Our Story
For Detroit. By Detroit.
In the summer of ’95, a tight-knit group of young suburban Detroiters descended upon the city of Chicago. We quickly befriended a local crew, frequently meeting up on the hoops court for “friendly” pick-up games. The Detroit guys always stuck together, playing on the same team. Fresh off the historic Pistons' Bad Boys and Jordan’s Bulls battles, our competition and camaraderie only strengthened. The rivalry was official. And so began the evolution of the Detroit Army.
As our friendships grew and we got older, it was never an option to split us up on the court. We were tough, gritty, hard-working, and loyal – just like the City of Detroit. We always banded together and had each other’s backs like an Army squad. Factor in the rise of the Detroit Red Wings during our youth (a/k/a the Russian Red Army)… and the Detroit Army name perfectly described us.
Years passed, and eventually we had lived in Chicago longer than we had lived in Detroit. We were immersed in our lives, jobs, friendships, and of course our hoops games, in the Windy City; yet we would always be Detroiters at heart. So, I decided to design Detroit Army basketball jerseys, as the ultimate nod to our roots.
Jerseys quickly gave rise to t-shirts, hoodies, trucker hats and so much more. Alongside our Chicago contingent, we have mourned the devastating loss of friends, and we have celebrated countless holidays, births, graduations, and other milestones with our Army family. To honor all of these occasions, I created original gear that is not only worn by members of the D-Army but is coveted by friends and relatives in Chicago and beyond.
Large contingents of Detroiters continue to settle not just in Chicago, but in places like LA, Denver, and New York. Anytime someone from Detroit sees the Army swag, they want a piece. Detroiters are fiercely faithful to their hometown. That’s why it works. The grassroots campaign developed through our hoop’s community over the last 25 years has led to the launch of our Detroit Army website/storefront!
Welcome to the Detroit Army - we appreciate your support!
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