From Campus Startup to Global Pitch: The Rise of JerseyBird’s Founder.

By: Joseph James Udoh | WBN NEWS, Africa & Nashville Edition| March 13, 2026

In 2019, Hayes Canupp founded JerseyBird with a clear vision: to create high-quality, custom sports jerseys that let teams express their identity through design. What began as a campus-based venture while Canupp was attending the University of Tennessee has since grown into a sportswear brand increasingly linked with football clubs and international partnerships.

JerseyBird started by focusing on custom apparel for teams and organizations, earning attention through detail-driven designs and reliable manufacturing. As demand grew, the brand expanded beyond basic customization into deeper involvement with football culture, eventually purchasing the Nairobi team, supplying kits, and forming partnerships with clubs across different regions. This evolution positioned JerseyBird not just as a supplier, but as a collaborator in team branding and identity.

The company’s growth reflects a steady, founder-led approach.

As the article notes, “JerseyBird was built from the ground up during Hayes Canupp’s university years, combining entrepreneurship with a deep understanding of sports culture.”

Canupp’s journey highlights how youthful innovation, when paired with practical execution, can scale into a globally relevant brand.

JerseyBird’s story is also a reminder that modern sports brands are no longer born only in boardrooms, but often in classrooms, fueled by creativity and persistence.
Looking ahead, JerseyBird’s continued involvement in football and sportswear signals a future of broader collaborations and deeper impact proof that a focused idea, nurtured early, can grow into a lasting presence on and off the pitch.

TAG: #Jersey Bird #Hayes Canupp #Sports Wear #FootBall

Joseph James Udoh is a Columnist/WBN News contributor and Editor of Africa Editions.
He covers local stories, business insights, and inspiring human-interest topics. With a background in computer science, theology, and human resource leadership, he is passionate about digital empowerment and helping people thrive.

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