• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Alabama and Hibbett Sports Team Up With YouTuber FunnyMaine

YouTuber FunnyMaine

Most sports fans claim to be passionate about their teams. The majority, however, are unable to build a memorable brand from that passion.

For example, Arsenal fans have ArsenalFanTV, Toronto Maple Leafs fans have Steve Dangle, and in recent years, Alabama Crimson Tide fans have come to know JermaineFunnyMaineJohnson.

Johnson, a comedian, radio personality, and YouTuber is arguably best known for his videos where he acts out the feelings of ‘Bama fans while watching the Tide’s most important games, as well as other SEC contests throughout the year.

After amassing a social following that includes nearly 39,000 subscribers on YouTube, nearly 60,000 on Twitter, and over 50,000 on Instagram, Johnson leveraged his personality to transform his popular catchphrase (“Run Da Bawl”) and some of his other quotes into a line of merchandise, which is officially licensed by the University of Alabama.

Hibbett Sports has been a seller of Alabama gear for years and, like FunnyMaine, has a strong reputation with Tide fans. So when the opportunity arose for Hibbett to become the exclusive in-store apparel partner of FunnyMaine, naturally the company couldn’t pass it up.

“We have been sponsors of Alabama football for years, and Jermaine ‘Funnymaine’ Johnson captures the essence of what it is to be a true Alabama football fan,” said Sarah Sharp-Wangaard, VP of marketing for Hibbett Sports. “We are excited to have him visit with fans at our Shaker Shack during select home games and make his iconic and fun apparel available to Hibbett customers.”

In addition to Johnson making an appearance on Friday, August 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hibbett Sports located at Brookwood Village in Birmingham, the comedian will also be appearing at Hibbett’s Shaker Shack pop-up at the Alabama vs. Texas A&M showdown on September 22, the Alabama vs. Missouri game on October 13 and at the Iron Bowl on November 24 to do a meet-and-greet with fans.

“I’m excited to partner with Hibbett and give everyone a great experience and great merchandise from the true fan perspective,” Johnson said. “I love supporting the university and entertaining audiences, so this is a great opportunity to do both alongside the Hibbett brand.”

Influencers in the category of FunnyMaine present an interesting opportunity for teams and brands.

Embracing these creators gives companies like Hibbett the opportunity to grow their clout with fan bases by establishing a relationship. In a way, it’s the equivalent of earning the respect of everyone else at the party because you know one of the popular kids. Members of FunnyMaine’s audience will now have a positive view of the retailer in order to be supportive of the comedian.

[mc4wp_form id=”8260″]

These are reasons why this could be an interesting and beneficial road to explore for brands and teams in the future: Get in good with the most passionate of supporters, who, in many cases, already have their own audience, and their own brand will be strengthened as a result of them doing some of their marketing for them.

Plus, fans like FunnyMaine will jump at the chance to use their unique passion to support the teams they love.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

Featured Today

Limited Hype

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Ryan Field Construction
exclusive
July 19, 2025

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.
Jul 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., United States; Sheryl Swoopes hosts a WBNA All-Star brunch in honor of her former teammate, Nikki McCray Penson, at Thea in Phoenix on July 19, 2024
May 12, 2025

Sheryl Swoopes: A’ja Wilson Shoe Campaign Shows Nike Sea Change

Nike released the Air Swoopes in 1995.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Apr 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; MLB umpire Ron Kulpa (46) calls a third strike during a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field
May 4, 2025

Pro Refs Get Offered Free Lasik for Better Calls. Some Took It

Some pro officials have sprung for the offer for free corrective surgery.
January 15, 2025

State Farm Cancels Planned Super Bowl Ad Amid California Fires Controversy

State Farm’s Super Bowl ad last year featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; From left: Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
December 17, 2024

A ‘Wave’ of Sports Content Is Coming to TikTok

The next generation is consuming sports in a different way.
Apr 7, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka set up to putt on no. 9 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament.
exclusive
November 27, 2024

PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf TV ‘Showdown’ Will Pay Out $10M Crypto..

Two golfers from each tour will face off in Las Vegas.