Eli Manning Invests in Xtech, Backing Youth Expansion for Custom Shoulder Pad Maker

Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning has taken an equity stake in XTech, a leading manufacturer of custom-fitted football shoulder pads, further deepening his involvement in the sports business world. The former New York Giants quarterback, who wore XTech gear during his NFL career, announced his investment on Thursday, underscoring his interest in expanding access to high-level protective equipment for youth athletes.

Manning joins the company not just as a financial backer but also as an active participant in its growth, aiming to support XTech’s expansion into high school and youth football markets. XTech currently dominates the college and professional football sectors, supplying equipment to all 32 NFL teams and claiming that nearly 90% of NFL players wear its shoulder pads.

“They’ve [XTech] gone on to really dominate the NFL and the college market from the shoulder pad standpoint, and I want to help continue that journey as they explore into high school and expanding this business,” Manning told CNBC.

A football game | Source: Pexels

While the specific size of Manning’s investment has not been disclosed, XTech confirmed that he is one of the company’s top five investors. Manning also emphasized that he plans to play an active role in corporate strategy, brand promotion, and business development, rather than remaining a passive stakeholder.

Founded in 2012, XTech was co-created by Bob Broderick, a former New York Giants equipment assistant turned communications executive, and equipment designer Ted Monica. Monica, who previously worked with equipment manufacturer Riddell, developed a shoulder pad that XTech touts as safer, lighter, and more mobile than traditional models. The pads also feature a sleeker aesthetic and retail for approximately $599 per unit.

The company’s rise was bolstered by early support from Super Bowl-winning coach Brian Billick and subsequent endorsements from prominent NFL players including Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, and San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner.

A man catching a football | Source: Pexels

Manning praised the product’s performance benefits, stating, “I felt with these pads, I was getting the protection I needed, but also found with XTech, I had more mobility in my arm, where it didn’t feel any different throwing with pads to without pads.”

XTech says it has sold around 100,000 shoulder pad units and currently works with approximately 500 high schools. The equipment is manufactured entirely in East Hanover, New Jersey, which the company says enables faster turnaround times—orders placed online are typically shipped within a day. In contrast, competitors such as Douglas and Riddell often require 4 to 8 weeks for delivery. XTech’s products are available exclusively through its website and Amazon, bypassing traditional retail channels.

Looking ahead, XTech is preparing to launch a new line of youth-specific shoulder pads aimed at players weighing between 30 and 150 pounds.

A football | Source: Pexels

This new product, expected to hit the market next year, will be priced in the low $200 range. Broderick identified the youth and high school segment as a substantial growth opportunity, noting that while XTech serves hundreds of schools, over 15,000 high schools in the U.S. field football teams. “90% of the overall market out there is high school and youth,” said Broderick, underscoring the company’s ambitions.

Manning, reflecting on his own early football experiences, highlighted the evolving expectations around player safety. “Now, parents are more involved. They want to get their kids in the best stuff and the pads that are going to keep them safe and protect them and help them perform at a higher level,” he said.

This latest move adds to Manning’s post-retirement investment portfolio, which includes ownership stakes in Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League and New York Golf Club of the TGL, as well as his involvement in the Brand Velocity Group, a private equity firm focused on sports and consumer investments.