The Nike N7 Spirit of Protection Collection celebrates Native American Heritage Month has just been unveiled by Nike.
Featuring men’s and women’s apparel adorned with a graphic black-and-white hawk-feather print and turquoise accents. Each piece, from baselayer up through outerwear, is designed to keep athletes shielded from winter’s challenges.
The collection also features exclusive footwear: an Air Jordan 31, Nike Pegasus 89 and Air Force 1 Ultra Low for men, as well as a Nike Pegasus 89 and Nike AF Upstep Warrior for women.
Thompson, of the Onondaga Nation in upstate New York, is the inspiration behind the N7 Spirit of Protection Collection. His story reflects the “Dare to Rise” attitude inherent to all N7 ambassadors and the greater drive to inspire and enable Native American and Aboriginal youth in North America to participate in sport and physical activity.
It could be said that Thompson’s athletic path was predestined. The youngest of lacrosse’s famously formidable Thompson Brothers, he was born into the hawk clan, which, along with his spirit animal, the eagle, inform his native name: Deyhahsanoondey. Signifying “He is flying over us,” the designation inspired the athlete’s spontaneous play, characterized by leaping one-handed and backhand shots, and unexpected passes.
“I’ve always tried to find purpose within my name,” Thompson explains. “I bring my name into my game, to the way I play, to the way I am as a person. It all started with the hawk.”
The Nike N7 Spirit of Protection Collection will release on November 7th at NikeStore.com, SNKRS App and other select retailers.
