Where Team Pride Meets Outdoor Innovation

Some legacies are earned yard by yard. At Seirus, one chapter of our story traces back to our longstanding relationship with the NFL - a connection built on decades of dedication, performance and a shared commitment to pushing boundaries on and off the field. From sidelines to slopes, we’ve been in the game, crafting gear that performs when it matters most. 

Now, that connection kicks off a bold new chapter with the launch of the NFL product division at Seirus. Fueled by experience and designed for fans who live and breathe the game, this collection brings our journey full circle - combining innovation, comfort and performance that’s ready for every down, drive, and changing forecast.

Seirus Origins

The seeds of Seirus began in a parking lot in Lake Tahoe, sparked by a simple yet impactful idea: help skiers walk safely from parking lots to slopes. That idea became Cat Tracks - a compact, slip-on sole protector invented by Seirus co-founder Mike Carey, designed to add grip and extend the life of ski boots. It was the first of many innovations that set the tone for what Seirus would become. 

Over the past four decades, Seirus has evolved from a small but mighty operation into a leading name in cold weather gear, earning over 20 patents along the way. We've built our brand on a powerful formula: a balance of collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to meeting customer needs—no matter how specific or unique. By listening closely to those who brave the outdoors, from everyday adventurers to elite professionals, we’ve mastered the art of creating gear that doesn’t just perform—it adapts, protects, and endures. From that original invention to today’s full line of performance-driven accessories, the spirit of practical innovation and problem-solving remains at the heart of everything we do. 

Mike Carey’s NFL Career

The story of Seirus is deeply intertwined with the story of our founder - Mike Carey. While many may know Seirus for our decades of innovation in cold-weather gear, some also know that behind this brand stands a trailblazer with a historic NFL career.

As Seirus was making waves on the ski slopes, Mike was building a parallel path in football—one that started in San Diego, listening to Rams games on the radio. Inspired by NFL great and activist Jim Brown, Mike took that passion to Santa Clara University, where he played running back. After college, a friend steered him toward officiating—a move that would shape the next chapter of his life.

In 1990, Mike joined the NFL as a side judge. Just five years later, he was promoted to referee, taking on the role of leading officiating crews and making critical decisions under intense pressure. Over his 24-year career with the league, Mike became known not just for his command of the field, but for his integrity, professionalism, and calm authority.

His officiating career reached a historic milestone on February 3, 2008, when he became the first Black referee to lead a Super Bowl officiating crew, overseeing Super Bowl XLII—a moment that marked both personal and league history.

Mike continued to officiate NFL games until his retirement in 2014, averaging around 20 games per year. 

The Perfect Balance

Throughout his time with the league, Mike also led Seirus Innovation, balancing the demands of a high-performance officiating career with the day-to-day operations of a growing company. It was a unique duality—where one pursuit often recharged the other.

His dual dedication to both craft and character is reflected in everything Seirus stands for today—precision, passion, and the pursuit of excellence, whether on the field or on the mountain.

Seirus has maintained close ties throughout the years following Mike’s officiating career. Following his retirement in 2014, Mike continued to appear on major NFL platforms. His visibility in NFL-related media continues even today, including his most recent feature on ESPN, which shines a light on the connection that runs even deeper.

Some Seirus gear is proudly used and sold directly to the NFL, including our Storm Suit—built to withstand the toughest conditions on the field. Trusted by NFL officials, this full-body suit offers unmatched protection from chest to toes. Its Weathershield™ fabric blocks wind, rain, and cold, while the ultra-light design provides warmth without the bulk. Inside, the CoreShield™ Storm Layer reacts to your body heat, wrapping you in a thermal cocoon that keeps your temperature perfectly regulated and your focus sharp—no matter the weather. From essential sideline gear to advanced cold-weather performance wear, Seirus continues to support the league with the same innovation and reliability that launched our legacy.

This partnership is more than just a return to roots—it’s a full-circle moment where decades of experience, innovation, and passion for the game continue to shape the future.

NFL Influence on Innovation at Seirus

Spending decades on the field—often in harsh, unpredictable weather—gave Mike rare, firsthand insight into what it truly takes to stay focused and perform when the elements are working against you. From the blazing sun to biting winds to snow-packed sidelines, those conditions demanded gear that could keep up with the moment.

That experience directly shaped innovation of thought at Seirus. Our team understood that performance gear couldn't just be warm—it had to be breathable, flexible, and built for movement. Most of all, it had to be gear that met unique individual preferences and needs to match comfort and performance of even the highest of levels. Products like the Heatwave™ Glove Series and All Weather™ Glove Series reflect that mindset: designed to keep hands warm without sacrificing dexterity, grip, or control, even during the most critical calls—on or off the field. The same goes for the Heatwave™ Base Layer, which offers lightweight warmth and dynamic moisture management, built to move effortlessly with your body no matter the weather conditions or intensity of the activity.

Just as officiating requires precision, adaptability, and unwavering attention to detail, those same qualities became the backbone of Seirus’ design philosophy. Every product is purpose-built with intention, tested in real-world conditions, and refined with the same thoughtful care that defined Mike’s presence on the field.

NFL Official Licensing Product Launch

From pregame tailgates to fourth-quarter nail-biters, football fans are built tough—and now, so is their gear. Our new NFL collection has officially stormed the field — bringing together trusted Seirus performance with the heart and grit of game day pride. Designed for the fan who shows up no matter the weather, this division celebrates what it means to rep your team with purpose, comfort, and all-season confidence. 

This collection isn’t just a nod to your favorite team - it’s a bold promise to stay in the game come rain, shine, snow, or wind. Welcome to next-level, high-performance gear that keeps your focus sharp and your spirit fired up in every stadium across the country. From braving wind gusts in Buffalo, snow flurries in Chicago, or rain-soaked stands in Seattle, these pieces are built to perform in stadium-level conditions. Because cheering from the sidelines—or the stands—deserves the same level of protection the pros get on the field.

With bold team logos and the trusted technologies behind our best-selling products, this gear is your MVP when temperatures shift and the season heats up. It’s made for fans who never miss a kickoff, who stay through overtime, and who know that real loyalty isn’t weather-dependent. 

Innovation for All Fans

At Seirus, we've always designed for those who show up—no matter the conditions. And when it comes to football, no fan base embodies that commitment more than those who weather the storm (literally) to support their team. Packed into open-air stadiums, grilling pregame in subzero temps, or standing on the sidelines at your kid’s weekend game, you need gear that works as hard as you do.

The launch of this line isn’t just about team colors—it’s about inclusion, innovation, and performance for all. This milestone marks a full-circle moment for Seirus: from the hardworking beginnings to becoming a trusted name in outdoor performance, and now—standing at the intersection of fan culture and function.

Our mission remains the same: to create gear that adapts to the elements so you don’t have to. Because fans deserve warmth, comfort, and all-day durability—without compromising their team pride.

Rep Your Team with Gear that Performs

This new product offering is built for diehards. For tailgaters. For the painted-faces and never-miss-a-snap faithful. For anyone who knows football weather is real weather.

This is more than gear. It’s grit you can wear.

Don’t just cheer. Gear up. Layer in loyalty. Dominate the elements. Explore the new line and suit up for every snap—home or away.

It’s game time—are you ready?

Officially Licensed NFL Gear for your team is coming soon, stay tuned!