2001 Tom Brady Authentic Adidas Jersey

It's been a while since my last post, but I'm back and I have a legitimate question about this 2001 Tom Brady "authentic" jersey I have. I wanted to cross reference it with any other jersey collectors that have a 2001 authentic Adidas sewn Patriots jersey. I wanted to know if the materials were the same, how the stitching looked, etc.

I have a number of game issued/worn jerseys from 2000-2001, and the materials are ever so slightly different. I have a theory about the mass production of Tom Brady jerseys in 2001, and it might sound ludicrous, but maybe someone can enlighten me.

<Theory>Is it safe to say that at the beginning of the 2001 season, Tom Brady didn't have any game-authentic jerseys manufactured by Adidas? Once Tom became the starter and his popularity grew, would the Patriots pro shop or even Adidas North America have to convert other player's jerseys to Tom Brady ones to fulfill a demand with little to no supply?

I wonder because if someone wanted a Tom Brady jersey late in the 2001 season, and was willing to dish out $250+ at the time for a game-authentic (now Nike Elite) jersey, the Patriots pro shop probably didn't have any pre-manufactured. They most likely scrambled to customize some on the spot or Adidas was smart enough to "mass produce" them from recycled jerseys like linemen or less popular players from the 2001 season.

Just wondering because I can't tell if they were even made in a season where Brady started as a back up to Bledsoe who signed a mega contract extension earlier that year. I was hoping anyone would have any insight into whether or not Adidas or the Patriots pro shop were smart enough to capitalize on a rare opportunity to make money on jerseys that otherwise wouldn't sell since Reebok was going to manufacture the entire NFL jersey line the following year in 2002.</Theory>


2001 Authentic Sewn Adidas Home Jersey #12, Tom Brady, Size 48

I know for sure that Reebok kept blank jerseys so that if a player had a great year and demand increased then they would just put on the numbers etc.

It's likely that Adidas did the same. And once Brady took over people would have looked to order customised jerseys. Before Reebok got the monopoly you could get jerseys customised by many companies. EPS, Stahls are two. The NFL and reebok stopped that so that people had to buy more jerseys.

Billsfan wrote:

It's likely that Adidas did the same. And once Brady took over people would have looked to order customised jerseys.

So my wild theory isn't all that unjustified? That's rewarding to know.

Billsfan wrote:

Before Reebok got the monopoly you could get jerseys customised by many companies. EPS, Stahls are two. The NFL and reebok stopped that so that people had to buy more jerseys.

This makes a ton of sense. Would these companies still provide tackle & twill numbers and lettering for those that want to self customize their jerseys?

Lastly, is my "authentic" actually authentic?

You can get twill number kits from suppliers but they won't do the jerseys. Yes your jersey is authentic.

Billsfan wrote:

Yes your jersey is authentic.

Woo Hoo! You made my day! I was a little worried since this is my all time most wanted/desired jersey, and I thought it was too good to be true that I found and purchased one.

On a separate note, I wanted to know your thoughts on adding information to your "How To Spot a Fake" section. I think it would be beneficial for people to see a timeline of styles for the size and manufacturing country white tag inside the collar for both Reebok and Nike jerseys. I know it's one of the things I look for when trying to spot an authentic or fake jersey. Just a suggestion.

Where is this made in?

lupin879 wrote:

Where is this made in?

The jersey is made in the U.S.A.

Authentic or game issued?

Authentic

Are you sure? Photo?

lupin879 wrote:

Are you sure? Photo?

Photo of what? I've posted a number of photos of the jersey in my original post. What more do you want to see?

I'd want photo on made in USA there isn't of an authentic jersey

lupin879 wrote:

I'd want photo on made in USA there isn't of an authentic jersey

Does this work?

Yes do you know pro line Wilson? I have one Kansas city of montana 1993 pro line is this like an authentic Retail or what?

Can you take a photo on the tag where it is written the material? Nylon or polyeste ?