We Wrote A Letter To The University Of Texas To Become Its Official Apparel Brand; UT Didn’t Respond

SteveHolt10 years ago

After nearly 17 years of business between Nike and The University of Texas, the Longhorns are open to hearing offers from other companies to become the official apparel brand of UT athletics. Under Armour, Adidas and even Russell Athletic have been mentioned as possible suitors for the coveted UT brand.

Seeing an opportunity to grow and shift the Rowdy Gentleman brand from the tailgating scene to the on-field action, we wrote Texas athletic director Steve Patterson a letter asking him to make RG the official apparel brand of UT athletics. Why bother with all the major players when you have one sitting right in your backyard?

This letter hit Steve’s direct email last week:

AUSTIN-Tex. In recent weeks, it has become apparent that The University of Texas (UT) athletic program is willing to listen to offers from apparel companies outside of its current partner, NIKE. Hell, just yesterday, Austin American-Statesman sports reporter Brian Davis suggested that UT might be entertaining offers from Russell Athletic. Russell Athletic?! Who knew they were still in business? Today, Austin-based Rowdy Gentleman (RG) is proud to join the race for consideration to be the official apparel partner of University of Texas athletics.

This is an open letter to UT Director of Athletics Steve Patterson. Look, we get it, you want to cut costs. You’ve charged alumni 25 bucks just to walk on the field during reunion weekends, upped season ticket prices 20-50 percent after another mediocre football season, and even took money out of the golf team’s budget to pay for a congratulatory ad celebrating Jordan Spieth after his Masters win. We don’t blame you Steve for being a greedy little penny-pincher. In fact, we want to help.

Rowdy Gentleman has a rich history of college apparel innovation; specializing in hilarious t-shirts, tank tops, flags, hats, and beer sleeves. We believe it would be cost effective for The University of Texas to sign a long-term deal making Rowdy Gentleman and Lady by Rowdy Gentleman the official apparel brands of Longhorn athletics.

“Steve, while we can’t compete with bigger brands on compensation, we promise to deliver no money back to the general university fund, in keeping with the ‘Patterson Plan’ for the Longhorn Network.” RG CEO Madison Wickham said. “We figured you’d like it that way.”

Although Rowdy Gentleman has never actually made on-field apparel (except for America’s most kick-ass gym shorts), it does specialize in tailgating apparel. RG is pleased to team up with Austin-based online retailer Man Outfitters for deals on tailgating essentials, including YETI coolers and Patagonia sportswear.

“Let’s be honest,” Wickham said. “Tailgating is the only good part of present-day UT sports anyway. No one wants to buy a UT football jersey after yet another disappointing season, but everyone likes a world-class cooler.”

Rowdy Gentleman promises not to make obnoxious team jerseys like other apparel brands. Outside of game-day Hawaiian shirts for coaches and staff, RG will attempt to maintain the burnt orange status quo.

“We know you like it as boring as possible,” RG apparel strategist Micah Wilson said. “Burnt Orange and White. White and White. We can handle that.”

Support local business, Steve. We know you are one who enjoys doing the unprecedented, so let Austin-based Rowdy Gentleman and Lady by Rowdy Gentleman help you create the coolest, most cost-effective, and globally relevant (we’re huge in Dubai!) Longhorn apparel on the market. Hook ‘em!

Well, after a weekend of intense deliberation, we are proud to announce that Steve Patterson has not emailed us back yet.

He’s probably on vacation, or crunching the numbers on RG apparel, or bringing in his team for some kind of extended due diligence on the RG brand. Makes sense. It’s always good to do your homework — or pay someone to do your homework for you.

Steve, if you’re reading this (we know you’ve got the Greek life connections), we want you to know that we are willing and ready to up the ante on that first order of Longhorns RG gear.

Don’t make us chase down a competitor. We know you want to cut costs, big guy. We can help.

Please email us back by EOB Friday, or we’ll have to reevaluate our offer..

Image via YouTube