Tag: Tim Cook

Auburn to officially make the switch from Under Armour to Nike

Auburn’s long-time deal with Under Armour will expire in 2025, paving the way for Nike to become the program’s official uniform provider.

After spending 18 seasons as Auburn’s official uniform and apparel provider, Under Armour will make one last run on the Plains in 2024.

Auburn Athletics announced Tuesday that its deal with Under Armour will end next summer, paving the way for Nike to become the program’s next provider of uniforms, shoes, and apparel. Auburn athletic director [autotag]John Cohen[/autotag] is excited for the next chapter in Tigers’ athletics.

“We are excited to enter this new partnership with Nike, a brand that consistently champions athletes and sport around the world. We are appreciative of their strong support throughout this process. We believe that our 10-year agreement, beginning in July 2025, will continue to elevate Auburn and best serve our student-athletes and our university moving forward. We are also grateful to Kevin Plank and Under Armour for their 18 years of valued partnership in growing the Auburn brand and serving our student athletes, coaches, and fans. We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate this relationship throughout the final year ahead.”

Under Armour became Auburn’s official uniform outfitter in 2006, replacing Auburn’s deal with longtime provider, Russell Athletic. The original contract was for five years and was worth $10.6 million. In 2015, Auburn restructured its contract for 10 years and $78.1 million, plus $10 million in Under Armour stock.

Justin Hokanson of Auburn Live reports that Apple CEO and Auburn alum [autotag]Tim Cook[/autotag] played a major role in negotiations. [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] were also open to moving on from Under Armour in favor of Nike.

Auburn’s current contract with Under Armour will expire in the Summer of 2025, and Nike will become Auburn’s official uniform provider immediately following the final event of the 2024-25 athletic season.

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Auburn Alumni: The Tigers most famous graduates and attendees

A look at 12 of the most notable alumni from Auburn University, how many can you name? #WarEagle

Auburn University is known for more than just its athletic accomplishments. They have won national championships, but some of their students and alumni have done the Tigers proud off the field as well.

Top Alumni are even known for accomplishments following their time on the Plains. Currently, one of those notable graduates is the CEO of one of the top technology companies in the world.

As far as current students, they have an Olympic Gold Medalist currently partaking in the War Eagle way of life. Sunisa Lee won gold before coming to the Plains to join the gymnastics program. Just as she did representing Team USA, she has taken the SEC world by storm.

Some of the top graduates from Auburn have gone on to be politicians, work for NASA, and even become top athletes in their sports.

Auburn Wire looks at the top 12 most notable people to attend the university over the years.

Watch: Auburn legends, coaches appear in Auburn Unity video

Some major Auburn legends along with current coaches appear in this video.

The CEO of Apple, an Oscar winner, a former NBA MVP and, oh yeah, Bo Jackson appeared in a video released by Auburn athletics on Thursday urging everyone to take part int he new Together We Will initiative and to buy an Auburn Unity t-shirt.

We also can’t forget Gus Malzahn, Bruce Pearl and Tim Hudson as well.

From the athletic department’s press release:

In collaboration with the Auburn Athletics Task Force on Inclusion and Race Relations, and in response to itsrecommendations made on August 28, Auburn Athletics announced the Together We Will initiative on Thursday.  The goal of the initiative is to support and advance the Auburn Family in its quest toward positive action on diversity, equity and inclusion.

As a part of the Together We Will initiative, Auburn athletic teams will incorporate the Auburn Unity Symbol on their uniforms, equipment, warm-up gear or travel bags. The logo serves as a visual representation of people from all walks of life coming together and uniting as one.

“Every family is made up of people with individual thoughts and at times family members disagree. Families also love and support each other despite those disagreements.  Through sport, there is an opportunity to acknowledge differing points of view and unite for a greater purpose,” director of athletics Allen Greene said.  “The Auburn Unity Symbol represents the oneness we seek to instill in our teams and throughout our community.  I applaud the leadership of our coaches, staff and student-athletes for their efforts. Lastly, I encourage the Auburn Family to embrace what makes us unique and enthusiastically support Together We Will.”

