Honestly, the Eddie Murphy Lions jacket shouldn't be this famous. It’s a piece of sports merch for a team that, let’s be real, spent a few decades being the punchline of the NFL. But then Detective Axel Foley hopped out of that beat-up Chevy Nova in 1984, and suddenly, a wool-and-leather varsity jacket became the universal symbol of "I’m not supposed to be here, but I’m running the show anyway."
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, that jacket was everything. It wasn't just clothing; it was a vibe. It was the "Detroit vs. Everybody" mentality before that was even a marketing slogan. Fast forward to 2026, and with the recent Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F reviving the franchise on Netflix, everyone is scrambling to figure out where to get the original look.
The Real Story Behind the Jacket
Most people think the jacket was just a random pick from a costume rack. It wasn't. There’s a weirdly personal layer to it. The original jacket seen in the first movie actually belonged to the costume supervisor’s high school days. It wasn't even a professional NFL-licensed piece at the start. It was just a genuine, broken-in piece of Americana.
Eddie Murphy liked it. He wore it. And then, he basically never took it off.
By the time Beverly Hills Cop II rolled around in 1987, the production had to custom-make four identical versions because the first one was getting trashed during stunts. That's the version most collectors obsess over—the one with the specific "helmet" patches and the slightly off-white (some call it eggshell or cream) leather sleeves.
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Is the Eddie Murphy Lions Jacket Still Cool?
The short answer? Yeah. The long answer? It’s complicated.
Fashion moves in circles, but the varsity look is permanent. What makes the Eddie Murphy Lions jacket stand out today isn't just nostalgia. It’s the contrast. You have the heavy black wool body, those bright cream sleeves, and the old-school Lions logo that looks way more "heritage" than the sleek, modernized logos of today.
In 2024’s Axel F, Eddie returned to the look, but with a twist. If you look closely at the new film, the jacket is updated. The logo is the current Lions "Leaping Lion," and the colors are a bit sharper. It’s a nod to the fact that Axel—and the Lions—have aged, for better or worse.
What to Look for in a Replica
If you’re hunting for one of these online, you’re going to run into a minefield of "movie leather" shops. Most of them are... okay. But if you want the "human-quality" version that doesn't look like a cheap Halloween costume, pay attention to these details:
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- The Material: Real ones use 24oz melton wool. If it feels like a thin hoodie, it's a fake.
- The Sleeves: They should be cowhide leather. Synthetic "faux" leather peels after one winter. You want that slightly stiff, heavy feel.
- The Color: The "authentic" movie look uses cream or "bone" sleeves, not bright refrigerator white.
- The Patches: Look for chenille patches. That’s the fuzzy, carpet-like texture. Flat embroidery looks cheap on a varsity jacket.
The "Tom Hardy" Connection
Here’s a fun bit of trivia most people miss. Tom Hardy is a massive Eddie Murphy fan. When he was filming Venom: Let There Be Carnage, he actually requested a Detroit Lions varsity jacket as a direct homage to Axel Foley.
Hardy’s version was "stealth"—mostly black and grey—but the silhouette was unmistakable. It’s wild how one guy wearing a jacket in 1984 created a ripple effect that hit superhero movies forty years later.
Why the Lions, Though?
Axel Foley is a Detroiter. He’s a fish out of water in 90210. The jacket is his armor. It reminds the Beverly Hills elite that he’s from a place where things are a bit tougher and a lot less polished.
Interestingly, the Detroit Lions have actually leaned into this. You’ll see fans at Ford Field wearing Axel Foley replicas every Sunday. It’s become the unofficial "away jersey" for the city of Detroit.
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How to Style It Without Looking Like a Cosplayer
You don't want to look like you're heading to a comic-con. Unless you are, then go for it. But for everyday wear, the Eddie Murphy Lions jacket works best when you keep the rest of the outfit simple.
- The Classic: Straight-leg blue jeans and a grey sweatshirt. This is the Foley 1.0 look. It’s timeless.
- The Modern: Slimmer black denim and a plain white tee. Let the jacket be the loud part of the outfit.
- The Footwear: Axel wore Adidas Country sneakers (white with green stripes). If you can't find those, white Sambas or even some clean Jordans do the trick.
Where to Buy the Best Versions
You can find "official" versions through the Detroit Lions pro shop or brands like G-III, but those often sell out the second the team wins a playoff game.
On the secondary market, sites like Vintage Detroit or Warrior Gears have been the go-to for fans who want the specific movie-spec details (like the "Beverly Hills Edition" inside pocket patches). Expect to pay anywhere from $150 for a decent wool-blend version to $450 for a high-end, screen-accurate leather piece.
A Note on Sizing
These jackets are meant to be "boxy." That was the 80s style. If you buy a modern "slim fit" version, it loses the magic. It should feel a little heavy on your shoulders. It should have enough room for a hoodie underneath.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Sleeves: Before buying, ask the seller for a close-up photo of the sleeve texture. If it looks perfectly smooth and shiny, it's plastic. You want to see the natural grain of cowhide.
- Verify the Logo: Determine if you want the 1984 "Classic" logo or the 2024 "Modern" logo. Most "Axel Foley" purists stick to the 80s helmet logo.
- Measure Your Chest: Varsity jackets don't stretch. Measure your chest while wearing a light sweater to ensure the snap buttons don't pop when you sit down.
- Check Auction Houses: If you're a high-roller, keep an eye on Prop Store or The Golden Closet. Original screen-worn jackets from the sequels have sold for upwards of $5,000 in the past few years.
Ultimately, wearing the Eddie Murphy Lions jacket is about more than just being a football fan. It’s about channeling that 1980s swagger—the kind that lets you talk your way into a five-star hotel or out of a speeding ticket with nothing but a grin and a laugh.