The HOMAGE x Starter Corp GOAT jacket was born out of a simple idea: create the greatest jacket of all time to celebrate the greatest athletes of all time. Using only the finest materials, we set out to design a fresh take on the classic varsity jacket—a tribute to legendary players and craftsmanship.
This year, I experienced two of the most fulfilling moments of my career, both rooted in months of planning, collaboration, and partnership. Reflecting on these releases, I’m reminded that it’s the power of working together that truly brings ideas to life.
A huge thank you to our incredible partner, G-III Apparel Group. What started with just a few wholesale jacket SKUs years ago has evolved into an important relationship, culminating in the creation of the GOAT jacket. From rushing samples to selecting premium materials, GIII has been a believer throughout, helping us bring this vision to life.
I also want to thank the licensing team at the NFL whose support was instrumental in making this project a reality.??The NFL understood and believed that the concept of "paying homage" could go beyond the graphic t-shirt and extend into outerwear, embracing a new type of storytelling through the GOAT jacket.
Behind every superstar are managers and agents who work tirelessly on behalf of their clients. A special shout out to Sasha Taylor and J.B. Bernstein for embracing the vision of the GOAT jackets. Athletes like Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice receive countless opportunities day in and day out, so it means the world to me that they chose to support this project.
Lastly, a huge shoutout to the incredible team at HOMAGE for bringing the GOAT jacket concept to life. From sourcing to design to marketing, the team’s creativity and dedication (including travel across the country to capture footage!) was on point.
If you told 13-year-old me that one day HOMAGE would be partnering with my childhood heroes Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice, I would have thought you were out of your mind!??From collecting their trading cards to circling their signature shoes in Eastbay catalogues, Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice have inspired me for as long as I can remember.
I can’t wait to build upon the framework of the GOAT jacket and continue paying homage those who have shaped the game of football, including the 3 jackets that are planned for the rest of the year -- Randy Moss, Dan Marino, and Archie Griffin!