How to Display a Football Jersey in a Shadowbox

American football emerged in the 19th century from the European game rugby, according to football historian Sean Carter. One of the highlights of this game is watching the skill and athleticism of its players who have a way of exciting their fans and drawing out team spirit. The jerseys of favorite players can be kept and admired in a way that honors both the player and their team. Whether the jersey is an original, a commercial replica, or your own personal jersey, you can show it off by displaying it in a shadowbox.

Things You'll Need

  • Football jersey
  • Measuring tape
  • Shadowbox
  • Batting
  • Fabric
  • Flat pushpins
  • Cardboard
  • Hot glue and hot glue gun
  • Team or player memorabilia
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length and width of the jersey you wish to display. Measure the shoulder distance for the width if you will only display the chest portion of the jersey. Spread out the sleeves and measure the full width if you will display the entire front of the jersey.

    • 2

      Purchase a shadowbox that is big enough to fit the length and width of the jersey with 4 to 6 inches of space around the entire jersey. Pick a shadowbox that will allow for the visual dimension you are looking for and that will be deep enough to fit any other items.

    • 3

      Cover the back piece of the shadowbox with batting and fabric if you wish to have a background color. This will also help you to attach the jersey using pushpins.

    • 4

      Align the center of the jersey with the center of the shadowbox, leaving an equal amount of space above and below the jersey. Arrange the sleeves in the desired position. Press the jersey flat to the bottom of the shadowbox and smooth out any wrinkles.

    • 5

      Use pushpins to secure the football jersey to the back of the shadowbox. Attach the jersey to a piece of cardboard slightly smaller than the jersey first and then hot glue the cardboard to the bottom of the shadowbox if pushpins can not pierce the back. Affix the pushpins on the inside of the jersey so that the pins cannot be seen on the outside. Add pins in each corner and along the top, bottom and sides so the jersey remains flat and smooth when the shadowbox is hung. Use flat pushpins so the jersey does not look lumpy in the areas where it is pinned.

    • 6

      Decorate the shadowbox with keepsakes such as football tickets, metals or awards, and championship patches. Attach them using pushpins or hot glue.

    • 7

      Replace the glass on the front of the shadowbox. Display your shadowbox football jersey.