(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Look around and you're likely to see someone wearing Nike or Air-Jordan basketball shoes. They're mainstream, even off the court.
But, in the early 1980's, Nike was an underdog in the burgeoning athlete endorsement space. The new film "Air”, released this week and in theaters-only, tells the story of how Nike recruited Jordan, and who's spinoff brand now brings in nearly $5 billion a year.
Before Chicago got to know Air Jordan, marketer Sonny Vaccaro signed a 20-year-old Michael to Nike, but only with Jordan's mother's blessing.
“The deal was Mrs. Jordan,” Vacarro noted.
Dolores Jordan did her homework, he told WBBM. And, it's one of his favorite parts of the film with award winning Viola Davis playing Deloris Jordan.
“She was the driving force. There’s no question about it. Michael said to me… the most important people in his life was not his coach, not his friends on the team, it was his family. And, that’s why I got and made friendship with the family and especially Mrs. Jordan over the years,” Vaccaro said.
Nike’s original deal with Jordan was for 5 years, $2.5 million. But, he'd never take flight with Vaccaro and NIKE without Mom's ok.
“If Dolores doesn’t like it, there is no Air-Jordan today,” said Vaccaro.
Matt Damon plays Vaccaro, in the movie. His black and red first model AIR Jordan's and other eye-popping early editions would change the shoe game forever, and, according to Vaccaro, is what really sets Jordan apart as the best ever.
“He opened up a venue that was never open before to individuals, especially a black individual in 1984, earning money that was never on the table for. Michael created all the money that these athletes are making now in the shoe industry and other things…Michael Jordan and the shoe will live forever and ever and ever,” Vaccaro said.
Vaccaro is 83 now. He consulted with Damon and Ben Affleck and said it's an honor to see his life on screen.
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