It’s the last game of the season. And the Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is back in the Super Bowl with a vengeance. In 2023, they lost to the Chiefs by 35-38, after dominating them for almost the entire game. But this time, the signal caller wants to make money as well. And he doesn’t mind a minor risk in the process.
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On the evening of February 9, the QB didn’t wear the team shows. Instead, he opted for a banned cleat, special-edition “Banned” Jordan 1 Bred cleats, in red and black. On the backside, it has the word ‘Unbannable,’ clearly mocking the league for banning them. Fans noticed them when he started practicing in the Caesars Superdome.
Yes, Jalen Hurts is going to get fined for not wearing team colors. And yes, it's worth every penny for Nike & Jordan, who are likely going to pay it. Genius marketing 🧠
Jalen Hurts is wearing these special-edition "Banned" Jordan 1 Bred cleats for the Super Bowl ❌❌❌ @JalenHurts
Wait! There was a surprise as he appeared in the game wearing white cleats. So, was all this a PR stunt? Just for the hype.
Though many fans claimed that he would be fined if he wore red & black cleats. But wearing those shoes would have brought unforeseen marketing. And in any way, the money Jalen Hurts will get from the Nike will be more than what the NFL would fine him. So, it was the perfect marketing strategy.
The decades old plan still works. In 1985, the NBA fined basketball legend Michael Jordan for wearing Jordans. And the brand paid around $5,000 every time he played a game with Jordans on. But it has made the brand legendary.
With his strategy, they are again gaining the popularity in the football world. Jalen Hurts arrived in New Orleans wearing a hoodie with an image of those mismatched cleats. So, he already gave an indication. That’s a separate story! It’s not the first time he would be fined for his cleats.
Jordan might have to pay more fine for Jalen Hurts’ cleats
“We’re paying the fine. You can’t ban greatness,” said Nike’s representative about the situation. And they are ready to pay the fine. It’s nowhere compared to the publicity which comes with the biggest game in the sport of football. And the Eagles’ QB knows this.
In the week 15 game against the Steelers, Jalen Hurts got stepped up on his feet. He immediately switched one Kelly green cleat with an Air Jordan cleat. And the league didn’t take it lightly.
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Credits: IMAGO
It hit the quarterback with a $5,628 fine for violating its uniform rules. But being the highest-profile athlete comes with its benefits. Jordan paid the fine. However, if he repeated it in the Super Bowl LIX, the second violation could increase the fine to $16,883.
Jordan, as a brand, is backing their sponsored player to emit greatness and win the Lombardi Trophy. Now, he made fans go crazy with practice in banned cleats, but playing in whites. It’s mind bending.