Hail To History

The Challenge: Restoring a Tarnished Legacy

Legends on Feet: Commanders x New Balance

28/81 Double Sneaker Pack

To honor Art Monk and Darrell Green, we're launching the Commanders × New Balance double sneaker pack-featuring exclusive NB 990 V1s in home whites for Art and NB 993s in away burgundies for Darrell. Inspired by classic Washington uniform color ways, this is the first time an NFL team has dropped a double sneaker pack, making it a unique tribute to these two legends.

Building Hype for the Drop

These sneakers will be available exclusively at Northwest Stadium during the week of the jersey retirement. To build anticipation, we'll use social media, community events, and pregame tunnel appearances to hype the release, taking inspiration from classic sneaker drops of decades

Bridging Legends with the Future

Where Legends Meet the Next Generation

Washington D.C. is more than just home to the Commanders-it's a hub of football talent. Clamp Camp is set to become the premier proving ground for wide receivers (WRs) and defensive backs (DBs) in the DMV area. Led by legends like Darrell Green and Art Monk, the camp will offer high-pressure drills, expert advice from current players like Terry McLaurin, and exposure from top coaches.

To add even more star power, we aim to bring in alumni like Fred Smoot, Champ Bailey, and Santana Moss, making this an unparalleled experience for athletes of all ages.

Client
Washington Commanders

Year
2024

In early 2024, the Washington Commanders sought to honor two of their greatest legends, Darrell Green and Art Monk, with a campaign that would re-establish their legacy as champions. As the Creative Director, Art Director, and Graphic Designer, I led the charge to create a memorable experience for fans and players alike.

We developed the “Forever 281” Campaign, a year long celebration that would integrate the jersey retirements into NFL’s biggest moments, from the Combine to Training Camp, culminating in a grand game day event.

Washington coined “Route 281” for Art & Darrell’s journey to Canton (Footballl HOF). The phrase Forever 281 reliances the concept with the permanence of a jersey retirement while the design visually calls back to DC iconography.

Made in collaboration with Stephon Jacob & Jack Cornett

Draft Day

During Day 2 of the NFL Draft, viewers are taken on a special journey. The live feed cuts to Washington legend Art Monk in the Commanders' war room as he shares the news with the next draftee. Moments later, Darrell Green appears on stage in Detroit to officially announce the pick.

This seamless transition between past and future highlights the enduring legacy of these icons.

Above: HOME 91, Below: AWAY LEGACY 70

Honoring Greatness in Historic Spaces

Immediately after the draft pick, a pre-filmed segment shows Monk and Green in the Library of Congress. Surrounded by American triumph, they reflect on their journey as their iconic jersey numbers, 28 and 81, are unveiled above them. This powerful moment cements their place in history before the draft resumes, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Content Series: Legends on Legends

Conversation With Icons

NMAAHC Partnership:
Black History Personified

Entryway Exhibit at the National Museum of African American History

Art monk and Darrell Green are more than football legends- they’re black history personified. To honor their contributions, we’re partnering with the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) for a special exhibit at the museum’s entrance.

Their leadership in advocating for organizational change off the field and their community impact deserves to be remembered forever. This exhibit will not only reach thousands of weekly visitors but will also extend into live game broadcasts, ensuring their legacy lives on beyond the day of the jersey retirement.

A Legendary Throwback Celebration

It's been 32 years since Commanders fans last celebrated a Super Bowl ring, making this jersey retirement the perfect occasion to relive the glory days. We're throwing a late-night, '90s-themed party, featuring original '90s hip-hop acts, a live DJ, and a special rerelease of exclusive 1992 Super Bowl Championship gear featuring updated branding.