Our
Heritage
At the turn of the century in Alabama, cotton was king, but football was a close second. For Benjamin Russell, growing up in Alexander City, Alabama was tough. After a fire in 1902 that destroyed most of Alex City, Russell rallied to build a hospital, hotel, laundry, grocery store, bakery, and telephone operation. The town helped shape the brand's legacy and commitment to community, sports, and overcoming adversity. Russell Athletic was born on the playing fields of America. Today, Russell Athletic embodies Benjamin Russell's spirit by working with communities and supporting teams, whether that team be at home, school, or work. We deliver incredible value to our consumer's by making quality athletic apparel with technical features and benefits for optimum performance.
2017 AND BEYOND
Russell has never forgotten that its products are only as good as the people who make them. As we celebrate more than 115 years in business, Russell Athletic® looks to the future with the same sense of excitement and purpose that has driven the company since 1902 from sweet home Alabama.
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1902
1930
1962
1973
1980
1990
2000
Future
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
BORN IN ALABAMA, 1902
On March 3, 1902, Russell Athletic was founded by 26-year-old Benjamin Russell as the Russell Manufacturing Company in Alexander City, AL. The tiny factory had 10 sewing machines and 8 knitting machines. Russell Manufacturing Company’s first garment was a women and children’s knit shirt. Benjamin Russell’s passion for sports and his entrepreneurial spirit fueled civic pride creating jobs for his community, while later making uniforms for teams and apparel for athletes throughout the United States.
BOOMING BUSINESS
RUSSELL ATHLETIC IS RANKED BY FORTUNE MAGAZINE
Russell Athletic is ranked 5th amongst apparel companies by Fortune Magazine in total return to investors over the 10-year period 1986 – 1996.
1930
THE PIONEER, INVENTOR, AND CREATOR OF THE SWEATSHIRT
In 1926, founder Ben Russell’s son, Benny, came to his dad with a new idea for an all-cotton practice football jersey replacing the itchy, chafing wool uniforms worn at that time. Knowing the comfort and durability of cotton, the iconic crew neck sweatshirt began production in the Russell Athletic mills in 1930.
1960's
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED
By the 1960s, Russell Manufacturing Company's athletic division had become the largest manufacturer of sports apparel and uniforms in the United States. In 1962, Russell Manufacturing Company changed its name to Russell Mills, Inc. and began using the American Eagle to represent its iconic brand image.
1973
RUSSELL MILLS, INC. BECOMES RUSSELL CORPORATION
Russell Mills, Inc. name was changed to Russell Corporation and expanded manufacturing across Southern USA as well as to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Scotland.
2002
RUSSELL CELEBRATES TURNING 100
In May 2002, Russell celebrated its 100th anniversary. While the brand has evolved from its early origins in Alexander City, Alabama, we take pride in our heritage. As a brand entrenched in sports history, Russell Athletic has a focus on innovation, versatility, and quality.
Russell Acquires Southern MFG
Russell expands into team sports by launching its athletic division and acquiring Southern Manufacturing, beginning production of uniforms for football, baseball, basketball, and other organized sports.
Benjamin C. Russell Takes the Reins
On December 16, 1941, after the death of founder Benjamin Russell, leadership passed to his son, Benjamin C. Russell, who would guide the company through significant change and expansion.
Supplying Apparel to the Military
During World War II, Russell Athletic focused its production on supplying military apparel—especially shirts—for the U.S. Armed Forces, contributing to the national war effort.
Thomas D. Russell Steps In as Leader
Following the passing of Benjamin C. Russell in 1945, his brother Thomas D. Russell assumed control of the company, continuing the family legacy and leading the brand forward.
The Start of a New Relationship
Russell Athletic becomes the official uniform provider for Little League Baseball and Softball teams across the country, marking a major milestone in youth sports partnerships.
Begins Trading on the NYSE
On December 26, 1985, Russell Corporation’s stock officially started trading on the New York Stock Exchange. This move kicked off a period of expansion through strategic brand acquisitions.
Fortune 500
Russell Athletic earns a place on the Fortune 500 list, reflecting the company’s consistent growth, market influence, and impact on the apparel industry at a national level.
Russell Corp. Growth
By June 1988, Russell Corporation had more than 10,770 employees—an increase of 3,800 people in just eight years—highlighting the company’s rapid expansion and operational success.
Russell Joins Fruit of the Loom Family
Russell Corporation becomes part of Fruit of the Loom through acquisition, officially rebranding as Russell Brands, LLC, and expanding its reach in the apparel industry.
Together We R Campaign
Russell Athletic introduces the "Together We R" campaign—celebrating unity, teamwork, and the shared spirit that connects athletes of all levels through sports.
Fight Like Dylan Award
Russell Athletic launches the “Fight Like Dylan” award in honor of Dylan Rebeor, a terminally ill athlete who selflessly wished for new gear for his team. One school wins a $50,000 grant each year.
Team On Campaign Supports Sports
Russell Athletic introduces the “Team On” campaign to rally support for high school team sports and spotlight the impact athletics have on youth and community development.