Ever wondered which Disney hero would lead your favorite NFL team? This isn’t just a fantasy anymore! Disney and the NFL just teamed up with Champion and Fanatics to launch a collection that bridges the gap between sports die-hards and Disney fans.
The collection recently debuted at Fanatics Fest in NYC, and the pairings are much more than just putting a character on a shirt. It’s about matching the soul of a team with a legendary story.
The First Round Draft Picks
The first eight teams have officially made their picks, and some of these connections go deep into sports history:
- Buffalo Bills | Beast: Raw strength and total loyalty.
- Dallas Cowboys | Woody: A classic cowboy for a classic team. Check out Woody’s pose—it actually mirrors the original Cowboys logo!
- Las Vegas Raiders | Darth Vader: The ultimate alignment of legacy, power, and presence.
- New England Patriots | Captain America: A match made in leadership heaven.
- New York Giants | Wreck-It Ralph: A bold nod to the legendary “Big Blue Wrecking Crew.”
- New York Jets | Buzz Lightyear: Speed, flight, and a tribute to the team’s aviation roots.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Captain Hook: A pirate legacy with a lot of attitude.
- Washington Commanders | Hamm: A clever and funny tribute to the famous “Hogs” offensive line.
The Visionary Behind the Gear
I love that this project was led by someone who actually gets it. Bret Healey, a Graphic Design Director at Disney, describes himself as a “sports junkie.” He grew up obsessed with jerseys, mascots, and the unique culture of every city. For him, this wasn’t a corporate task; it was a passion project.
Bret and his team didn’t want simple designs. They studied team nicknames, famous eras, and fan traditions. They treated the process like a real game, making sure every character fit perfectly into the larger NFL picture. Some picks are obvious, while others take a second to click—and that’s exactly the point.
Created for the Real Fans
This collection rewards fans who know their team’s history. Whether it’s the “Big Blue Wrecking Crew” reference for the Giants or the humor behind choosing Hamm for the Commanders, these pieces are conversation starters. Bret knows that sports fans love to debate, and he welcomes it. If people are arguing over the draft picks, the collection is doing its job!
The best part? You don’t have to wait long to gear up. While the first eight teams are the current stars, the full collection featuring all 32 NFL teams launches this August. You can find everything at Fanatics.com, NFLShop.com, and DisneyStore.com. Some select Lids locations will also carry the line nationwide.
This launch kicks off a massive “Year of the Super Bowl” for Disney and ESPN. As we head toward the 2026 season, expect even more surprises, character reveals, and fan experiences that celebrate the best of both worlds.
