Nike Claims Rob Gronkowski's Logo Too Similar to Jordan Brand Jumpman Logo

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski faces opposition from Nike, a company for whom he serves as a spokesperson, concerning a trademark he filed for a logo of him in the act of spiking a football.

Darren Rovell of ESPN.com reported Friday that Nike feels the depiction Gronk wants to use is "too much like" the Jumpman logo used by its Jordan Brand.

"My client has created one of the most recognizable brands in sports today," Gronkowski family attorney Troy Carnrite told Rovell. "We are very proud of this brand and are optimistic that we will resolve this with Nike amicably."

Gronk Nation LLC, the Patriots playmaker's company, must respond to Nike's filing by Aug. 5 or it could be forced to abandon the trademark effort, per Rovell.

The 28-year-old four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time Super Bowl champion has become known for his emphatic spike after scoring a touchdown. The celebration was even showcased on the cover of Madden NFL 17, the popular football video game.

In 2012, Gronkowski told Greg Bishop of the New York Times there wasn't any type of secret formula for delivering his favorite celebration.

"Spike it hard," he said. "As hard as you can."

Gronkowski, who missed the latter stages of the 2016 season with a back injury, will get his first chance to perform the spike this year on Aug. 10 when the Pats open the preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars.