Underdog Rise of the

It all started in 1996 when former Maryland football player Kevin Plank got tired of his heavy, loose-fitting sweat-drenched football gear. It was then, that he recognized a need for sports-tailored apparel and decided to start a company that would revolutionize the industry. His goal was to create comfortable clothes that would keep athletes cool during physical activities while also optimizing movement and reducing moisture and tightness.

With $20k of his own personal savings and $40k of credit card debt Kevin started Under Armour from the basement of his grandmother’s Washington D.C. home. It was here that Plank would take his first step on a journey that would one day lead him to head one of the most successful sports clothing brands in the world.

Under Armour is 23 years old, and although that might seem like a long time, compared to other brands like Nike,