Patrick Peterson, Under Armour collaborating on new cleats
Aug 24, 2014, 10:19 PM | Updated: 11:34 pm
You may not be able to see Patrick Peterson’s creativity in the punt return game anymore, but the Arizona Cardinals cornerback is hoping to show as much through his latest endorsement deal with Under Armour.
The 24-year-old was recently featured in Sports Illustrated, with whom he discussed the partnership between he and UA.
Peterson’s Nike contract expired over the offseason, when he first spoke with UA, which he described in the interview as “an organization on the rise.”
The cleat, which has been named the Deception in its first iteration, was described in detail by Sports Illustrated, along with quotes from an UA executive and Peterson himself.
Peterson hopes to rise with them as he becomes the first player to wear the new Deception cleat, says Josh Rattet, head of on-field footwear for Under Armour, who adds that the cleat was “built basically from scratch” within weeks of UA’s signing Peterson.
“I wanted to feel locked in and feel secure,” Peterson says. “I wanted to make every cut and move without a fall off.” A key for him was a strap—”I love football cleats that have straps”—and a speed cleat, all with the potential to design in ample personality.
With a midtop 5/8ths cut, the Deception uses a preexisting speed-focused chassis and plate, but an upper construction unique for Peterson that includes his beloved strap and a booty-like internal fit system. While not technically a signature shoe—Under Armour’s only signature football cleat is Cam Newton’s “Cam Highlight”—the Deception was built for Peterson. Under Armour will use solely Peterson to promote a cleat that goes on sale before the 2015 football season.
The cleat prioritizes speed over other attributes, such as stability and traction, according to UA.
As the brand and Peterson work together to dial in the cleat, they won’t overlook opportunities for unique design flourishes. Peterson, for example, intends to incorporate the yellow of the Cardinal beak to his design.
According to the report, UA also hopes to break out fresh looks should Peterson and the Cardinals make the postseason.
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