Jordan completely shattered expectations by Nike of the Air Jordan 1

The Air Jordan 1 sneaker far exceeded the sales goal set by Nike in the first year alone upon its release.

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The 10-part documentary detailing the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls returned on Sunday with Episodes 5 and 6 and it covered the decision by Michael Jordan to sign with Nike over Adidas.

Jordan infamously made it known that he actually wanted to sign with Adidas as a rookie, instead of Nike. However, his mother demanded that Jordan take a meeting with Nike and at least hear them out, even though he had already made up his mind.

Instead, Nike offered Jordan a five-year contract worth $500,000 annually. The apparel brand launched the Air Jordan sneaker in 1984 and placed a sales goal of $3 million over the first three years. Jordan shattered that goal and the shoe went on to make $126 million in the first year alone.

Jordan went on to launch perhaps the most iconic shoe line in history after signing with Nike. The success of Jordan Brand is likely hard to imagine had he originally signed with Adidas like he wanted to but it is something the Three Stripes would certainly like a mulligan on.

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