NBA legend Michael Jordan is a man of many nicknames, but “Air Jordan” is perhaps the most synonymous with Jordan's colossal public persona and his empirical reign over the sneaker industry.
Jordan's longtime agent, David Falk, recounted the story of Jordan's initial insistence on signing with Adidas over Nike. However, Falk was hoping Jordan eventually signed with the Swoosh.
Falk said Nike executives were considering giving Jordan his own line of shoes and clothing, and Falk himself eventually coined the “Air Jordan” term in part due to Nike's recent innovation of air technology meant to “cushion” the feet:
Can’t wait. Here’s how the “Air Jordan" nickname was coined by MJ's agent David Falk pic.twitter.com/po2g4imTzE
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 19, 2020
The rest, as they say, is history.
Jordan Brand is still the most famous sneaker company in the industry. Jordan's estimated net worth is $2.1 billion, thanks in large part to his partnership with Nike.
That partnership helped spawn some of the most famous commercials of all time, and Jordan Brand continues to sponsor some of the best players in the game, including rookie phenom Zion Williamson.
However, Falk is the one responsible for creating the iconic nickname that will live on forever in the annals of basketball history.
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