Michael Jordan’s Son Marcus Once Cost His University a $3 Million Deal, Just Because of a Simple Choice
NBA all-time great Michael Jordan is undoubtedly one of the most influential athletes ever. His influence is not limited to the hardwood, Jordan arguably changed the sneaker culture in the country and around the world. The Air Jordans became one of the coolest sneakers, loved by people from all age categories. So it may not make sense to fans for any of his immediate family to be wearing any other sneaker brand. And Marcus Jordan, Michael jordan's youngest son, lived by that. However, his decision initially cost his team a $3 million deal.
After playing high school basketball, the University of Central Florida recruited Marcus. In 2009, he joined UCF to play college basketball. The school was under a $3 million contract with Adidas. Despite this, Marcus Jordan decided to wear a pair of Air Jordans in a preseason exhibition game against Saint Leo University. UCF won the game with a scoreline of 84-65.
But Adidas was not happy about Marcus wearing Air Jordans for the game. So they dropped the school, which cost them the sponsorship money just because of Marcus Jordan’s choice of footwear. Adidas terminating their contract with the school grabbed headlines at the time. However, not all was lost. Nike used this opportunity and picked up the school. At the time, Marcus Jordan did not speak about his side of the story in the whole ordeal.
In 2016, he opened up about it. Jordan revealed that the school promised him that he could wear Air Jordan apparel despite their relationship with Adidas. Marcus said, “One of the things they told me on my visit is that I was going to be able to wear Jordans, and it wouldn’t be a problem. They had already spoke to their regional Adidas reps, and it wouldn’t be an issue. They understood, with me being Michael Jordan’s son, it would only make sense that I wear Jordans.”
Marcus disclosed that he would not have even accepted the offer from UCF if he would not be able to wear Air Jordan sneakers. Even though the school staff promised him that he could wear Air Jordans, people working for Adidas demanded everyone wear the company’s apparel. However, the school wanted to honor their promise and allowed him to wear Air Jordans. But that did not sit well with Adidas and they terminated their deal. And then Nike came to the rescue.