RUSSELL ATHLETIC® UNVEILS NEW GEORGIA FORCE UNIFORMS WITH GEORGIA GOVERNOR SONNY PERDUE

ATLANTA (January 27, 2004) – Atlanta-based Russell Athletic, a division of Russell Corporation (NYSE: RML) , unveiled a newly designed uniforms for the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League (AFL) today at the Georgia State Capitol alongside Governor Sonny Perdue. The new home and away uniforms, which have never before been worn on-field at any level, feature hand-cut, custom-stitched lightning bolts, a contrasting black shoulder cowl, and are made with Russell Athletic's high-performing and durable nylon tricot mesh fabrication.

During the unveiling, Russell Athletic presented Governor Perdue with a custom-made home jersey donning the same #14 number the Governor wore during his playing days at the University of Georgia. Also in attendance celebrating the uniform unveiling was renowned University of Georgia Head Coach and Director of Athletics Vince Dooley, who is now the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Georgia Force Board of Directors.

“We are proud to be the authentic uniform supplier of the Georgia Force football team. As their neighbor, we are very excited to see the hard-hitting, high-flying action of the Arena Football League and all of Georgia Force achievements that will be made this season in our uniforms,” said Matt Mirchin, president of Russell Athletic.

For decades, Russell Athletic has outfitted some of the best football teams in the country – from youth to high school teams, college teams, including the NCAA's Georgia Institute of Technology. Russell Athletic has proudly outfitted over 34 National Championship teams, 25 Heisman trophy winners, and thousands of championship teams across the country.

Additionally, Spalding, another division of Russell Corporation, announced in November it would be the exclusive provider of the AFL's official game ball. The new ball features a light brown coloration with a blue “S” strip specifically designed to enhance visibility in AFL indoor arenas.

"There has been a lot of enthusiasm surrounding the Georgia Force in the last month and today's uniform unveiling extends that momentum," said Virgil Williams, Force Owner and Chief Executive Officer. “Our fans told us that they wanted a more dynamic and distinctive uniform and this was our chance to listen and respond. Football season does not end with the Super Bowl and we look forward to presenting the Force's new look to our fans.”

The new home uniforms will debut when the Force open their 16-game regular season at the Gwinnett Center against the New York Dragons, another AFL team outfitted by Russell Athletic, on February 8 at 3 PM. For more information on all tickets, call the Force ticket office at 770-813-7610.

ABOUT RUSSELL ATHLETIC
Russell Athletic is a leading supplier of team uniforms. A division of Russell Corporation, Russell Athletic is the Official Uniform Supplier to 15 Major League Baseball teams, outfits over 200 D-1 college teams, USA Baseball, and is the Official Uniform of Little League Baseball. Additionally, Russell Athletic is an Official Sponsor of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). Russell Athletic apparel can be found in a variety of department and sports specialty retailers nationwide. For more information about Russell Athletic, visit www.russellathletic.com.

ABOUT RUSSELL CORPORATION
Russell Corporation is a leading branded athletic, outdoor, and activewear company with over a century of success in marketing athletic uniforms, apparel, and equipment for a wide variety of sports, outdoor, and fitness activities. The company's brands include: Russell Athletic®, JERZEES®, Mossy Oak®, Cross Creek®, Discus®, Moving Comfort®, Bike®, Spalding®, and Dudley®. The company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RML and its website address is www.russellcorp.com.

ABOUT SPALDING
Founded in 1876 by Hall of Fame pitcher Albert G. Spalding, Springfield, MA – based Spalding is a leading producer and marketer of basketballs, footballs, volleyballs and soccer balls under the Spalding brand name and softballs under the Dudley brand. Currently, Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official volleyball of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Volleyball Association (AVA), and the official soccer ball of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). Spalding was acquired by Russell Corporation in May 2003.

ABOUT THE AFL
Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League will begin its 18 th season in February 2004, making it the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, trailing only the NFL. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest-growing sport. The Austin Wranglers, Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo join the AFL as expansion franchises in 2004 with at least two teams expected to be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL will celebrate its second season on NBC in 2004.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA FORCE
The Georgia Force will open their third season of play in the AFL when they kickoff the 2004 season on Sunday, February 8th at 3:00 p.m. against the New York Dragons in the Arena at Gwinnett Center. This season, the Force will look to build on their record eight wins and second round playoff appearance in 2003. A network-TV sport, the AFL will celebrate its 2nd season on NBC in 2004. Season tickets and flex packs are on sale and can be purchased with a credit card by calling (770) 813-7610 or visit www.georgiaforce.com . Force individual game tickets are available by calling TicketMaster at (404) 249-6400 or visit www.ticketmaster.com or by purchase at the Gwinnett Civic Center Box Office.

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