Some of the newer sneaker enthusiasts might not know about the Air Jordan Retro Cards while those that have been purchasing and collecting sneakers are in the “know”.
You may have heard that the Air Jordan 8 Bugs< is returning this weekend and will come with a Retro card. For some, it's just a piece of paper but for others it spells out nostalgia. Starting in 1994 with the first pair of Air Jordan 1, 2 and 3 being retro'd all the way up to the mid 2000s. Seems like Jordan Brand is going back to their roots, first with bringing back the "Nike Air" and now with the return of the retro cards. Enjoy our compilation below from Jordan 1-15 and let us know which is your favorite Air Jordan Retro Card is.
Air Jordan 1 Retro Cards
The first Retro card to release by Jordan Brand was in 1994 with the Air Jordan 1 (still known as Nike Air Jordan) and was larger than the current cards.
In 2001, 2004 and 2007 the retro card returned with the Jordan 1 which features the iconic “Jumpman” playground dunk.
Air Jordan 2 Retro Cards
Again in 1994 when the Air Jordan 2 was first retro’d, Nike included a larger card with the Jordan 2 on the back in black and white.
In 2004, Jordan Brand brought the retro cards back which features Michael Jordan flying through the air and dunking. This was taken from the 1986 commercial.
A third card was issued with the Doernbecher 2.
Air Jordan 3 Retro Cards
When the Air Jordan 3 first re-released in 1994, they also contained the larger retro cards.
In 2001 when Jordan Brand decided to retro the Jordan 3 once again, the legendary dunk that won MJ the Slam Dunk contest in 1988 was featured on the front. Same goes for the 2003 and 2006 releases.
Air Jordan 4 Retro Cards
In 1999, The Air Jordan 4 first retro’d in Black/Cement and White/Cement, which featured the “Playground” retro card. This picture was taken at the Basketball courts in Venice Beach. The same retro card came with the 2006 and 2007 releases.
Air Jordan 5 Retro Cards
What a lot of people have hanging in their rooms is the Jordan “Wings” poster, this is what Jordan Brand used on the retro cards for the 1999, 2000, 2006 and 2007 releases.
A special Retro card released with the Air Jordan 5 Laney, which showcases Jordan playing for his High School (Laney).
Air Jordan 6 Retro Cards
Capturing the “youth” and making Michael Jordan artistic, Jordan Brand packaged this retro card with the 2000 and 2002 Air Jordan 6 releases.
Air Jordan 7 Retro Cards
In 2002 when Jordan Brand released the Air Jordan 7 “French Blue” and “Raptor”, they brought out Bugs Bunny and MJ for the retro card.
When the Olympic Jordan 7 dropped in 2004, Jordan Brand plastered the shoe on the front of the retro card.
The third and last retro card packaged with the 2006 Air Jordan 7 features Mike in black and white.
Air Jordan 8 Retro Cards
2003 and 2007 brought Michael Jordan flying through space with the matching Aqua Air Jordan 8.
Air Jordan 9 Retro Cards
Only one retro card was produced for the Air Jordan 9 which featured Michael Jordan in his UNC uniform. As you may know, MJ was retired from Basketball at the time.
Air Jordan 10 Retro Cards
For the Air Jordan 10 retro card, Jordan simply grabbed an in-game shot of MJ feet on the court. All the Jordan 10 released in 2005 came with the card.
Air Jordan 11 Retro Cards
2000 and 2001 came the release of the Air Jordan 11 cool grey and concord and Michael Jordan is on the front of the retro card in blue soaring through the air.
2003 Jordan Brand re-released the Air Jordan XI I.E. Lows in the two original colorways. On the front features the Jordan 11 I.E. Low in white/light grey-cobalt.
Once again in 2007 when a slew of Jordan 11 I.E. Lows released, a new retro card came with the shoes, this time the iconic black/red Jordan XI IE Low.
Air Jordan 12 Retro Cards
When the Air Jordan 12 dropped in 2003, many sneakerheads were excited. Packaged with the kicks was the retro card with Michael Jordan doing a no-look pass.
Moving on, Jordan Brand released the Air Jordan 12 “Rising Sun” which retro card came with the popular 1997 Jordan poster.
Paying tribute to MJ’s Flu Game, Jordan Brand dropped the black/red colorway with the Flu Game insignia, this is where the retro card came from. Jordan made 38 points when he had the flu.
Air Jordan 13 Retro Cards
Only one retro card came with the Air Jordan 13 back in 2004 with the various colorways released. Featuring the Jordan and a Panther, which the Jordan 13 is inspired by (also Jordan is said to be a Panther on the court).
Air Jordan 14 Retro Cards
2005 came and when the brand released the Air Jordan 14 in OG and new colorways, the retro card featured Michael Jordan hitting “The Shot”, his last points as a Chicago Bulls.
Air Jordan 15 Retro Cards
As most of you know Michael Jordan did not play in the Air Jordan 15, he was retired for the second time. The retro card was simple, just featuring the shoes with the background of the card being the woven on the uppers.
