Nike releases inspiring new ‘play for the world’ commercial

Another reminder that the most important thing you can do right now is stay home.

These are not normal times that we’re living through, and there’s no point in pretending otherwise.  Still, even though our lockdown orders and self-isolation protocols have left us searching for a new normal, Nike wants to remind us that we’re all working towards a much greater goal.

In a new ad released Wednesday morning, Nike shows black and white images of star athletes and regular people all still trying to stay active as we battle through a global pandemic.  Included are images of LeBron James and others sweating it out in cramped spaces, while ball parks and basketball courts and soccer fields stay empty.  A sweeping, orchestral arrangement accompanies text that reminds us that even though we’re not playing together, we’re all playing for the health and safety of the billions across the globe.

“We may not be playing together, but we’ll keep moving forward—all 7.8 billion of us,” the ad says.

The spot is a moving reminder that even though we’re not together at the moment, we’re far from alone.

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Every Masters winners’ equipment since 2010

From Adam Scott and Tiger Woods to Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson, see the gear used by every Masters winner since 2010.

The Augusta National Golf Club announced on Monday that the 2020 Masters is now scheduled to start on November 9. However, golf fans around the world are sharing their thoughts and appreciation for the Masters this week on social media because the tournament was originally slated to be contested this week.

To help you get in the Masters spirit, check out this list of every golf club used by every Masters winner since 2010.

Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson with his Odyssey White Hot XG Blade putter at the 2010 Masters. (Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images)

2010 – Phil Mickelson

DRIVER: Callaway FT-9 Tour Authentic (7.5 degrees), with Mitsubishi Fubuki 73 X shaft

FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway Big Bertha Diablo (15 degrees), a Mitsubishi Fubuki 73 X shaft

HYBRID: Callaway Prototype (22 degrees), with Mitsubishi Diamana Thump X shaft

IRONS: Callaway X-Forged (4), X Proto (5-PW), with Rifle Project X 7.0 shafts

WEDGES: Callaway JAWS (53, 60, 62 degrees), with Rifle Project X 7.0 shafts

PUTTER: Odyssey White Hot XG Blade

BALL: Callaway Tour ix

Discounts: Save money on great golf equipment and gear

New equipment and gear can be pricy, but Golfweek found great bargains on things that golfers will love.

With the stock market gyrating and economies around the world sputtering because of the coronavirus pandemic, it might not seem like the time to break out your wallet and buy golf gear. However, several companies are running sales and promotions that can save you big bucks. Here’s a list of some bargains we found.

Adidas Codechaos golf shoes
Adidas CodeChaos golf shoes (Courtesy of Adidas)

Adidas
Take 30 percent off everything on adidas.com when you use the promo code MARCH30. That includes the new CodeChoas golf shoes. They retail for $150 a pair ($130 for women’s shoes), but with that code you can get them for $105 with free shipping.

P.J. Tucker plans to open sneaker store in Houston this fall

Rockets center and resident NBA ‘Sneaker King’ P.J. Tucker said Saturday that he plans to open a sneaker store in Houston this fall.

Houston Rockets starting center and resident NBA ‘Sneaker King’ P.J. Tucker plans to open a sneaker store in Houston later this year.

Much like the rest of the NBA, Tucker is currently in a holding pattern amid the league’s coronavirus-induced shutdown. He made the announcement Saturday in an Instagram Live Q&A with Nice Kicks.

Best known for his defense and leadership, the 34-year-old has averaged 7.1 points (37.0% on 3-pointers) and 6.9 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game during his third season in Houston. But in addition to his defense and corner 3-point shooting, Tucker is also renowned for his shoes.

“From the beginning of time, all I’ve ever done is hoop, and this culture of sneakers has always been a part of it,” Tucker said. “It’s hand-in-hand.”

The Rockets recently agreed to fully guarantee Tucker’s contract for next season, and that appears to be giving him a greater sense of ownership with regards to the franchise and the city.

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“The shoe culture in Houston is cool,” Tucker said on Instagram. “There’s a lot of sneakerheads and a lot of people that love shoes here. A lot more than I thought … I just think there should be more activity.”

As for sneakers, Tucker signed a new deal with Nike last fall. What makes his endorsement unique is the diversity of Tucker’s collection and the extensive online following that it has generated for him. Based on that, Nike has allowed Tucker access to their complete vault of sneakers — as opposed to one specific shoe or line, as is the case with most players.

“I’ve never wanted my own [signature] shoe,” Tucker said Saturday. “Even when I was a free agent and trying to sign with companies, when they were trying to sell me to get my own shoe, I was like, ‘I don’t want to do that.’ I’ve never wanted to be locked in on one shoe.”

Tucker said he anticipates the new store to open in October.

“We’re looking to do the grand opening in October,” the nine-year NBA veteran said of the new store. “We’ve got a lot of dope collabs coming. We’re going to have some fun with it, and I’m excited about that.”

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Tiger Woods encourages athletes to ‘play inside’ during coronavirus pandemic

Sharing a Nike sponsored ad, Tiger Woods encouraged athletes to “play inside” during the coronavirus pandemic.

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To battle coronavirus, everyone must play as a team.

That team plays inside, Tiger Woods said.

In a Nike sponsored Twitter post on Saturday morning, Woods encouraged his followers to “play inside” while government officials and medical professionals wage war on COVID-19.

