The First Nike Sneaker That Michael Jordan Wore in the NBA is Back Up For Auction
Another pair of Nikes that were worn by the legendary Michael Jordan is up for auction. What makes this one unique is that it is not an Air Jordan sneaker.
According to Goldin Auctions, a pair of sneakers that were worn by Jordan in his rookie season in Chicago is on the auction block. The pair of sneakers pre-dated the classic Air Jordans that have become a worldwide popular brand. The sneakers were Nike Air Ship and Jordan wore it on Nov. 1, 1984, for his fifth career basketball game.
They are reportedly the earliest pair of sneakers that are still in existence.
Jordan had just signed with the sneaker company five days before he laced up the Air Ships. It was also his fifth career NBA game.
The sneakers were a gift from Jordan himself to a Denver Nuggets ball boy, Tj Lewis. He was the lucky guy to be at the game and was able to get the signed by Jordan footwear in his grasp. He happened to run into the Bulls legend in the locker room and was surprised that Jordan offered him the very same sneakers that are currently being auctioned.
Lewis described what took place that fateful night:
“Once the game was over and the Bulls made it out of their team meeting I was able to enter the locker room to start cleaning to finish up the night. I looked over, saw Michael Jordan sitting at his locker and he was still in his uniform. I made my way a little closer so he was able to see me in hopes that he would change his mind about not giving me his shoes. To my surprise he suddenly notices me, looks down and grabs the shoes he wore in the game that night, looks back up at me and asks if I wanted them? Of course I said yes, found a pen and had him sign both shoes. One of the shoes he signed just his name and the other shoe he signed ‘My Very Best To Tj Michael Jordan.'”
But, this isn’t the first time that these very same sneakers have been up for auction.
The sneakers were originally auctioned for a record $1.47 million at the time. It doesn’t detail how they were able to obtain the sneakers, but, bids can be placed at the Goldin website.