Home/NBA

via Getty

via Getty

Tiger Woods is not a Nike athlete anymore! After 27 years of incredible partnership which started when Woods was just 20, the two parted ways recently. But many saw it coming. The golf legend’s son Charlie signed with Greyson Clothiers. This raised some eyebrows and added fuel to the rumors that Tiger could leave Nike. After months of speculation, things have finally ended between the two. No more legendary Nike x Tiger commercials! Before his heartfelt farewell to Nike, Woods apparently gave a tribute to Michael Jordan, the biggest Nike athlete ever.

In December, Woods was seen wearing the iconic Jordan leg sleeve. During his time in the NBA, MJ donned the red and black sleeves on his calves which was an essential part of his game wear. Tiger had the same colorway on as well.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

ESPN’s Nick DePaula shared the clip on X with an image of the 6x NBA champion for comparison and it understandably went viral. It caught the attention of former NBA star Brandon Jennings as well.

We can’t be sure whether this was a tribute to the NBA legend given their troubled relationship in the last decade. However, both legends have always displayed mutual respect, so it is a possibility. It is no secret that the two were once very close friends. And one fan wondered in the comments, “might really be Mike’s too.”

WATCH THIS STORYFirst Peek At Michael Jordan And Denny Hamlin’s $16 Million Investment

Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods’ friendship

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods shared a very close bond. As a major superstar and with his wisdom, Jordan helped young Woods navigate the sports world. Given MJ’s love for golf, both stars spent a lot of time on the golf course going against each other. Their unreal competitiveness pushed each other as well. Also, the two stars spent some time away from the game.

The Basketball Hall of Famer is infamous for gambling and allegedly made many trips to major casinos in Las Vegas during his playing career. Woods would later join him on these trips as well alongside Charles Barkley. The trio once reportedly gambled in an ultra-exclusive casino.

READ MOREMichael Jordan Warned Doc Rivers of the Real “Problem” Around Kevin Garnett & Co’s Championship Run

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Not everyone was happy with Tiger’s close relationship with Jordan. The golf legend’s former lawyer John Merchant warned him to stay away from MJ. He felt the 5x NBA MVP was a bad influence. Eventually, their friendship came to an end when shocking revelations about Tiger’s infidelity came out in 2009 and the two reportedly haven’t spoken since.

What are your thoughts on Woods’ subtle tribute to His Airness last month? Let us know in the comments below.