Who owns NOBULL? Meet the owners behind 2023 NFL Combine sponsor

The NFL Combine has a new sponsorship deal - with NOBULL - for the first time since 2008. Marcus Wilson and Michael Schaeffer founded the Boston-based athletic clothing and footwear business.

The NFL's official Combine training partner and on-field clothing and hat provider for the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is the training gear and shoe firm NOBULL. Prospective draft picks are obligated to wear NOBULL apparel for all on- and off-field events.

The NOBULL product portfolio focuses on eliminating extraneous material and offering a "no excuses" foundation so that sportsmen from all backgrounds can concentrate on improving. NOBULL seeks to provide a means of satisfying the requirements of its customers by providing functions where they are required and concentrating on innovation that keeps the merchandise simple.

The NFL has previously owned shares in garment and footwear businesses. Nevertheless, those ownerships took the form of additional shares that were received as compensation for licensing agreements, such as those with Under Armor and Reebok in the past. The NFL is now making a direct investment in NOBULL.

NOBULL offers a selection of footwear for sale, including trainers, running shoes, and cycling shoes. It sells equipment for sports like swimming, golf, and running, but there's yet to be a section for football.

It's uncertain if that will change, but it's evident that the business wants deeper links with the NFL. It signed quarterback Mac Jones of the New England Patriots to a sponsorship deal in 2021. Bryce Young from Alabama and Will Levis from Kentucky are the other quarterbacks under contract with the business.

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When was NOBULL founded?

Marcus Wilson and Michael Schaeffer founded NOBULL in 2015. The two made the decision to use their previous experience as Reebok workers to chart a new career path.

Reebok Nanos has become one of the most renowned sneakers for Crossfit, as anyone particularly familiar with Crossfit would attest.

Wilson and Schaeffer worked with Crossfit instructor Ben Bergeron because of his expertise in Crossfit culture, but they also combined their experience of marketing and branding from their time at Reebok.

They were Reebok employees who were aware of the competition from well-known companies. That required them to provide a distinct solution on par with well-known brands.