Every year, NFL teams produce thousands of Super Bowl merchandise in the hope of celebrating their victory. From hats and t-shirts to commemorative coins and championship rings, these items are meant to immortalize a team’s legacy forever.
But what happens to all the merchandise that was created for the losing teams? What do they do with these goods that commemorate their biggest disappointment? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the tactics and strategies that teams use to dispose of these sad reminders of what could have been.
- Donate to Charity
One way that losing teams dispose of their merchandise is by donating it to charity. In many cases, these items go to impoverished communities or disaster relief centers where they can help those in need. The NFL has a longstanding partnership with Goodwill Industries, and many teams have donated their unused merchandise to Goodwill stores across the country. While some may think that donating these items is a waste, it’s important to remember that they can still bring joy and comfort to those who receive them.
- Shred Them into Pieces
Another way that teams dispose of their lost merchandise is by shredding them into tiny pieces. The reason for this is to ensure that the items are unusable and cannot be resold or given away. While it may seem like a waste, it’s important to note that the NFL is a multi-billion dollar industry, and the cost of producing these items is a mere drop in the bucket compared to their financial gains.
- Sell Them Overseas
When it comes to selling lost merchandise, there is a market for everything. Teams often sell their excess merchandise to companies that specialize in buying distressed goods and reselling them overseas. While these items may be considered worthless in the US, they can bring in a profit in other countries. This not only recoups some of the team’s initial investment but also opens up new markets for these items to be sold.
- Archive Them
Some teams choose to keep their losing merchandise as part of their archives and historical record. These items serve as key pieces of team history and can be used for future exhibits and displays. While this may seem like a strange way to dispose of the merchandise, it’s important to remember that sports teams are an integral part of our country’s cultural heritage, and preserving their history is just as important as preserving any other piece of history.
- Give Them to the Opposing Team
Finally, some teams have been known to give their losing merchandise to the opposing team as a sign of respect and sportsmanship. While this may seem like an odd gesture, it’s important to remember that these teams have just gone through a grueling and often emotionally charged competition, and showing respect and goodwill can go a long way in fostering healthy competition and camaraderie.
Conclusion:
While losing merchandise may seem like a sad reminder of what could have been, it can still serve a valuable purpose. From donating to charity to archiving for future generations, these items have many potential lives beyond the Super Bowl. Whether teams choose to shred them, sell them, or give them away, the lessons of sportsmanship and respect are always at the forefront. So the next time you come across losing super bowl shirts, know that it has a story and history all of their own and that it serves as an important reminder that life is often about how we handle defeat, rather than how we handle victory.
