas a big dose of something it hasn't had since 2012: exposure for the three stripes on an NFL field.

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In a new deal with the league, Adidas can again showcase the brand's three stripes logo on shoes and gloves. Nike, the official supplier of the NFL, dominates everything from uniforms to sideline gear. 

An Adidas spokesperson tells Edge that the company has "partnered with the National Football League" to bring the three stripes to the field of play on cleats and gloves for the first time since 2012. We saw Graham in the stripes on Thursday and will also see DeMarco Murray, Von Miller, Robert Griffin III, Frank Gore, Eric Berry and Sammy Watkins trying to make a mark for Adidas. 

Tim Newcomb covers stadiums, design and gear for Sports Illustrated. Follow him on Twitter at @tdnewcomb.

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