Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will pay tribute to MJ’s second home, Chicago with he ‘Black Toe’ Air Jordan 1 and the ‘Chicago’ Air Jordan XXX1’.
“Michael was the third pick in the draft, so he came in with a mentality that he was going to have to prove himself,” recalls Howard White, VP of Jordan Brand. “Training camp was at the Purple Hotel in Lincolnwood, Illinois and when he arrived to the city, he kept thinking ‘this is where I am meant to be’. His love of being the best, and leading the team, all meshed together. The city of Chicago was looking for a winner, looking for a hero. Some say that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. So I believe that he wanted to take that challenge of being that for Chicago — the city that drafted him.”
Michael’s defiant play on the court put Chicago at the center of the basketball universe. His competitive drive was different from any other player on the hardwood. To wit, his love for the game transcended beyond the arena: For Michael, no place represented the game’s freedom like the playground.
“Michael bonded with the kids that played at the 18th and State courts in Chicago. Before every game, he went down there and gave away a few pairs of tickets,” says White. “Kids would line the streets waiting for their chance to see Michael drive by and the potential opportunity to see him play live.”
The remastered ‘Black Toe’ Air Jordan 1 and the ‘Chicago’ Air Jordan XXX1 will release at select Jordan Brand retailers on November 5th, 2016.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Black Toe
White/Black-Varsity Red
November 5, 2016
$160
555088-125
Air Jordan XXX1 Chicago
University Red/Black-White
November 5, 2016
$185
845037-600