Fans are encouraged to support the initiative by purchasing the official Auburn Unity shirt through the AU Team Shop.  A portion of proceeds will go to the newly created Together We Will Scholarship, created to support the University’s efforts to achieve a robust and diverse enrollment of students while enhancing access, affordability and academic quality.  Supporters can also make a financial contribution directly to the scholarship.

“This is an important time for the Auburn Family to unite together towards a common cause,” football coach Gus Malzahn said.  “The unity t-shirts will help raise money to make a difference towards scholarships that promote diversity and inclusion. I encourage everyone to join together and support this initiative.”

“At Auburn University, we’re here to make a difference,” men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl said. “Auburn is the loveliest village on the plains, unique in its character, and we want to share it with everyone. Through individual contributions and the sale of t-shirts, we are going to create scholarships to recruit and retain students, promote diversity and inclusion and make Auburn an even better university. Together we will.”

More information related to the Together We Will initiative, as well as other sustainable action items from the Auburn Athletics Task Force on Inclusion and Race Relations will be announced throughout the 2020-21 academic year.

Several former Jags set to take field in XFL’s return

Tre McBride is one of several former Jags who could be an early contributor in the XFL, which will have its first game on Saturday.

The NFL season may be over with Super Bowl LIV in the books, but thanks to the return of the XFL, football season will continue. The first couple of games will kick off Saturday February 8 and will run through April 19, which will mark the date of the league’s championship game.

Last month, all eight teams finalized their rosters and several Jags manage to stick. Here are the 17 former Jags who will be apart of the XFL’s return:

DC Defenders

  • CB Doran Grant
  • CB Jalen Myrick
  • DT Tony Guerad
  • S Cody Brown

Houston Roughnecks

  • CB Saivion Smith
  • OL Demetrius Rhaney
  • OL Avery Gennesy
  • S Cody Brown

Los Angeles Wildcats

  • WR Tre McBride
  • RB Dujuan Harris
  • RB Elijah Hood

New York Guardians

  • RB Tim Cook III
  • LB Nick DeLuca
  • DT T.J. Barnes

St. Louis BattleHawks

  • DT Marcus Hardison

Tampa Bay Vipers

  • QB Chase Litton
  • CB Bryce Canady
  • TE DeAndre Goolsby

Analysis

The New York Guardians, Los Angeles Wildcats, and DC Defenders will be worth watching the most if you’re looking for former Jags who could have a big impact.

For the Guardians, linebacker Nick DeLuca could be a big contributor in terms of tackles as he’s one of the few names above who has played in a regular season football game with the Jags. He started in two games for the Jags and participated in nine, accumulating 10 tackles and a sack.

Running back Tim Cook could be a bruiser type tailback for the Guardians at 6-foot-0, 247 pounds, and I could see head coach and former Jags assistant Kevin Gilbride utilizing him a lot this XFL season. Additionally, defensive tackle T.J. Barnes is a player who could eat up double teams in the middle of the Guardians’ defense at 6-foot-7, 365 pounds.

The Defenders’ defense could have some early contributions from corners Jalen Myrick and Doran Grant. Myrick offers elite speed and ran a 4.28 at the 2017 combine, so he could be utilized both on defense and maybe on special teams.

Grant, on the other hand, played alongside Myrick a lot in the 2017 preseason when with the Jags. His scrappiness should definitely get him some time on the field as he proved to be someone who was always near the ball in the Jags’ preseason practices.

Lastly, the name to look out for with the Los Angeles Wildcats is that of receiver Tre McBride. He was close to making the Jags’ final roster last year but was ultimately beat out by C.J. Board. If his hands have improved, he could be a go-to guy for the Wildcats through the air as he offers them a target with good size (6-foot-0, 210-pounds).