Getty
UNITED STATES – MAY 02: Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods during the Pro-Am prior to the 2007 Wachovia Championship held at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 2, 2007. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Getty
UNITED STATES – MAY 02: Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods during the Pro-Am prior to the 2007 Wachovia Championship held at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 2, 2007. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Tiger Woods is not a Nike athlete anymore! After 27 years of incredible partnership which started when Woods was just 20, the two parted ways recently. But many saw it coming. The golf legend’s son Charlie signed with Greyson Clothiers. This raised some eyebrows and added fuel to the rumors that Tiger could leave Nike. After months of speculation, things have finally ended between the two. No more legendary Nike x Tiger commercials! Before his heartfelt farewell to Nike, Woods apparently gave a tribute to Michael Jordan, the biggest Nike athlete ever.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
In December, Woods was seen wearing the iconic Jordan leg sleeve. During his time in the NBA, MJ donned the red and black sleeves on his calves which was an essential part of his game wear. Tiger had the same colorway on as well.
Tiger woods pulled up with the Jordan leg sleeve. pic.twitter.com/O8NlD0x2CB
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) December 3, 2023
ESPN’s Nick DePaula shared the clip on X with an image of the 6x NBA champion for comparison and it understandably went viral. It caught the attention of former NBA star Brandon Jennings as well.
Top Stories
We can’t be sure whether this was a tribute to the NBA legend given their troubled relationship in the last decade. However, both legends have always displayed mutual respect, so it is a possibility. It is no secret that the two were once very close friends. And one fan wondered in the comments, “might really be Mike’s too.”
WATCH THIS STORY – First Peek At Michael Jordan And Denny Hamlin’s $16 Million Investment
Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods’ friendship
Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods shared a very close bond. As a major superstar and with his wisdom, Jordan helped young Woods navigate the sports world. Given MJ’s love for golf, both stars spent a lot of time on the golf course going against each other. Their unreal competitiveness pushed each other as well. Also, the two stars spent some time away from the game.
The Basketball Hall of Famer is infamous for gambling and allegedly made many trips to major casinos in Las Vegas during his playing career. Woods would later join him on these trips as well alongside Charles Barkley. The trio once reportedly gambled in an ultra-exclusive casino.
READ MORE – Michael Jordan Warned Doc Rivers of the Real “Problem” Around Kevin Garnett & Co’s Championship Run
Not everyone was happy with Tiger’s close relationship with Jordan. The golf legend’s former lawyer John Merchant warned him to stay away from MJ. He felt the 5x NBA MVP was a bad influence. Eventually, their friendship came to an end when shocking revelations about Tiger’s infidelity came out in 2009 and the two reportedly haven’t spoken since.
What are your thoughts on Woods’ subtle tribute to His Airness last month? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Pragya Vashisth