I stumbled across a couple of sites this week that specialize in custom fantasy football memorabilia. The cost is a little steep, but the more I think about it, the more I know I want a helmet and jersey. 

The first site FantasySportsFactory.com and manufactures mini-helmets and hand-stitched jerseys for $50 and $160, respectively. On their site, they have a form that, when filled out, conveys to them exactly what you want on your jersey or helmet. Unfortunately, there is no software available yet that allows one to see what his or her selected options would look like on a jersey. Still, their mini-helmets look fantastic and feature real metal facemasks and one single shell for the helmet, as opposed to two pieces of plastic snapped together. A gallery of jerseys and helmets is available at their Facebook page. 

The second site that I found is FSgear.net, which manufactures custom fantasy football jerseys only. Although there is no helmet option at FSgear, their jerseys are priced cheaper, at $115. Additionally, after you order a jersey, a representative contacts you and asks for all the design specifics. After he or she feels that he or she has an accurate description, a mockup is emailed to you for your approval. Design tweaks and suggestions are encouraged and the design is updated until you feel that it is perfect. The process can take 4-6 weeks, but there is consumer confidence that you are getting exactly what you want. I like that . . . and the less expensive price tag. 

Duffy and I have been bouncing around ideas for our respective teams. Right now, I'm thinking of ripping off the 1980s-era Patriots. Their home red with the white and blue stripes on the sleeve, "Arrogant Americans" across the front and my Uncle Sam logo stitched on the sleeves beneath the stripes sounds like a winner. Does anyone else have any ideas? 

We've got a lot of darkness between now and the start of the 2011 season; let's have some fun with it. 

Cliburn.