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ESPN, Hannah Storm go gaga over Texans letterman jackets: Look is rocking NewEngland

The Houston Texans walked off their bus, wearing those letterman jackets.
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J.J. Watt knows about representing and being intense.
Photo by Michelle Watson/CultureMapSnap

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Shaun Cody should have a second career in sports marketing whenever he wants it.

The nose tackle's old school letterman jackets idea is making quite a wave in New England. Local TV stations filmed the Houston Texans as they arrived at their hotel, proudly wearing the jackets. Their arrival at Gillette Stadium Monday evening brought a similar scene — all that was missing was a runway and some smiling models.

"Cool, right?" Storm inquired of her NFL analysts, including a head-shaking Herman Edwards.

Everyone wants to see the jackets. Many people want to get their hands on one. ESPN host Hannah Storm practically came right out and asked for one in the early SportsCenter.

"Cool, right?" Storm inquired of her NFL analysts, including a head-shaking Herman Edwards. And that was only the start of her letterman jacket love.

Cody's intent was to foster team camaraderie. And to be honest, probably to get another chance to dress up. He and defensive lineman Antonio Smith have relished wearing cowboy hats on other road trips.

With an assist from linebacker Connor Barwin, he ended up creating a mini sensation. You can bet that a version of the custom-made jackets will be sold at the team shop sooner or later.

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Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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