The Iconic Story and Significance of the Uncle Drew Basketball Jersey

The Story Behind the Uncle Drew Jersey

The Uncle Drew jersey has become an iconic symbol in basketball culture over the past decade. Though fictional, the character of Uncle Drew played by Kyrie Irving in a series of Pepsi commercials and a feature film has resonated with fans young and old. His flashy crossovers, clutch jumpers, and old-school game earned him a devoted following. As a result, his jersey has become one of the most popular novelty basketball jerseys on the market. But what's the story behind the Uncle Drew jersey?

The Creation of Uncle Drew

The character of Uncle Drew was created in 2012 by PepsiCo for a campaign to market their Pepsi Max soda. They partnered with basketball star Kyrie Irving to helm the role of an elderly basketball player who schools younger opponents on the court. Dressed in the jersey and gray wig, Irving would surprise unsuspecting pick-up players at local courts. The videos went viral, racking up millions of views.

This launched the Uncle Drew ad series that featured other NBA stars like Kevin Love, Lisa Leslie, and Nate Robinson suiting up as Drew's old teammates. After years of hugely successful web shorts and TV commercials, the concept was adapted into a feature film in 2018 titled Uncle Drew. Irving reprised his role as the streetball legend, along with NBA and WNBA stars like Shaquille O'Neal, Reggie Miller, and Nate Robinson playing former teammates.

The Design of the Jersey

The Uncle Drew jersey sported by Irving paid homage to old-school basketball aesthetics. It featured a simple white and blue design reminiscent of the ABA jerseys of the 1970s. In the Pepsi shorts, Drew's number was 33 as a nod to Irving's high school jersey number. For the feature film, it was changed to 77.

The jersey had customized touches like the stars on the side signifying Drew's all-star status and his nickname "Drew" on the back. The vintage look with modern flair encapsulated Drew's character as an aging playground legend. As Drew's fame grew, the jersey became shorthand for his inimitable style and flair.

Popularity of the Uncle Drew Jersey

It didn't take long for the Uncle Drew jersey to catch on with fans. As Irving's commercials and viral videos racked up millions of YouTube views, the demand for merchandise increased. Pepsi partnered with American casualwear company Outerstuff to produce licensed Uncle Drew jerseys and t-shirts.

The jerseys flew off the shelves, tapping into basketball fans' nostalgia for old-school fashion. They also appreciated the tongue-in-cheek mocking of younger players conversely wearing baggy, oversized jerseys. Irving's handles and hoops skills also earned respect from fans. For many, rocking Uncle Drew's jersey became a way to rep their favorite fictional baller.

Today, his jersey remains popular and can be found from major retailers like the NBA Store and Fanatics. Custom personalized versions are also available for ultimate fans. The iconic uniform is regularly spotted in tournaments, pick-up games, and arenas when the Celtics come to town.

Significance in Pop Culture

Over a decade since debuting, the Uncle Drew character and his jersey hold an unquestionable place in basketball culture. His flashy crossovers, dribbling through young defenders, and fading three-pointers embodied the perfect wish fulfillment for aging hoopers. Though fictional, Uncle Drew's persona and reputation seem as real as any NBA legend.

The jersey also played a key role in his stories. Watching an unassuming old-timer dressed in the classic jersey school players half his age never got old. As Drew gained more teammates like Lights (Reggie Miller), Boots (Nate Robinson), and Big Fella (Shaq), their jerseys became identifiers for characters. To this day, Uncle Drew remains an iconic figure and his jersey an essential piece of basketball nostalgia and fashion.

The next time you see someone repping number 77 with "Drew" on the back, you'll know the story behind the legend. For basketball fans, Uncle Drew's jersey will always represent the spirit of playground hoops, flashy ball-handling skills, and clutch shot-making across generations.

FAQs

Who plays Uncle Drew in the Pepsi commercials and movie?

Boston Celtics star Kyrie Irving plays the role of Uncle Drew in the viral Pepsi commercials and 2018 feature film.

What are the main design elements of the Uncle Drew jersey?

The Uncle Drew jersey features a vintage 1970s look with a white and blue color scheme. It has stars on the sides, the name "Drew" on the back, and the number 77.

Where can I buy an official Uncle Drew jersey?

Official licensed Uncle Drew jerseys are sold through major retailers like the NBA Store, Fanatics, and Outerstuff.

Who are Uncle Drew's teammates in the movie?

In the 2018 Uncle Drew movie, his teammates include NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal as Big Fella, Reggie Miller as Lights, Nate Robinson as Boots, and WNBA star Lisa Leslie as Betty Lou.

Why did the Uncle Drew jersey become so popular?

The Uncle Drew jersey taps into fans' nostalgia for old-school basketball fashion and appreciation for the ball-handling skills Kyrie displayed as the character.