‘Making a Big Deal Out of It’: Tiger Woods Was Once Consoled By Nike’s Big Short Amid His Nasty Elin Nordegren Split

Despite being one of the illustrious golfers, Tiger Woods‘s name was once dragged through the mud! And if reputed someone from his life is to be believed, it was all the media’s doing! 2009 was the year of turmoil for Woods. The 48-year-old was struggling and the “media” decided to make big bucks off it. The golfer was getting divorced from his then-wife, Elin Nordegren, and his divorce became a news headline.

How the golfer’s divorce went down allegedly tarnished his image and reputation, and many of his sponsors dropped him or reduced their ties with him. However, one sponsor remained loyal and supportive of Woods throughout his ordeal: Nike. Not only did the brand support him on the course, but it stood tall with him off the course as well!

Nike bashed the media for exaggerating Tiger Woods’s matters

There was not even one incidence in the last almost 3 decades when Nike had wavered off its support for Woods! Nike’s then-CEO, Phil Knight, publicly defended Woods and downplayed the impact of his troubles on his legacy. Knight believed in him and thought history would barely remember anything from Woods’s minor blip. All he could say that it was the golfer’s marvelous career that would make his name go down in history.

In a 2010 interview, Knight said, “When his career is over, you’ll look back on these indiscretions as a minor blip, but the media is making a big deal out of it right now.” Knight was adamant at the time that Woods had an exceptional character, even as disappointed fans and sponsors expressed disbelief over increasing revelations of his philanthropic ways. The Swoosh continued sponsoring him, and in 2013, they invested reportedly $200 million in him for the years that followed.

Knight’s words proved to be prophetic, as Woods eventually recovered from his scandal and regained his form on the golf course. The 82-time PGA Tour winner won several tournaments, including his 15th major title at the 2019 Masters.

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He reclaimed his status as one of the most popular and influential athletes in the world. However, despite Knight’s unwavering support, rumors have been circulating that Woods and Nike are parting ways after nearly three decades of partnership.

Is this the end of an era?

The last deal that the golfer signed with Swoosh was back in 2013, and it was for 10 years. There have been no new developments as to whether or not the contract between the two has been renewed or not! But there has been some chatter. The tension started in April 2022, when Mr.T was spotted wearing Footjoy shoes.

Notably, after the photos got worldwide attention, Nike released a statement and showed her support, saying they’re ‘delighted to see Tiger back on the course’. When recently asked about his relationship with Nike, the golf legend was tight-lipped and vague, saying only, “I’m still wearing their product.”

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The Swoosh has also been silent on the matter and has not made any official announcement about its plans with Woods. If the rumors are true, it would mark the end of an era for both Woods and Nike, who have been synonymous with each other for so long. Stay tuned to find out the developing story on the matter!