
It turns out he'd been on the golf course with new prospective partners. At a crucial meeting-the unveiling of the new Air Jordan 3 design-the Nike team reportedly waited four hours for Jordan to show up. Tinker Hatfield played a significant role in keeping Michael on board, continually advocating for and protecting MJ's input in the design process. The meeting to present the new Air Jordan 3 was a make-or-break situation for the Nike x Jordan deal. An early career injury in the Air Jordan 1-a broken foot-caused him to miss much of the '85-86 season and lose trust in Nike's ability to fulfill their promises. Jordan's original five-year deal with Nike yielded $500,000 per year, plus royalties, for a total estimated value of $7M. There's the famous story of Michael Jordan almost signing with another brand, and then there's this one-where MJ almost ended his partnership with Nike.

How the Air Jordan III Almost Never Happen The overall design borrows design elements from its famous predecessors, the Air Jordan 1 and 2.
#Racer blue jordan 3 skin#
In addition to the Jumpman logo and visible Air, the Jordan 3 also introduced an eye-catching elephant skin print, softer leather and a mid-cut height-moving away from the then-trendy high-top style. Hatfield worked closely with MJ to incorporate the superstar's vision into the designs. Hatfield had designed the Air Max 1 and Air Trainer 1, so the introduction of visible Air technology into the Jordan line was a no-brainer. The Air Jordan 3 also enlisted a new designer, Tinker Hatfield, already esteemed in the sneaker world and now considered a legend.

It was a brand he could call his own, and a major selling point in his contract renewal with Nike. First and foremost, Michael Jordan's third signature sneaker introduced the now-revered Jumpman logo-a silhouette of His Airness leaping through the air mid-dunk-that replaced the popular Wings logo found on the Jordan 1 and 2. Considered one of the most recognized sneakers of all time, the Air Jordan 3 introduced many firsts for the brand.
