Replica’s Story
My jersey meant so much to me by the end of my time with a team. That grass and sweat-stained cloth with a few holes in it was nothing short of beautiful. It represented the dedication to others, lessons learned, and lifelong friendships made through being part of a team. All I wanted was to keep my game-worn jersey. Unfortunately, that was never an option for me. My youth leagues, high school, and even my college could not afford to replace jerseys year after year, forcing me to reluctantly return my jersey after each and every season of my athletic career.
On Christmas Day 2014, I unwrapped one of the best gifts I’ve ever received; my high school football jersey. The one I really wore. Number 7. The one I earned. On Christmas Day 2016, I felt that euphoric feeling once again as I unwrapped my college football jersey. The one I really wore. The one I won a championship in. The one I broke my collarbone in. The memories, the wins, the losses, the pain, the joy, all cycled through my mind as I held that navy blue and kelly green jersey in my hands. I wish every athlete could feel that.
Two years later, my mom told me how difficult it was to get those jerseys. She told me about the hoops she had to jump through. She told me how expensive it was to first, get the jerseys, and second, frame them. I thought there had to be a better way, a less expensive way, an easier way, to look up at your wall and be reminded of your time with a team.
That feeling is the driving force behind Replica. I want to provide every athlete with the ability to relive those memories by just glancing up at their wall. I also wanted to take away the headaches caused to coaches and athletic directors who deal with stolen jerseys, replacement costs, and budgeting issues on a yearly basis. Since the inception in early 2018, Replica has been providing athletes with a custom product that lasts a lifetime and serves as a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that goes in to earning a jersey and becoming part of a team.
We’ve provided thousands of athletes from across the United States with the feeling that I felt on Christmas Day through a personalized product that doesn’t break the bank. Providing those feelings of accomplishment, happiness, and teamwork to athletes at every level continues to be Replica’s mission.