“Now, more than ever, we are one team,” Woods wrote accompanying the Nike sponsored ad.

There are more than 18,900 confirmed cases and 263 deaths in the United States as of Saturday morning. Globally, there are more than 284,000 confirmed cases and 11,868 deaths.

Medical professionals and the White House coronavirus task force have encouraged staying inside for all non-essential activities. While time outside and exercise are encouraged, precautions like social distancing — six feet of space between individuals — and avoiding shared spaces and surfaces must be taken.

“If you ever dreamed of playing for millions of around the world, now is your chance,” the ad read. “Play inside, play for the world.”

Woods’ simple message comes as the golf world questions if it’s safe to play at courses as government officials and medical professionals work to slow the spread of COVID-19.

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Nike LeBron VII ‘Fairfax’ could be releasing as soon as next week

The Nike LeBron VII ‘Fairfax’ could be releasing as soon as next week.

The Nike LeBron VII “All Stars” returned to select retail locations after it first debuted 10 years ago during NBA All-Star weekend in Chicago earlier this month. While some sizes of the shoe are still available right now at SNKRS, there is also another LeBron VII that could be released as soon as next week. According to Sole Collector, the “Fairfax” PE’s are slated to drop on March 6.

The Nike LeBron VII “Fairfax” was originally created in 2009 for Los Angeles’ Fairfax High School and never released to the public. Fairfax is one of the few high schools that are sponsored by Nike’s LeBron line throughout the country. The black version of this sneaker is known as the Fairfax “Away” and it features red and yellow accents surrounding a red Swoosh.

While the retail price of these sneakers are not confirmed, speculation suggests they’ll hit the market at $200. Nike has not publicly announced the “Fairfax” release date at this point, however, so the pricing is subject to change.

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Nike Jordan 5 Low golf shoes releasing February 28

Jordan Brand golf shoes sell out fast, but here is what you need to know about the newest offering.

There are plenty of cult followings in golf, with fans of some products forming clubs, swapping things and buying rare gear online.

For example, Scotty Cameron fans pages are everywhere on Instagram, while other people covet vintage-style golf bags or headcovers. Lots of golfers wear Nike golf shoes, there is a sub-brand, the Jordan Brand, that has also developed a cult following over the years.

Pat Perez and Keegan Bradley have been wearing Jordan basketball shoes that have been converted into golf shoes for years, and Harold Varner is another PGA Tour player who wears Jordans on the course and is sponsored by the division of Nike.

Just like the basketball shoes, the Jordan golf shoes typically sell out quickly when they are released, with golf lovers and sneakerheads snapping up the shoes in a flash. If you are looking for Jordan 3, Jordan XI Concords or the Jordan 13s, happy hunting. But your chance to get a pair of Jordan golf shoes comes again on Friday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. Eastern when Nike releases the Jordan 5 Low golf shoes. They will be $220 a pair on Nike’s website.

According to Nike, the look of the original Jordan 5 Low basketball shoe was inspired by fighter jets. The new golf version keeps the same look, with a translucent outsole and the mid-sole has fang-like shapes that harken back to vintage planes.

Nike honored Kobe Bryant’s memory with a touching new commercial

“Mamba Forever.”

The public memorial service for Kobe and Gianna Bryant was held Monday at Staples Center with thousands making their way to downtown Los Angeles to pay their respects to the Lakers legend and his daughter.

Just ahead of the service, Kobe’s longtime sponsor Nike released a new ad to honor Kobe’s memory.

The ad, which ran nearly two minutes, did not include any video or images. The commercial utilized audio from throughout Kobe’s life and accompanied it with various taglines before the word, “Forever.”

The commercial came to a close with the words, “Mamba Forever.” It was respectfully done tribute to Kobe’s memory.

You can read more from USA TODAY Sports.

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Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Lakers’ worn by Anthony Davis in All-Star game could drop next month

Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Lakers’ worn by Anthony Davis during All-Star game in Chicago could be releasing next month.

There were several moving tributes to Kobe Bryant during NBA All-Star weekend in Chicago. Among them was Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis rocking a pair of Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Lakers” shoes during the game on Sunday. Now, according to multiple reports, you could be able to potentially cop a pair of these exclusive Kobe’s yourself sometime next month.

Although not yet confirmed by Nike, the Kobe 5 Protro “Lakers” sneaker is reported to release on March 26th at select retailers according to Kicks On Fire. This design of this Kobe 5 comes in the Lakers colors of purple and gold while featuring a snakeskin pattern on a black heel, silver Kobe branding on the tongue and a white midsole.

The purple synthetic upper of this shoe is paired with black detailing throughout and gold trim to make an extremely fire sneaker. It’s one that Laker nation could rock proudly during a deep playoff run this season and beyond while paying homage to the great Kobe Bryant.

 

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Students From ‘Wings’ Design Special-Edition Air Jordan X

Meet James, Mohammed, German and Arial. They’re part of Wings, a youth mentoring program that Jordan Brand supports. As part of the Jordan Chicago Collaborators’ Collection during #NBAAllStar weekend, they created a hoodie, long-sleeve T-shirt and special-edition Air Jordan X.

Meet James, Mohammed, German and Arial. They’re part of Wings, a youth mentoring program that Jordan Brand supports. As part of the Jordan Chicago Collaborators’ Collection during #NBAAllStar weekend, they created a hoodie, long-sleeve T-shirt and special-edition Air Jordan X.