How to Spot Fake NFL Jerseys

Tom Brady's uniform shows the "shield" at the base of the collar and the Reebok logo on the sleeve.

Counterfeit jerseys of National Football League teams can be hard to spot. The NFL aggressively protects its brand but can't stop all of the knock-offs. Collectors looking for game-worn jerseys, or shoppers looking for gifts, can follow a few rules to know they're getting the real thing. For starters, check the NFL site for the current price of a real jersey. Anything far less than that price is likely not an authentic product. Beyond that, there are a few other things to check on the jersey.

Instructions

1. Check the font of the number and lettering against a photograph of the real jersey. The numbers on a Chiefs uniform will not look the same as the numbers on a Cardinals jersey. Also, check the number and location of any stripes on the sleeves.

2. Check the texture of the letters, logos and numbers. They feel smooth and thin on a real jersey. If they appear to be loose or "bubbly" take a pass on that jersey.

3. Check the jersey for heavy mesh material with spandex sides. There is nothing "cheap" about the material. Real jerseys also have a Reebok logo on the sleeves, and all carry the "shield." The shield is the NFL logo on the collar.

Tips & Warnings

• There are legal replica jerseys, which are also sold on the NFL website. These jerseys cost far less than authentic jerseys, and the seller should clearly identify them as replicas. On the NFL site in 2011, replicas cost a little more than $100 while authentics cost $240 and up.

• Avoid buying jerseys online unless you truly trust the dealer. A collector told National Public Radio in 2011 there were about 500,000 fakes floating around eBay.

References

• NFL Jerseys
• NPR: Counterfeit Jerseys

Resources

• Cheap NFL Jerseys