A hush fell over the Cincinnati Bengals practice field, but it wasn’t due to a spectacular play. All eyes were on the feet of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, who stepped out in a pair of “Swooshless” Air Jordans, sending the sports fashion world into a frenzy and sparking immediate speculation about the status of his high-profile Joe Burrow Nike contract.

The subtle yet powerful style choice, first noted during the team’s opening preseason game, involved a customized pair of Jordans with the iconic Nike Swoosh logo meticulously removed. For an athlete of Burrow’s stature, whose fashion choices are dissected as intently as his throwing mechanics, such a move is rarely accidental.

Is Joe Burrow’s Nike Deal Coming to an End?

The absence of the Swoosh on Burrow’s footwear is a glaring signal in the world of athlete endorsements. Industry experts interpret such a move as a clear indication that a player’s existing contract with the brand has either expired or is in serious jeopardy. Burrow has long been a prominent Nike athlete, and his partnership has been a significant part of his off-field brand identity, making this development particularly noteworthy.

This speculation is fueled by a recent wave of quarterback movement in the apparel space. As reported by Sports Illustrated in August 2024, top NFL quarterbacks like the Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams and the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen have recently signaled new partnerships with New Balance, demonstrating a shifting landscape. Burrow’s situation appears to follow this emerging trend of elite QBs exploring options beyond the traditional sportswear giants.

Beyond the Swoosh: Burrow’s Broader Brand Portfolio

While Nike has been a cornerstone, Burrow’s fashion influence extends beyond the Oregon-based behemoth. He is a well-known and outright advocate for the wellness apparel brand Alo Yoga and is frequently seen sporting their products off the field. However, since Alo Yoga does not manufacture football cleats, the quarterback is compelled to seek other partnerships for his on-field gear, leaving the door wide open for a new technical apparel sponsor to enter the fray.

The careful curation of his public image suggests this footwear choice is a calculated business decision rather than a simple style preference. It serves as a public negotiation tactic, demonstrating his market value to other brands while potentially signaling his intent to move on from Nike.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Speculation

The internet, as always, was quick to react. Social media platforms lit up with theories and jokes about Burrow’s bold fashion statement. One fan on X quipped, “He had to get the Temu version since the Bengals organization is broke,” while another offered a more analytical take: “Looks good! Must not have a beef with Nike, though, ’cause he’s wearing their socks.” Other comments compared the minimalist sneakers to “the 2k generics” or “stock shoes your NBA Street player starts in,” highlighting how the missing logo completely altered the shoes’ perception.

The intrigue surrounding Joe Burrow’s Nike contract is a powerful reminder that in modern sports, an athlete’s influence is measured not just in yards and touchdowns, but in cultural impact and marketability. His “Swooshless” statement, a masterclass in subtle branding, has successfully turned a preseason practice into a headline-grabbing business story, leaving fans and analysts eagerly watching his next step—both on and off the field.

Must Know

What does “Swooshless Jordans” mean?
It refers to a pair of Nike’s Air Jordan sneakers that have been custom altered to remove the iconic Nike Swoosh logo. For an athlete under contract, this is a significant act as it violates standard endorsement agreement terms.

Is Joe Burrow still with Nike?
As of August 2025, the situation is unclear. His appearance in logo-less Nike Jordans strongly suggests his previous contract has either expired or is being renegotiated, and he is likely exploring offers from other apparel companies.

What other brands does Joe Burrow work with?
Burrow has a prominent and well-publicized partnership with the wellness apparel company Alo Yoga. He is frequently seen wearing their clothing, though they do not produce athletic performance cleats for football.

Why would Joe Burrow leave Nike?
Athletes often change brands for a more lucrative contract, greater creative control over signature products, or a better alignment with their personal brand identity. The recent moves of other QBs to brands like New Balance show a competitive market.

Could this affect what cleats he wears in games?
Absolutely. While this incident involved practice sneakers, his choice of game-day cleats will be the ultimate indicator of which brand, if any, has secured his services for the upcoming NFL season.

What brands might sign Joe Burrow?
While purely speculative, brands like New Balance (who recently signed other QBs), Under Armour, or even a lifestyle brand looking to break into performance football could be potential suitors for a style icon like Burrow.